SELASIH (Holy Basil)

Earlier in the day, I got a herb plant from the Manjung District Information Centre. The name of the plant is selasih. Below is some information about the plant.

Common name: Holy Basil/Tulsi

Botanical name: Ocimum sanctum

Family: Lamiaceae

Description

A tropical, much branched, annual herb, up to 18 inches tall; it grows into a low bush.The tulsi or holy basil, considered sacred by the Hindus, has small leaves with a strong smell and purple flowers.There are two varieties: a red - and a green one.Red holy basil has a stronger smell.This plant, originally from India, grows abundantly in Suriname.Apart from the religious significance, it also has substantial medicinal meaning and is used in Ayurvedic treatment.Tulasi has antimicrobal properties since it is also anti - inflammatory due to the oil eugenol, present in the leaves.It is useful in respiratory tract infection.The Ursolic acid present in tulsi, has anti-allergic properties.The plant can play a role in the manangement of immunological disorders such as allergies and asthma.

Medicinal uses:

1. to treat fever. It is believed to be able to build up the body's resistance to diseases.

2. good for de-worming.

3. relieves nausea.

4. used as an analgesic (painkiller).

5. strengthens the liver.

6. relieves stress.

7. couth medicine.

8. purifies the blood.

9. relieves ringworms.

10. can be applied to wounds.