Logic behind 'Chewing on Tulsi leaves is disrespectful to Goddess Lakshmi' superstition

|THE DEN|

Belief - People believe that one should swallow Tulsi leaves and not chew them as the plant represents Goddess Lakshmi and chewing will be disrespectful.

Logic - Tulsi leaves contain mercury, which is not good for enamel and therefore should not be chewed. When chewed, the mercury content in Tulsi is released into the mouth, which can damage teeth and cause discoloration.