Scientific name Ocimum Sanctum
Basil or tulasi plant is a common plant in almost every house. Though it’s a common plant it is filled with wide range of medicinal values. It was proved that consuming basil leaves daily resulted in good health benefits like oral care, relief from respiratory disorders, as well as treatment of fever, asthma, lung disorders, heart diseases and stress. One can protect from wide range of infections by droping few leaves of basil in water ,boiling it and cool the preparation, if needed filter and consume the liquid.
The health benefits of tulsi include the following:
Fever: The incredible healing properties of Holy Tulsi/ Basil come mainly from its essential oils and the phyto-nutrients contained in it. Holy Basil is an excellent antibiotic, germicidal, fungicidal and disinfectant agent and very efficient in protecting our body from all kinds of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Fever is mainly caused due to infections from protozoa (malaria), bacteria (typhoid), viruses (flu) and even some allergic substances and fungus. Fever is not actually an ailment in itself. It is just a symptom which shows that our body is fighting against less visible infections. The tremendous disinfectant, germicidal and fungicidal properties of basil destroys all those pathogens discussed above and heals the resulting fever. It is an old practice in India to have a decoction of basil leaves and flowers in case you are suffering from a fever.
Respiratory Disorders: Tulsi, has a great capacity to cure infections of the respiratory system, gives miraculous relief in congestion due to the presence of active components like Camphene, Eugenol and Cineole in its essential oils. It is very effective in curing almost all kinds of respiratory disorders bronchitis, both chronic and acute.
Asthma: Tulsi is very beneficial in the treatment of asthma, as it relieves congestion and facilitates smoother breathing. The phyto-nutrients and essential oils, along with the other minerals in it, help in curing some of the underlying causes of asthma.
Lung Disorders: The compounds like vitamin-C, Camphene, Eugenol and Cineole that are present in the essential oils of tulsi do not only cure the infections in the lungs, but also cure congestion of the lungs. Furthermore, they are found to be effective in healing the damages caused to the lungs due to smoking, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. It also helps to cure tuberculosis due to its antibiotic properties.
Heart Diseases: Holy Basil contains vitamin-C and other antioxidants such as eugenol, which protect the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. Additionally, eugenol is very beneficial in reducing the cholesterol levels within the blood.
Stress: Vitamin-C and other antioxidants in Holy Tulsi herb, apart from repairing damages done by free radicals, also minimize the stress caused by these oxidants. They soothe the nerves, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and thus reduce stress. One such component is Camphene. Potassium also reduces blood pressure-related stress by replacing sodium and loosening the tense blood vessels.
Oral Care: Tulsi is an excellent mouth freshener and oral disinfectant and its freshness lasts for a long time. Holy Basil destroys more than 99% of the germs and bacteria in the mouth and this effect can last all day. It also cures ulcers in the mouth. Also it is also known to help inhibit the growth of oral cancer which can be caused by chewing tobacco.
Dental Care: Holy Basil destroys the bacteria that are responsible for dental cavities, plaque, tartar, and Halitosis while also protecting the teeth. It also has astringent properties which make the gums stronger and holds the teeth tighter. However, Basil also has certain compounds like mercury, which has rich germicidal properties,that can actually be harmful for the teeth if kept in direct contact for too long. Therefore, it is advised to avoid chewing these leaves. It is actually discussed in holy books and Ayurvedic teachings that chewing these leaves robs them of their holiness. However, it has no harm if you do not chew it or consume its decoction.
Kidney Stones: Tulsi, being a detoxifier and a mild diuretic, helps to reduce the uric acid level in the body, which is the main culprit as far as kidney stones are concerned. It also helps to clean out the kidneys through increased frequency of urination. Acetic acid and certain components in tulsi essential oils also facilitate dissolution of the stones. Finally, it has pain-killer effects and help bear the pain from kidney stones as they pass.
Skin Care: Taking a daily bath with a decoction of Holy Basil mixed with your bathwater, washing your face with it, or simply applying the paste of its leaves on an infected area of the skin in case of skin diseases. Holy Tulsi leaves or its extracted oils on the body keeps the mosquitoes and other insects away. It cures skin disorders both internally and externally, without any side effects. This property mainly comes from its essential oils, which are highly antibiotic, disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal in nature. External application on the skin also removes extra oil from the skin surface. Camphene in it also gives a soothing, cooling effect.
Headache: Headaches due to migraines, sinus pressure, cough and cold, or high blood pressure can be effectively controlled by the use of a single tulsi serving. Camphene, Eugenol, Cineol, Carvacrol and Methyl-Chavicol have excellent analgesic, sedative, anticongestive and disinfectant properties.
Anti-Aging: Vitamin-C, A, phyto-nutrients and the essential oils in Holy Tulsi are excellent antioxidants and protect the body from nearly all the damage caused by free radicals in the body, which are hazardous byproducts of cellular metabolism that are responsible for a wide swath of diseases, including cancer. In the traditional Indian medicine system called Ayurveda, it is considered as a tonic to retain youth and avoid premature aging.
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