Spiritual Forum

Replies

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  Jazmin September 14, 2009 at 3:52am

  HOLY BASIL (Ocimum sanctum)
  Sanskrit: TULSI
  
  Tulsi is bitter in taste and cold in action. It reduces fever and affords potent short-term protection against toxins and stress. It is a very effective treatment for certain types of fevers, flus, and colds, including typhoid and malarial fevers. It is used to treat tough fevers, especially when there is lung constriction. It is effective as a tea mixed with honey and taken twice a day. Its action is narrow, so it may work only against specific organisms such as Aspergillus fungi and E. coli. Traditional doctors do not use strongly cooling herbs for extended periods--the same caution would be recommended here.
  Ayurvedic doctor and naturopathic physician Virender Sodhi mentioned in a lecture that tulsi is considered sacred in India, and many households keep a plant near the center of the home for purification purposes. It seems the plant gives off small amounts of ozone, an unstable form of oxygen that helps break down toxic chemical compounds into their elemental forms. This reaction is completely harmless to humans, but it irritates the heck out of viruses, bacteria, and small insects, chasing them away.
  Reseach Highlights:
  1) Research evidence suggests that ocimum flavonoids in the tulsi tea may offer protection against radiation damage via antioxidant action and by inhibiting radiation-induced lipid peroxidation (Devi, 1998; Uma, 1999). The researchers concluded that the low dose needed for protection, and the high margin between the effective and toxic doses, made the ocimum flavonoids promising for human radiation protection.
  2) Tulsi has shown effectiveness against Aspergillus niger and other fungi, as well as the bacteria E. coli and S. aureus (reported in Pandey, 1996).
  3) Tulsi has shown strong anti-inflammatory activity via both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways (Singh, 1998), and ulcer-protective activity against aspirin, alcohol, and other ulcerogenic chemicals (Singh and Majumdar, 1999).
  4) Tulsi has also demonstrated cellular protection against the early events when cells become cancerous (Karthikeyan et al., 1999; Prashar et al., 1998).
  5) The cooling action of tulsi has been found strong enough to lower T4 concentrations in the blood of mice (Panda and Kar, 1998) and to lower sperm counts in animals (Seth et al., 1981; Kasinanthan et al., 1972).
  6) In an interesting study of albino rats exposed to noise in single episodes (100dB), the animals showed significant elevation of corticosterone levels. When exposed to the noise repeatedly (4 hours daily for 30 days) the rats had depleted hormone levels, indicating chronic stress. Tulsi alcohol extract prevented these hormone changes, illustrating its stress-protective action (Sembulingam et al., 1997).
  7) This action of tulsi was also demonstrated against pentobarbital, electroshock- and pentylene-tetrazone-induced convulsions, and forced swimming in rats and mice (Sakina et al., 1990).
  Starting Dosage:
  * Dried powder decoction: 2 grams two to three times per day
  * 4:1 concentrated powder extract: 500--1,000 mg two to three times per day
  Precautions:
  Do not use tulsi if pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use for extended periods of time.
  REFERENCE: Tillotson, Alan Keith et al. 2001, The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook, Twin Streams, New York NY.
  
  [My comment on the above research: God, have mercy on the animals!]
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  Barron September 12, 2009 at 9:00am

  Has anyone else seen the excellent BBC series featuring an Ethnobotanist called James Wong from the UK with his series and now book, "Grow Your Own Drugs" ? _ It is brilliant! His website is http://www.growyourowndrugs.com/
  
  And here is a link to his book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Your-Own-Drugs-Remedies/dp/0007307136
  
  And here is what the book's desription says:
  
  Product Description
  Whether you're struggling with insomnia, the kids have eczema, or your partner is feeling under the weather, this book could have the answer. With easy recipes ethnobotanist James Wong shows how to make simple creams, salves, teas and much, much more from the stuff growing in your window box, the local garden centre or in the hedgerows. Using the flowers, fruit, roots, trees, vegetables and herbs that are all around us James provides preparations to help relieve a whole range of common conditions, including acne, anxiety, cold sores and general aches and pains - plus great ideas for beauty treats such as bath bombs and shampoos. Inspired by his grandmother in Malaysia who taught him about the health-giving properties of plants, James uses his top class academic knowledge to show how easy - and cheap - it is to make creams, lotions, lozenges and more which can help relieve the symptoms of a variety of common complaints. He reveals how many plants contain the same active ingredients as over-the-counter drugs and chooses his Top 100 plants to grow or buy, complete with ideas for a whole range of uses.So unleash the power of plants and soothe the symptoms of everyday ailments the natural way.
  
  About the Author
  James Wong grew up in Malaysia and Singapore. He trained at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and gained an MSc in Ethnobotany from the University of Kent, graduating with distinction. His research has taken him to highland Ecuador, as well as to China and Java. He now lectures at the University of Kent and has also co-designed and built two RHS medal-winning gardens (in 2004 and 2008), which were designed to show that there is more to plants than ‘looking pretty’.
  
  Excellent TV series - so very useful and saves heaps of money at the same time too- am definitely oing to get his book.
  
  Cheers - Barron
  • 

    Jazmin > Barron September 13, 2009 at 1:22am

    Dear Ann,
    Thanks for the witty photo! I guess the cat's name is either Batman or Robin. Here's some info on catnip:
    
    Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
    Physiological effects:
    Anodyne, antidiarrheal, antispasmodic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, emmenagogue, febrifuge, mucolytic, nervine, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic, tonic.
    Constituents:
    Calcium, magnesium, chromium, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, essential oils (cavracol, citronellol, geraniol, nepetol, nepelactone, pulegone, thymol), iridoids, tannins.
    Medicinal Uses:
    Catnip contains nepelactones, which are both analgesic and sedative and affect the opioid receptor sites of the body. Catnip moves chi, relaxes the nerves, and calms inflammation. Catnip is an excellent children's herb and will help calm them through the trials of teething, colic, and restlessness. When given for colds and fevers, catnip helps the patient get the rest they need. Catnip is used to treat amenorrhea, anxiety, bronchitis, chickenpox, colds, colic, convulsions, delayed menses, diarrhea, dyspepsia, fever, flatulence, headache, hives, hyperactivity, hysteria, indigestion, insomnia, measles, menstrual cramps, mental illness, motion sickness, pain, pneumonia, restlessness, scarlet fever, smallpox, stomachache due to nerves, teething pain, toothache, and worms. Topically, catnip can be used as a bath herb to relieve stress, colic, and teething pain or as a compress or poultice to treat pain, sprains, bruises, hemorrhoids, or toothache. It can be used as a hair rinse to relieve scalp irritations and get rid of dandrufff, a lotion to treat acne, a liniment to alleviate arthritis or rheumatism symptoms, an enema to cleanse the colon, a salve to soothe hemorrhoids, or an eyewash to relieve inflammation, allergy symptoms, or bloodshot eyes. As a flower essence, catnip helps those who see spirituality and sexuality as forces that cannot be reconciled. It helps those who are fearful of sexuality yet drawn to illicit sexual behavior. Thus, catnip helps harmonize body, mind, and spirit.
    Culinary Uses:
    Young catnip leaves can be made into pesto or added to sauces or salads. The leaves can also be used as a meat rub for flavouring. Before Chinese tea became popular in the West, catnip tea was a common beverage.
    Precautions:
    Large doses of the tea can be emetic. When smoked, catnip is mildly hallucinogenic, although no toxicity has been reported. Do not use catnip during pregnancy.
    REFERENCE:
    Mars, Brigitte 2007, The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, Basic Health, Laguna Beach CA.
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  Mischa September 11, 2009 at 4:45pm

  nice. I grow russian basil, which is has purple leaves and flowers.
  • 

    Jazmin > Mischa September 12, 2009 at 4:11am

    Mischa,
    I have probably tasted Russian basil, but with another name. I'll quote the following info from a book:
    Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) annual, to 1m, with branching, square stems; ovate-shaped, bright green leaves 8cm long, with toothed margins.
    Bush Basil (O. basilicum minimum) 50cm high with small lanceolate-shaped leaves; strong aroma and flavour.
    Greek Basil (O. ovobatum) similar to bush basil, but grows taller: often over 1 metre tall. In sub-tropical and tropical climates, it may grow as a perennial.
    Spicy Globe Basil (O. basilicum minimum 'spicy globe') petite, compact bush, to 30cm, with small leaves; ideal for small areas or in pots.
    Dark Opal Basil (O. basilicum 'dark opal') grows to 50cm; dark-purple/maroon leaves makes a showy display between green leaved plants in the garden. Flavour is stronger than sweet basil.
    Purple Ruffles Basil (O. basilicum 'purple ruffles') grows to 60cm; dark-purple, heavily ruffled leaves and pink/purple flowers.
    Green Ruffles Basil (O. basilicum 'green ruffles') very large, frilly, green leaves.
    Genovese Basil (O. basilicum 'Genovese') grows to 60cm; popular Italian pesto variety with large, dark-green leaves and strong, spicy fragrance and taste.
    Cinnamon Basil (O. basilicum) similar size to sweet basil with spicy, cinnamon scent and cinnamon-tasting leaves.
    Anise Basil (O. basilicum) grows to 60cm, sometimes called Licorice Basil, with sweet, anise flavour.
    Lemon Basil (O. basilicum citriodorum, O. americanum) grows to 60cm, with strong fragrance of lemon.
    Thai Basil (O. basilicum) grows to 60cm, with dark-green leaves, strong licorice fragrance and strong flavour, sought after for Thai and Vietnamese recipes.
    Sacred Basil/Holy Basil/Tulsi Basil (O. sanctum) grows to 60cm and bright-green, furry leaves, with very defined, soft-toothed margins, pink/mauve flowes and a pleasing, very sweet, clove aroma. Native to India, where it is highly revered and sacred to Hindu devotees. It is planted around temples and homes.
    East Indies Clove Basil (O. gratissimum) perennial, 1m, with strong clove scent that will either remind you of Grandma's cookies or the dentist's chair.
    West African Basil/Fever Plant (O. viride, syn. gratissimum) perennial, 1m, large dark-green leaves with cerrated margins, which have a very strong thyme aroma and flavour.
    Camphor Basil (O. kilimandscharicum) perennial, 1m, with grey-green furry leaves and strong camphor aroma. It is not used for food flavouring, but sometimes used as tea, for stomach aches and as a gargle, or as an inhalant for colds.
    
    Folklore: [Note: Words within [ ] are my comments.]
    'Some amusing legends surround basil. One folk story from the ancient Greeks, was that if you wanted to grow intensely strong, fragrant basil, then when sowing the seed, shouting and swearing was an essential part of the ritual. Other traditions associate the herb with love. An Indian custom implied that [ready for this, Romeos & Juliets?] if a woman placed a basil plant on the balcony, it indicated she was ready for her lover. A European custom was to exchange sprigs of basil as a symbol of faithfulness; while others valued it as a love-token or a sign of compassion between friends. Yet another tradiiton [Guys, take note of this:], if a man gave a gift of a sprig of basil to a woman, she is sure to fall in love with him, and never part! In Haiti, shopkeepers have a ritual of sprinkling basil water around their shops, to ward off all evil and attract prosperity. Some Europeans claimed that basil would wilt when touched by anyone impure of heart. Others considered a pot of basil representative of poverty; while some will say, "No way!" as its name 'basilicum' is an abbreviation of basilikon phuton, meaning Greek for kingly herb. Ans so, today, basil is sometimes called the Herb of Kings and the King of Herbs, particularly when used for flavouring in the kitchen.'
    Reference: Shipard, Isabell 2003, How Can I Use Herbs in My Daily Life?, David Stewart, Nambour QLD.
    • 

      Jazmin > Jazmin September 13, 2009 at 2:03am

      More info on Basil the 'king of herbs':
      
      Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
      Active Constituents and Medicinal Properties:
      Basil contains a stong-scented volatile oil composed primarily of terpenoids, particularly eugenol, thymol, and estragole. Basil also contains chemotypes, minor variations among plants that contain significantly different mixes of constituents. The exact components of basil oil vary widely, being affected not only by these chemotypes, but also by factors such as the time of day of harvest. This may account for some of the variability in scientific research and reports of medical efficacy of basil from culture to culture. Preliminary studies on holy basil and hairy basil have shown that the leaf and seed may help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. While the action-mechanism of the leaf is not understood, the seed may work by providing dietary fiber, which helps prevent rapid blood sugar elevations after meals. In addition, in one uncontrolled human study, the seed has been found to relieve constipation by acting as a bulk-forming laxative. A similar study showed the seeds useful in elderly people who experienced constipation after undergoing major surgery. During in vitro studies, the volatile oil of basil has shown antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. It is also believed that basil acts as a carminative, relieving intestinal gas, and as a mild diuretic, though these actions have yet to be definitely proven.
      Precautions:
      Although concerns have been raised about the possibility of cancer-causing effects of estragole, a component found in variable amounts in basil volatile oil, small amounts of basil would not seem to pose a significant threat. However, because some herbal books suggest that estragole may be potentially carcinogenic and has been thought to stimulate uterine contractions, some herbal experts feel it may be best for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers to avoid using basil, especially the volatile oil. People with serious kidney or liver damage should not use basil volatile oil internally, as they could theoretically have trouble eliminating it from their bodies. However, use of basil as a seasoning in food is unlikely to be of safety concern.
      REFERENCE:
      Gaby, Alan R. (ed.) et al. 2006, The Natural Pharmacy (revised and updated 3rd edition), Three Rivers Press, New York NY.