Holy Basil or Tulsi is one of the most famous therapeutic medicines in the India’s traditional medicine repertoire which is known as Ayurveda. It is famous for the ability to body healing, mind elevating, and soul uplifting. Holy basil or Ocimum Tenuiflorum is considered as the world’s most cherished herbs because it has almost magical healing properties. It is no surprise if holy basil is also called the elixir of life. In Ayurveda, Tulsi is classified as the most important herbs, while in traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered as Shen Tonic. Regular consumption of Tulsi is believed to strengthen the nerve tissue, improve the neurochemistry of brain, and in general improve mental clarity and better memory. Further about the health benefits of Tulsi as the following.
Protect DNA
Tulsi contains multiple varieties of antioxidants and complete phytonutrients. The flavonoids found in holy Tulsi are very beneficial to protect the chromosomes and cell structures from oxidative damages. It is believed to be able to protect the DNA from radiations. Volatile oils in holy Tulsi such as linalool, estragole, eugenol, sabinene, limonene, myrcene, and more have the ability to protect the body against bacterial growth. This is because essential oils and flavonoids are crucial to protect the body from radiation and oxygen-based damages, and also bacteria.
Anti-bacteria and Anti-inflammatory
Tulsi is naturally rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The natural oils, as aforementioned above, have the ability to prevent the growth of some pathogenic bacteria species which are resistant to the common antibiotic drugs. In addition, one of the volatile oil in Tulsi, eugenol, is very beneficial to block the cyclooxygenase enzyme in the body. This enzyme has the same medicinal effects as anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Headache Reliever
Tulsi is a great traditional medicine to relieve a headache. It can be used for facial steam which is very effective to reduce a headache. You can add two cups of water and tablespoon dried Tulsi in a large pot. Carefully lean to the pot and cover your head with a clean towel. Breathe the steam for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Help Quit Smoking
Quit smoking is difficult especially if you are a heavy smoker. Chewing Tulsi is believed to help break down the smoking habit. This method is way more effective to help quit smoking rather than using flavored gum, nicotine patches, or plain candy to fulfill the urge. The Tulsi juice gives cooling effects on the throat while chewing the leaves distract the smoking urge. In addition, the antioxidants in Tulsi help repair any damage due to years of smoking habit.
Treat Gum Disorder
Tulsi is also famous for its ability to treat gum disorders. The Tulsi dried and powdered Tulsi leaves can be used to brush the teeth. You can mix it with mustard oil to form a paste and use it as toothpaste. The Tulsi paste helps maintain the gum health as well as helps prevent pyorrhea and other dental issues. To treat gum inflammation, you can rub the Tulsi paste on the gums to reduce the swell. You can also use the Tulsi leaves as a mouthwash as it has antibacterial effects. It is very effective to destroy bacteria and germs in the mouth and act as oral disinfectant and mouth freshener.
Eye Disorder Treatments
Night blindness and sore eyes are mostly occurred due to lack of vitamin A. Fungal and bacterial infection can also be the main cause of eye disorder. Tulsi juice is very effective to treat eye disorders and help reduce stress and soothe eyes. Soaked some Tulsi leaves on water and use it to wash the eyes helps protect the eyes from boils, conjunctivitis, and other eye problems. Holy Tulsi also serves as relaxants to sooth the stress in the eyes. In addition, chewing multiple amounts of Tulsi leaves is also believed to ward off the eye problems due to free radicals such as glaucoma, cataracts, and also vision degeneration.
Promote Digestive Health
Holy Tulsi is effective to improve the digestive system as well as eliminates the toxins. The holy Tulsi juice help promotes healthy digestive tract and improves its function significantly. It gives stomach relief from gas and acidity and also contains healing properties for an ulcer. The medicinal substances in on holy Tulsi help treating peptic ulcer and gastric ulcer. Holy Tulsi is also known to improve the liver function as well as protect it from various diseases. People who suffer from vomiting and low appetite can also take advantages from holy Tulsi.
Treat Common Cold
Other great health benefits of Tulsi are its ability to treat common cold and fever. The essential oils and phytochemicals found in this holy herb are rich in antiviral and antibiotic properties. The herb helps strengthen the immune system in the body to fight fever from viruses. The strong and rich anti-biotic properties in holy Tulsi support the body against and infections and bacteria. You can boil the tender holy Tulsi leaves in water as a preventive treatment against dengue and malaria fever. The leaves are naturally rich in germicidal agent and act as an effective disinfectant to protect the body from any kinds of fungal and viral infections.
Protect Urinary System
Holy Tulsi is famous for powerful detoxifier. It helps protect the urinary system as it helps clean the kidney and reduces the level or uric acid. In addition, the Tulsi seeds can also be used to treat urinary problems. According to Ayurveda medications, regular consumption of holy Tulsi juice and honey for around six months is very effective to get rid of kidney stones through the urinary tract.
Stress Reliever
Stress leads to several dangerous health problems that you may never think. Tulsi is famous for the anti-stress and adaptogenic properties to reduce stress level. As it reduces the stress level, holy Tulsi is also effective to reduce the health diseases related to stress such as chronic fatigue, hypertension, and more. Consuming few holy Tulsi every day helps to relieve stress level and the scent gives peace of mind.
