The Science Behind Top 3 Common Beliefs Regarding Tulsi/ Holy Basil

Why is Holy Basil known as Tulsi (in India) worshiped and considered holy? Why is it not recommended to chew Tulsi leaves? Why we cannot consume or pluck Tulsi leaves at night?  Why do our mothers forcibly make us swallow a tulsi leaf every morning? *I don`t know about your but my mother does it, poor me* Do you also have these questions, then you have visited the right page. 


Indian culture is worshiping the Holy Basil or Tulsi from a long period, but why? Our mothers or *random people* recommend to swallow Tulsi leaves early in the morning why? Why are Tulsi plants kept in our house? Tulsi plant is a natural antibiotic, reduces stress, increases immunity, increases longevity, and has a peculiar ability to keep insects away. It also contains no caffeine or other stimulants, hence it helps to increase physical endurance. Consuming a tulsi leaf every day helps to maintain physiological balance and also increases immunity along with our life span. Hence, it is worshiped. Keeping a Tulsi plant at home keeps the insects and mosquitoes away. It is said that even snakes are kept at the bay if a tulsi plant is at home. The following are evidence of the benefits of tulsi: 



An animal study found that the oil in the holy basil (tulsi) lowers stress-induced cholesterol levels. There was a reduction of total cholesterol in the kidney, liver, and heart of the rats without diabetes after they ate the holy basil (tulsi powder). Humans are 85% similar to rats genetically. Another study also found that Holy basil (tulsi) has been found to have antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties similar to antidepressant drugs. Studies have shown that it can help me feel more social and less anxious. 




According to a popular belief, Tulsi leaves should not be chewed but should be swallowed. The reason that our elders give is that Tulsi is the wife of Lord Vishnu, thus chewing it is considered  a disrespectful act. However, the science behind it according to botanists, Tulsi has a maximum quantity of Mercury in it. So when you apply raw Mercury on your teeth, your teeth will start falling immediately. The effect of Tulsi does not have such an immediate effect but it surely damages the teeth. Hence swallowing it is beneficial for your health. 



Another popular belief is to not pluck or consume tulsi leaves at night. The science behind that is 

There is no photosynthetic activity at night, so plants tend to release more carbon dioxide than oxygen. The converse would be true during the day.


All in all our ancestors have designed the traditions in such a way that it benefits our health scientifically but have explained the reasons with the help of stories and metaphors instead of science like the Lord Vishnu's story mentioned above... This is because stories are easy to understand and remember. But when it comes to traditions and beliefs we are often said to don`t ask why! But I say ask why. Let's understand our culture and traditions in a better way and let's take a step to preserve them.


Citation: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-M8l2bdG8g&feature=emb_logo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnTc5WeBamo

https://www.speakingtree.in/allslides/why-is-it-forbidden-to-chew-tulsi-leaves

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