Tulsi (Sanskrit word) is a common name used in the Indian households. It has its ancient roots in Ayurvedic medication. Tulsi is alternatively known as Holy Basil in English and is commonly found in the Indian subcontinent. It is not only a holy, revered plant in Hinduism but has its roots in the ancient science of Ayurveda.
Health Benefits of Holy Basil ( Tulsi Leaves )
This Ayurvedic medication herb is now grown all over the world and found in two varieties – Krishna Tulsi (purple) and Lakshmi Tulsi (green). Though it is significantly found in the Indian subcontinent, but can be even found in the Southeast Asian tropic regions as well.
The scientific name of Holy Basil is Ocimum Sanctum. The Tulsi plant is grown in many Hindu households and even worshiped. It is even offered to the Gods. Its not grown in vain, but there is an established reason behind it. It is an inexpensive, humble Ayurvedic herb which has a lot of benefits.
It is extremely beneficial for the humans in fighting viral and bacterial infections, curing common ailments, treating and combating against the skin and hair problems, strengthening immunity and much more. A regular use of a few Tulsi leaves can help in resolving a number of lifestyle and health issues.
There are numerous health benefits associated with Holy Basil or Tulsi leaves and some of those include heart diseases, oral care, stress, lung disorders, respiratory disorders, asthma and fever. Without any doubts, Tulsi is one of the best Ayurvedic medicinal herbs which have a lot of medicinal benefits.
Do you know that even going near to Tulsi plant can protect you from the infections? Yes. It is such a powerful medicinal herb. Even planting it in a pot indoors can help in protecting the whole family from the viral infections, colds and coughs. These benefits of Tulsi leaves are not at all exaggerated, but they have been into application since ages in India.
Health Benefits of Holy Basil – Tulsi Leaves
Talking about Holy Basil or Tulsi within the Hindu religious tradition. It has a vital mark as it is worshiped by the people. It is a kind of herbal treatment to various health problems.
1) Fever & Common Cold
The Tulsi leaves are significantly used for curing most of the fevers and helps in preventing from fever & common cold during the rainy season. If Tulsi leaves are taken during the rainy season steamed along with tea, then helps in preventing against dengue and malaria fever.
The Tulsi leaves can be taken along with the powdered cardamom in ½ liter water or combined with milk and sugar in case of severe fevers.
2) Healing Power
The Tulsi plant or Holy Basil is associated with numerous medicinal qualities. The Tulsi leaves help in sharpening the memory and is a nerve tonic.
They even help in removing the phlegm as well as the catarrhal matter from the bronchial tube and stimulate massive sweating. They also enhance the stomach and the Tulsi seeds are sticky in nature.
3) Kidney Stones
The Holy Basil or Tulsi leaves are the best detoxifiers and diuretic herb which helps in dissolving the kidney stones. The Tulsi leaves help in reducing the amounts of uric acid within the blood, which is considered to be one of the major causes of the kidney stones.
It also helps in cleaning the kidneys. It also has the acetic acid present in the essential oils along with other elements which help in wearing down the kidney stones. Also, the Tulsi leaves have a painkiller effect which helps in reducing the pain of the kidney stones.
4) Coughs & Sore Throat
Tulsi is one of the most important ingredients of lots of Ayurvedic medicines including the cough syrups. It helps in mobilizing the mucus in bronchitis. Chewing the Tulsi leaves help in reducing cold and flu as well as mobilizes asthma. If you have a sore throat, then the Tulsi leaves can be water steamed and can be taken as a drink. This water can be used for gargling as well.
5) Heart Disorder
The Holy Basil or Tulsi leaves helps in fighting against the heart disorders or heart diseases. It helps in lowering the blood cholesterol level and blood pressure level. Which makes it the perfect choice for the heart sufferers. It has Vitamin C which helps in safeguarding the heart of a person against all the harmful effects of the free-radicals.
6) Respiratory Conditions
The Tulsi plant is associated with numerous properties including:
- Immunomodulatory (which helps in regulating the defense mechanisms)
- Antitussive (which helps in lowering the cough quantity and suppresses cough center)
- Expectorant (helps in discharging the phlegm through the bronchitis tube or chest)
These properties of Tulsi leaves together help in providing relief from the respiratory problems including a cough, cold and severe bronchitis. The Tulsi leaves are antibacterial and anti-fungal in nature. Which helps in conquering the infection which results in the respiratory problems.
Also, It helps in reducing the chest blockage. Because it has some powerful elements including cineole, camphene, and eugenol in the essential oils. It has got anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties which help in dealing with the sensitive respiratory problems.
Apart from these major health benefits of Tulsi leaves. Other benefits includes the children’s ailments, stress, mouth infections, insect bites, teeth disorders, protects skin and prevents skin cancer, headaches, eye disorders, stomach problems, pain relief, beats diabetes, anti-cancer, pregnancy, helps in quitting smoking, antiulcer activity, treats asthma and much more.
Not only health benefits, but even Tulsi has numerous skin and hair care benefits as well. It helps in getting rid of the acnes, pimples because of its anti-bacterial properties. You can mix few drops of the Tulsi oil to your regular hair massage oil and apply to enhance the blood flow and reducing dandruff, itchiness and encouraging the new hair growth.
You may be thinking that there might be few possible side effects of Holy Basil or Tulsi leaves. Luckily, they are safe to consume and topical use.
And now, you should just find out yourself that how amazing the benefits of Tulsi leaves are. 🙂