Most of the times science contradicts religious beliefs but it is not the case when it comes to tulsi, a holy plant with great therapeutic powers. No other plant on the planet earth commands that reverence. This plant has put in high esteem in Hindu mythology as it is considered as Goddess Lakshmi a concert of lord Vishnu. The plant is one of the prime ingredients of most of the ceremonies performed by Hindus. In addition, it offers excellent remedies to a number of diseases. Owing to its various medicinal uses, this plant is called queen of the herbs.
When it comes to the geographical distribution, the plant is commonly found in tropical and warmer regions. India, being home of this plant has developed a number of medicines from this plant to treat a wide array of diseases. There are many medical significance of Tulsi. Even regular intake of tulsi tea is enough to keep one fit. The plant is a very good for the treatment of sore throat. It also offers relief from various respiratory elements like asthma and bronchitis. It also offers relief from cough and cold and mild fever. It has also been found effective in the treatment of malaria.
"Modern scientific research offers impressive evidence that Tulsi reduces stress, enhances stamina, relieves inflammation, lowers cholesterol, eliminates toxins, protects against radiation, prevents gastric ulcers, lowers fevers, improves digestion and provide rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. Tulsi is especially effective in supportive the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs and also regulates blood pressure and blood sugar."
Srimati Tulasi devi is one of the most exalted devotees of the Sri Krishna. All scriptures stress on the importance of getting the mercy of Tulasi devi if one has to make progress in the path of devotion. In the Skanda Purana it is said: ‘Tulasi is auspicious in all respects. Simply by seeing, simply by touching, simply by remembering, simply by praying to, simply by bowing before, simply by hearing about or simply by sowing this tree, there is always auspiciousness. Anyone who comes in touch with the Tulasi tree in the above-mentioned ways lives eternally in the Vaikuntha world."
Spiritual aspects
Above this material world is the eternal spiritual world comprised of millions of Vaikuntha planets. The topmost planet in Vaikuntha is Goloka which is presided by Sri Krishna in His original form. Here resides Vrinda devi, an intimate associate of and an expansion of Srimati Radharani. Her partial expansion is Tulasi devi in the Vaikuntha planets and they are all considered non-different from her.
As the embodiment of the lila-sakti (pastime potency), Vrinda devi is the organizer of all the transcendental pastimes between Sri Krishna and Srimati Radharani. In Goloka every thing is animate (cit) and only for the pleasure of Sri Krishna. Vrinda devi makes this happen. She is assisted by many confidential associates (which include two parrots) and with their help she makes sure that every thing is pleasing to Sri Krishna. She controls how the wind blows, when and where it rains, how the trees bend, and so many other things for the pleasure of the Divine Couple.
The scriptures are full of pastimes that reveal the potency of Tulasi in developing devotion for the Lord.
The Srimad Bhagavatam talks about this pastime with the four Kumaras, the sons of Lord Brahma who were very much attached to the impersonal aspect of Godhead.
‘When the breeze carrying the aroma of tulasi leaves and saffron from the lotus feet of the lotus-eyed Personality of Godhead entered through the nostrils into the hearts of those sages [the Kumaras], they experienced a change in both body and mind, even though they were attached to the impersonal Brahman understanding.'
Thus by simply smelling the fragrance of the Tulasi leaves the four Kumaras became pure devotees of the Lord.
In Caitanya lila Srila Advaita Acarya was very much disturbed to see the growth of irreligiosity. Therefore He decided to call for the Personality of Godhead Krishna to descend by worshiping the Lord with tulasi leaves and the water of the Ganges. When Sri Krishna was please by this devotion He descended as Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
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