About Ocimum tenuiflorum (tulsi)...

  Tulsi is an erect sweet -scented pubescent herb, 30-100cm in height , growing in abundance near cultivated field gardens and waste lands. Its leaves, seeds ands whole plant is useful.

Varieties of Tulsi 
Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum),
Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum)
 Energetics of Herb -Tulsi - Rasa -Katu( sharp) Tikta (bitter) , Virya -Ushna(hot) ,Vipak -Katu (sharp)
Ayurvedic practice recommends Tulsi in several formulations to enhance immunity and metabolic functions as well as in the management of respiratory problems (Shwas -Kasa).
 Chemical Constituents - A variety of biologically active compounds have been isolated from the leaves including ursolic acid, apigenin and luteolin.

Tulsi medicinal properties / Uses:

• Pharmacological Effects – In traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine,several medicinal properties have been attributed to this plant.
  Recent pharmacological studies have established the anabolic, hypoglycemic , smooth muscle relaxant, cardiac depressant,antifertility,adaptogenic and immunomodulator properties of this plant.
• Antimicrobial effects – Essential oil of Tulsi have antibacterial,antifungal and antiviral properties.It inhibites the growthof E coli, B.anthracis, M.tuberculosis etc. It's antitubercular activity is one-tenth the potency of streptomycin and one-fourth that of isoniazid.    
• Preperations containing Tulsi extract significantly shorten the course of illness, clinical symptoms and the biochemical parameters in patients with viral hepatitis and viral encephalitis.
• Antimalarial effects – Essential oil of Tulsi has been reported to possess 100% larvicidal activity against the Culex mosquitoes. Trials have shown excellent antimalarial activity of Tulsi. It's extracts have marked incecticidal activity against mosquitoes.It's repellant action lasts for about two hours
• Antiallergic and Immunomodulator effects - Essential oil of Tulsi was found to have anti-allergic properties. When administered to laboratory animals, the compound was found to inhibit mast cell degranulation and histamine release in the presence of allergen. These studies reveal the potential role of Ocimum sanctum extracts in the management of immunological disorders including allergies and asthma.
• Antistress/Adaptogenic effects - Extracts from the plant have been found to reduce stress.
• Antifertility effect – One of the major constituents of the leaves,ursolic acid has been reported to possess antifertility activity in rats and mice,This effect has been attributed to it's antiestrogenic effectwhich may be responsible for arrest of spermatogenesis in males and inhibitory effecton implantation of ovum in females.This constituent may prove to be a promising antifertility agent devoid of side effects.
• Anti diabetic effect - A randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over single blind trial on 40 human volunteers suffering from Type II diabetes was performed. During the four week trial, subjects alternately received a daily dose of 2.5 g of Tulsi leaves powder or a placebo for two week periods. The results showed 17.6 % reduction in fasting blood glucose and 7.3% decline in postprandial blood glucose on treatment with Tulsi as compared to the blood glucose levels during treatment with placebo
• For Heart ailments - As 'Tulsi' (basil) has a positive effect over blood pressure and also a de-toxicant, its regular use prevents heart attacks. A tonic may be prepared by mixing 1 gm of dry 'Tulsi' leaves with a spoonful of butter and some candy sugar or honey.Take twice a day; first thing in the morning and before going to bed at night. The drinking of Tulsi-leaf tea keeps the blood pressure even
• Other effects - The leaves in the form of a paste are used in parasitical diseases of the skin and also applied to the finger and toe nails during fever when the limbs are cold. The juice of the leaves is given in catarrh and bronchitis in children. The plant is said to have carminative, diaphoretic and stimulant properties. A decoction of the plant is used for cough and also as mouth wash for relieving tooth ache. It is good for headache, convulsions, cramps, fevers and cholera.
  The drinking of Tulsi tea keeps one free from cough and colds and other ailments associated with 'Kapha' dosha in the body. This Tulsi tea is an instant pick-me-up (energy drink).

Health Tips in ayurveda...!

Ayurveda in Daily Life

Health Tips

These are some general health tips recommended by Ayurveda:

Sleep on time: Wake up early, preferably before sunrise. A good night sleep can help to start a day with a fresh and clear mind.

Drink lots of water: Drinking water is advantageous in every way. It assists metabolism and digestion, prevents constipation and the accumulation of waste products (ama) in the body, keeps away diseases and even helps in keeping the skin clear of acne and pimples.

Wash your face often: Wash your face with water many times a day to remove dirt and grime, prevent the occurrence of pimples and acne and get a refreshed feeling.

Take an oil massage: Massage your body with oil before bath which will rejuvenate you, reduce fatigue and prevent dry skin. Massaging the scalp with oil can prevent dandruff, graying and hair fall, enhance mental alertness and so on.

Exercise regularly: There is no doubt as to the benefits of a regular exercise routine. Practicing Yoga and meditation can make your body immune to diseases, give your mind the capability to concentrate and ward off stress, lose unnecessary fat, give the body flexibility and suppleness.

Follow proper hygiene: Cleanliness is very important to preserve health. Bath twice a day, keep your hair and nails clean and wear only clean clothes. Wash your face, hands and legs after going out.

Watch out for negative vibes: Try to keep your mind clear of negative thoughts and emotions such as anger, jealousy, depression, greed, hatred, sadness etc. Saying a prayer can help- in the morning, at dusk, before having your meals and before going to bed. Avoid speaking ill of others and always keep your mind at ease by engaging in things that you like and enjoy.

Mind what you eat: Eat fresh and wholesome food and follow healthy eating habits. Food should be well cooked, preferably at home and should be had in a peaceful and calm environment.

Maintain a healthy weight: According to Ayurveda, both obesity and emaciation (Under weight) are dangerous. So always follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly and maintain a weight as per your BMI.

For an undisturbed sleep: Drink a glass of warm milk before going to bed. This will help you sleep peacefully. Also isolate your mind from all stressful and worrisome thoughts before going to bed. 

 Intake of curd at night can block the body channels which in turn can disrupt digestion.

A wholesome and balanced diet can maintain health and nourish the Dhatus.

According to Ayurveda, Atma or the soul is indestructible and lives on even after the death of the individual.

Ayurveda is considered to have evolved from Atharva Veda, one of the four Vedas.

Ayurveda is known to be one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world.

Ayurveda originated in India about five thousand years ago.

Charaka, the renowned physician and propagator of Ayurveda, is known to be the Father of Anatomy.

Dhanvantari is considered to be the God of Ayurvedic Medicine.

Milk and ghee are considered to have good rejuvenative powers.

Pranayama is a breathing exercise that can bring about a wonderful feeling of consciousness.