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Much of this experimental and clinical research documentation has been provided by Dr. Narendra Singh and his colleagues, and is summarized in this book along with relevant findings of other scientists. Narendraji has been a pioneer in the modern investigation of traditional Ayurvedic medicines for over three decades, being perhaps best known for his research on the antistress/adaptogenic properties of Indian plants – especially Tulsi and Ashwagandha.
The research reviewed in the following chapters offers impressive evidence that Tulsi protects against and reduces stress, enhances stamina and endurance, increases the body's efficient use of oxygen, boosts the immune system, slows aging, and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. These general vitality-enhancing properties, which support and enhance the body's natural capacity to maintain a state of well-being, likely account for much of the impressively wide range of Tulsi traditional health promoting uses. Amongst its array of more specific effects, the data indicate that Tulsi reduces inflammation, prevents gastric ulcers, protects against radiation, lowers fevers, cholesterol and high blood pressure, enhances periodontal health, displays significant natural antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity, improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients, and even repels mosquitoes and other potentially harmful insects. It would appear that Tulsi offers remarkable preventative and curative potential with respect to many degenerative disorders, such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and neurological dementia.
In the following section I have attempted to provide a social and medical context within which Tulsi, and other treasures of traditional Indian medicine, will undoubtedly soon emerge in modern health care practices worldwide.
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