Last updated on September 4th, 2018 at 07:12 am
Tulsi or the Holy Basil has been considered as the queen of Ayurveda, because of innumerable health benefits it offers. Tulsi has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and immune-stimulating properties and that makes it a super herb. Tulsi is being used in ayurvedic medicines for hundreds of years because of these medicinal properties and health benefits. The health benefits of tulsi include relief from cough and cold, to relieve stress, cure skin allergies, as well as longevity and relief from migraine and other ailments and disorders.
Tulsi plant has served humanity around the world, with its super healing properties. The tulsi was primarily a part of Ayurveda, but with passing years, tulsi is being used across the world. According to this report, a number of lifestyle related chronic diseases can be cured with the help of Ayurveda, healthy lifestyle practices and consuming herbs like Tulsi or the Holy Basil. There are evidences that confirm Tulsi can address the psychological stress, regulate glucose level, blood pressure and protect organs and tissues.
Interesting facts about Tulsi
Tulsi is referred as a sacred plant due to the number of health benefits it offers. The Tulsi dates back to 5000 years, when humans depended on natural herbs and plants and organic sources for curing seasonal ailments and diseases like viral cough, cold, fever and other types of infections.
Before we go on to discuss the innumerable health benefits of Tulsi or the Holy Basil, let me tell you a few facts about Tulsi which is worth knowing:
- There are many varieties of Tulsi, commonly available in India and other parts of the world.
- In Hindu religion, Tulsi plant is placed in same pedestal as God, people worship it every morning.
- Tulsi plant grows predominantly in India, and also some other parts in South East Asia.
- Tulsi is considered dearer to Lord Vishnu, it symbolizes purity.
- Apart from the various medicinal properties, it works as a mosquito repellant.
- Tulsi promotes longevity.
I personally eat 4-5 raw tulsi leaves every morning for it detoxify the whole body, boost immunity and helps me keep away from the most common ailments and disorders like cough and cold or viral infections.
Amazing health benefits of Tulsi or Basil Leaves
According to researchers, Tulsi has anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties which can normalize blood glucose, blood pressure level and lower stress. Tulsi can also be used as a sanitizer for hand wash, to purify the water and other foods as well as to heal wounds, due to its antimicrobial properties.
You may like to check this video of Swami Baba Ramdev where he talks about the benefits of Tulsi and other beneficial herbs.
There are many more benefits of Tulsi or the Holy Basil which is worth knowing.
Cures common cold and respiratory problems
Tulsi has germicidal, fungicidal, anti-bacterial and anti-biotic properties that can cure fever. Tulsi leaves can save you from common cold, flu and influenza. It mobilizes mucous in Bronchitis and also cures asthma attacks. Ideally you may gulp 3-4 fresh tulsi leaves in the morning (empty stomach) or chew raw tulsi leaves.
You can also make tea using tulsi leaves. To make tulsi leaves tea, take 5-6 fresh tulsi leaves, wash and rinse it properly. Boil it in a glass of water with two dash of cardamom, and one tablespoon of honey. Strain it and the tea is ready. Drink the mixture daily to get instant relief from cough and cold.
Cures kidney stones
High levels of uric acid in the blood are responsible for kidney stones. Tulsi leaves help to reduce the levels of uric acid in the blood. Tulsi is a diuretic and detoxifier has detoxifying properties which help these kidney stones to go out of the body through urinary tract.
Cures heart diseases
Tulsi reduces the cholesterol levels, thus is beneficial for the patients suffering from Diabetes, thyroid and high blood pressure. Tulsi has Vitamin C and other antioxidants like Eugenol, which protects the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. Chewing Tulsi leaves every morning on an empty stomach can protect you from heart ailments.
Relieves Stress
Researchers in the Central Drug Research Institute Lucknow, India, pointed out that Tulsi helps in maintaining the level of stress in body, by managing the levels of cortisol. It is enriched with adaptogen properties or anti-stress agents; Tulsi soothes the nerves and regulates blood circulation during stress. People with high stress jobs can chew 12 tulsi leaves twice a day to soothe themselves and relive stress.
Cures skin diseases and allergies
Tulsi leaves help to flush out the toxins from your body, thus keeping the skin glowing and ageless. The skin problems like pimples, acne, allergies, sun burns, and even leucoderma can be cured by the help of this plant. It also helps to reduce the itchiness of the scalp and also hair loss. The tulsi has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which help in curing the skin and hair related problems.
Soothes sinus issues and migraines
Sinuses, migraines, cold can cause terrible headaches, and here too tulsi can come to your rescue. Boil tulsi leaves or tulsi extracts in water, wait for few minutes till the water is bearably hot, take a towel and breathe in the vapor. Or you can dip the towel in this water, and then place it on your forehead to get immediate relief.
Tulsi cures digestive system
Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, acidity, indigestion, all these can be cured by the daily intake of tulsi leaves. Tulsi also helps people who are suffering from vomiting, loss of appetite and gas related issues.
Helps in weight loss
Take some tulsi leaves with homemade fresh curd, this will regulate new blood cell formation, it will rejuvenate your body, increase your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and thus help you to have a fit body.
Improves oral health
Tulsi can destroy 99% germs of your mouth. The toothaches, gum inflammation, bad breath, can all be cured with the help of Tulsi. You can use tulsi extracts or tulsi powder while brushing your teeth. You can also chew raw tulsi leaves which will keep your teeth healthier and whiter.
Helps to quit smoking
According to this report by WHO, tobacco kills more than 6 million people annually. And those who smoke find it really hard to quit smoking. Thankfully the Holy Basil can help you quit smoking, if you are determined to quit.
Keep some tulsi leaves with you, whenever you have the urge to smoke, chew the tulsi leaves instead, your urge to smoke will subside. Tulsi leaves have adaptogens which reduces stress, thus reducing the urge to smoke. Tulsi leaves cool down your throat just like menthol drops, and helps in controlling the smoking. Another plus point of the Tulsi leaves is that it has antioxidants which will cure the damage caused due to the years of smoking.
Takes care of eye health
Eye problems are mainly caused due to viral, bacterial or fungal infections. Eye boils, inflammation, conjunctivitis and other eye infections can be cured by the tulsi leaves. The presence of Vitamin K, A, and C in Tulsi are beneficial for the eye health.
Washing your eyes with tulsi Soak water can help you get rid of many types of eye infection. Add a few leaves of fresh tulsi in the water; let it soak for some time and then wash your eye with this purified water.
Basil as mosquito repellants
The Tulsi plant is loved by us, but the insects and pests hate it. The plant is of mint species, and the strong aroma can deter the insects like mosquitoes, cockroaches and fleas. These pests are harmful and often cause harmful diseases. Keeping the plants nearby can help you to avoid the insects, thus also saving you from the insect bearing diseases like food poisoning, malaria, dengue and also allergies.
Grow Tulsi in your home
There are so many varieties of Tulsi or the Holy Basil, but the most common ones are:
- Rama Tulsi
- Krishna Tulsi
- Vana Tulsi
Rama Tulsi (green one) is the most common available one. Shyama/krishna Tulsi has a little darker stems is also available commonly. But the Vana tulsi is the rarest of them all. As the name suggest, Vana tulsi (basils that grows in forest) are usually found in Himalayan region and has most medicinal properties.
It is very easy to grow Tulsi plant in your home, you can grow it n the backyard or in pots. All you need to do is plant some seeds under a layer of dirt and give some water. You can also plant a small stem, and water it regularly. If the summer is too scorching, then you can bring the plant indoors, keep it in your balcony or window sills, this way the plant will not become dry. Tulsi grows well in loamy and wet soil, so make sure to water it every day.
Where to get Tulsi?
And if you don’t feel like growing the plant in your home, you can easily find tulsi plant or leaves in your local market. In fact you can find dried tulsi leaves in some of the Super markets.
You can also find Divya Tulsi Ghan Vati from a Patanjali store or order it online from the website of Swami Baba Ramdev.
Over to you
Tulsi is a magical herb with many benefits and medicinal properties. You can mix the tulsi leaves with your green tea, or make a juice, or even chew the raw leaves, by all means this plant can help you in great ways. Start including the tulsi leaves in your daily routine, and you can see the difference within just few days.
Do you eat tulsi leave or supplement? Feel free to share the benefits of tulsi as you have experienced.
