Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a medicinal herb that is native to India and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. It is a member of the mint family and is found in 150 different varieties worldwide.
Tulsi has a sweet, warm, and fresh aroma that is used in aromatherapy. It has an intensive fragrance that is between cinnamon and mint. When applied to a wound, it emits a spicy scent.
Tulsi is used in both culinary and medicinal applications. It adds flavour to pasta dishes and sandwiches, but you should not chew tulsi leaves because they contain mercury, which can stain teeth.
Tulsi tea can be very beneficial as well as very strong as it causes nausea or diarrhoea. It is advised to start with small quantities, and increasing consumption over time is best.
Tulsi may also lower blood sugar and should be used with caution in people who have diabetes and are on blood-sugar-lowering medication.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tulsi leaves are known to help people with issues like menstrual pain management, etc. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) also proves tulsi has healthy contents that benefit the body.
5 Benefits Of Indian Basil (Tulsi)
1. Combats Acne And Skin Infections
Tulsi, another name for holy basil, has analgesic, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities. Holy basil helps skin both internally and externally. Studies indicate that herbal treatments containing holy basil may be more effective in treating acne when they are mixed with coconut oil as a carrier to enhance skin absorption.
2. Defence Against Radioactive Poisoning
Holy basil provides a defence against radiation sickness and may lessen side effects from radiation therapy. According to a paper that was published in the Journal Nutrition and Cancer, tulsi protects normal tissues from radiation damage in a specific way. Remarkably, the review also emphasises how tulsi's typically non-toxic nature may mean fewer adverse effects when compared to other cancer treatments.
3. Helps With High-temperature
Holy basil is well known for boosting the immune system and is frequently suggested as an all-natural way to reduce fever, especially in Ayurvedic treatment. The antimicrobial and viral pathogen-preventing properties of holy basil leaves are thought to stem from their antibiotic, germicidal, and disinfecting properties. Fevers are a sign of an infection-fighting system in the body. For this reason, tulsi may help reduce fever symptoms due to its ability to fight infections.
4. Enhances Respiratory Conditions
Beneficial substances found in holy basil, such as cineole, eugenol, and camphene, are known to relieve congestion and lessen the symptoms of respiratory illnesses. Its exceptional anti-asthmatic qualities have been confirmed by scientific research, which is why Ayurvedic medicine frequently recommends it for respiratory problems. Holy basil is a useful natural treatment for respiratory disorders because of its capacity to relieve breathing problems.
5. Excellent Source Of Vitamin K
One cup of tulsi leaves has more vitamin K than the daily necessary amount, making it a great way to avoid vitamin K insufficiency. For the health of the heart and bones, vitamin K is essential. In addition to aiding in blood coagulation and bone mineralization, it supports cellular health, metabolic balance, and cognitive performance. According to research published in the Alternative Medicine Review, Ocimum tenuiflorum/Ocimum sanctum may also have cardio-protective qualities, meaning it might help the heart, keep arteries healthy, and encourage good circulation.
6. Enhances Immunity
Tulsi and its extracts have long been used as an active ingredient in healing and immune-boosting treatments, but you might be surprised to learn that there are various forms of Tulsi that not only promote immunity but also aid in natural weight loss. Including Tulsi in your daily diet can boost your metabolic rate, allowing for better nutritional absorption. Furthermore, holy basil is minimal in calories and provides a much-needed boost to your immune system.
Now that you know the various benefits of tulsi wait no more and include this medicinal gem in the diet. Try out different recipes around this herb.