HEALTH
BENEFITS OF THULSI
Tulsi also
known as basil leaves, is a fairly common plant in Indian households.
Considered holy by many religions, the tulsi plant is revered for its divine
properties.Besides praying to the plant, a number of people advice including
the leaves and roots of the plant in various medical decoctions.With
immense benefits right from clear skin to dissolving kidney stones, tulsi is
tonic for the entire body. Here are the top 10 benefits of tulsi.
Tulsi has very potent germicidal, fungicidal, anti-bacterial and
anti-biotic properties that are great for resolving fevers. It has the
potential to cure any fever right from those caused due to common infections to
those caused due to malaria as well. In ayurveda, it is strongly advised that a
person suffering from fever should have a decoction made of tulsi leaves. In
case of a fever boil a few leaves of tulsi with powdered cardamom in half a
litre of water( The proportion of tulsi to cardamom powder should be in the
ratio 1:0.3). Let it reduce to half its total volume. Mix this decoction with
sugar and milk. Sip every two to three hours. This remedy is especially good
for children.
leaves of holy basil are packed with antioxidants and essential oils
that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. Collectively these
substances help the pancreatic beta cells (cells that store and release
insulin) function properly. This in turn helps increase sensitivity to insulin.
Lowering one’s blood sugar and treating diabetes effectively. An added advantage
is that the antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill effects of
oxidative stress.
Protects
the heart: Tulsi has a powerful anti-oxidant component called Eugenol. This
compound helps protect the heart by keeping one’s blood pressure under control
and lowering his/her cholesterol levels. Chewing a few leaves of tulsi on an
empty stomach everyday can both prevent and protect any heart ailments. According to a study conducted by the Central Drug Research Institute,
Lucknow, India, tulsi helps to maintain the normal levels of the stress hormone
– cortisol in the body. The leaf also has powerful adaptogen properties (also
known as anti-stress agents). It helps sooth the nerves, regulates blood
circulation and beats free radicals that are produced during an episode of
stress. People who have high stress jobs can chew about 12 leaves of tulsi
twice a day to beat stress naturally.
Dissolves
kidney stones: The holy basil being a great diuretic and detoxifier is great
for the kidneys. Tulsi helps reduce the uric acid levels in the blood (one of
the main reasons for kidney stones is the presence of excess uric acid in the
blood), helps cleanse the kidneys, the presence of acetic acid and other
components in its essential oils helps in breaking down kidney stones and its
painkiller effect helps dull down the pain of kidney stones. To relieve kidney
stones one must have the juice of tulsi leaves with honey, every day for six
months to help wash out the stone from the kidney.
With strong anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties tulsi has
been found to help stop the progression of breast cancer and oral cancer
(caused due to chewing tobacco). This is because its compounds restrict the
flow of blood to the tumour by attacking the blood vessels supplying it. Have
the extract of tulsi every day to keep these conditions at bay.Helps to
quit smoking: Tulsi is known to have very strong anti- stress compounds and is
great to help one quit smoking. It helps by lowering the stress that may be
involved in trying to quit smoking, or stress that leads to the urge to smoke.
It also has a cooling effect on the throat just like menthol drops and helps
control the urge to smoke by allowing the person to chew on something. Ayurveda
relies heavily on tulsi leaves as a smoking cessation device. Keep some leaves
with you and chew it whenever the urge to smoke arises. Another plus is that
the antioxidant property of the leaves will help fight all the damage that
arises out of years of smoking.
Keeps
your skin and hair healthy and glowing: The holy basil has powerful purifying
properties. When eaten raw, it purifies the blood giving the skin a beautiful
glow, and prevents the appearance of acne and blemishes. Its anti-bacterial and
anti-fungal properties are very effective in preventing breakouts on acne prone
skin. Ayurvedic doctors say that this herb can cure difficult skin conditions
like those caused due to ring worms and even leucoderma. Apart from all this,
it helps in reducing itchiness of the scalp and helps to reduce hair fall. Mix
the powder in coconut oil and apply regularly to the scalp to prevent hair
fall. Eating tulsi leaves, drinking the juice, or adding its paste to a face
pack can help cure skin and hair conditions.
Heals
respiratory conditions: Tulsi has immunomodulatory (helps to modulate the
immune system), antitussive (suppresses the cough center, reducing the amount
of cough) and expectorant properties (helps expel phlegm from the chest), that
make it a great relief for coughs, cold, and other respiratory disorders
including chronic and acute bronchitis. Another great property of this leaf is
that it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help to beat the
infection causing the respiratory problem. It also relieves congestion since it
contains potent components like camphene, eugenol and cineole in its essential
oils. Its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties also help to treat
allergic respiratory disorders.
Cures a
headache: Tulsi helps to relieve headaches caused due to sinusitis, allergies,
cold or even migraines. This is because it has pain relieving and decongestant
properties, that help relieve the pain and resolve the root cause of the
condition. If you are suffering from a headache, make a bowl of water that has
been boiled with crushed tulsi leaves or tulsi extract. Cool the water till it
is room temperature or bearably hot. Place a small towel in it, wring out the
excess water and place this on your forehead to treat a headache. Alternatively
you could dip a towel in plain warm water and add a few drops of tulsi extract
to the towel for immediate relief.These are
just some benefits of the plant, other benefits include treatment for common
colds, itchiness of the skin, treatment for insect bites, curing common
conditions of the eye and as a herbal remedy for bad breath.
Prof. John Kurakar
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