Discover the Amazing Health Benefits of Tulsi Leaves
03-01-2016 | Posted By: Admin | 6078 View(s)
The Holy Basil or tulsi plant, the scientific name of which is Ocimum Tenuiflorum is an herbal cure for a lot of common illnesses. It holds a significant position in the history of humankind because of its myriad benefits and usage. It contains loads of favourable components which act as an active antibacterial, antioxidant and antiviral agent. Holy basil in India is worshipped as a goddess because of its diverse benefits.
Tulsi or holy basil is enriched with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and electrolytes. If you are an Indian, you must be aware of the importance this herb has in our lives. In India, Tulsi is worshipped as a Goddess and is highly valued. Many Indians have the habit of drinking tulsi water or tulsi tea early morning to stay away from a wide range of health problems. Be it a cough or cancer; this medicinal herb can be used to cure and prevent almost all health problems. Let’s take a look at the amazing health benefits of Tulsi Leaves (Holy Basil).
Holy Basil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help combat a broad range of health disorders such as diabetes, cancer, cough, inflammation, lung disease and heart disease. Tulsi has medicinal properties too, and so it can be used as a medicine as well. Let’s explore.
Incredible Health Benefits of Tulsi Leaves
1. It Keeps Your Heart Healthy
When the blood platelets form clots in the arteries walls, the risk of developing heart diseases increases. Basil contains flavonoids which prevent this from happening and thus help you stay away from heart diseases and heart attacks.
Furthermore, Holy Basil is packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants such as eugenol, which is known to protect the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. Also, eugenol helps in maintaining the cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. So, drink tulsi water daily to keep your heart in good shape.
2. It Helps in Managing Stress
Stress is your health’s enemy, and so you must avoid taking the stress. But, sometimes we try so many things to combat stress, but we are not able to get rid of the depressing thoughts. What if I told you that drinking a cup of herbal tulsi tea can help you reduce your stress level? Shocked, right? Basil helps in regulating the stress hormone, i.e. cortisol in the body. Also, it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in boosting immunity, which in turn, help you to manage stress effectively.
3. It Helps in Fighting Cancer
Cancer is a deadly disease and basil can save you from it. According to a study, basil extracts have radioprotective properties which can help in killing tumour cells in the body.
Eugenol present in tulsi has anticancer properties which assist in keeping cancer at bay. Furthermore, other phytochemicals present in basil such as retinal, apigenin and luteolin have the ability to prevent various forms of cancer.
4. It Promotes Weight Loss
Two major factors that lead to weight gain are increased blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels in the body. And according to several studies, tulsi helps in lowering blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels, thereby preventing obesity. Also, one of the primary factors leading to obesity is stress. When we take stress, we munch on unhealthy snacks which make us gain weight. And Tulsi helps in reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body, which helps in preventing obesity. You can drink herbal tulsi tea or early morning to lose weight.
5. It Boosts Immunity
A strong immune system is beneficial for our health. And holy basil helps in strengthening our immune system and protects us against all infections from bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. Various studies also claim that holy basil helps in inhibiting the growth of carcinogenic cells and HIV.
6. It Fights Inflammation
Basil leaves have anti-inflammatory properties which help fight inflammation. Eucalyptol, one of the main components of Holy Basil is known to reduce inflammation and the associated pain by increasing blood circulation around the wounded area.
7. It Keeps Your Eyes Healthy
Basil leaves protect your eyes from numerous fungal, bacterial and viral infections. The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of basil make it one of the best herbs for eye care. It protects the eyes from environmental damage and free radicals. Apart from that, holy basil leaves also help in preventing eye disorders such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, vision problems and cataracts. It can also be used for cleaning eyes by soaking basil leaves in water.
8. It Cures Headache
Drinking a cup of tulsi water or tulsi tea can quickly cure headaches caused due to sinus pressure, cold, high blood pressure or migraines. You can also take it as juice or herbal tea to increase its medicinal properties. Applying a mixture of crushed basil leaves and sandalwood paste on the forehead can give relief.
9. It Cures Cold, Cough and Sore Throat
Holy Basil or Tulsi leaves is an excellent remedy for cold, cough and sore throat. It contains antioxidants and phytonutrients which help in curing a cold and cough. Simply boil few tulsi leaves in water and drink it two times every day until you get relief. You can also use this water to gargle while it is still warm.
It protects you from common cold and fever. The leaves of holy basil have the ability to treat fever of many kinds. Soft leaves boiled in water operate as a precaution against dengue and malarial fever. Crushed leaves boiled in half a litre of water with cardamom powder, along with sugar and milk helps in bringing down a high temperature. Holy basil is a well-sterilised agent and also a disinfectant which secures the human body from all kinds of viral diseases.
10. It Prevents Lung Disorders
Tulsi contains compounds like vitamin C, Eugenol, Cineole and Camphene which cure not only the congestion of the lungs but also the infections in the lungs. Aside from that, basil leaves also heal the damage caused to the lungs due to tuberculosis and smoking. Furthermore, its antibiotic properties also help in preventing tuberculosis and lung cancer.
11. It Cures Asthma
Holy Basil or Tulsi leaves contain phytonutrients, essential oils and minerals which help in curing the underlying causes of asthma. Also, tulsi is effective in relieving congestion which helps in treating asthma. It also facilitates smoother breathing and provides relief to asthma patients. So, you must drink tulsi water or tulsi tea to keep asthma problems at bay.
12. It is Good for Your Oral Health
According to a study, basil works effectively in destroying the bacteria that are responsible for dental cavities, bad breath, plaque and tartar. Its astringent properties make the gums hold the teeth tighter, thereby making the teeth stronger. Powdered basil leaves can be applied for cleaning teeth. It can be used as a toothpaste by mixing it with mustard oil. It can simply be used as a mouth freshener as it keeps away several mouth infections. So, drink a cup of warm herbal tulsi tea mixed with honey early morning to improve your oral health.
13.Helps to Cure Stomach Ailments
It also assists in curing stomach disorders. Holy basil balances the digestion procedure and the extract of the leaves help cure acidity, stomach ache, constipation, etc.
14.Helps in Balancing Blood Sugar Ration
It curtails the blood sugar ratio as it is a significant herb that helps in balancing blood sugar stratum in an individual.
Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, holy basil or tulsi plant has many other advantages as well due to its antiseptic properties like curing inflammation, cuts, wounds, neurological pains, etc. It should be kept in mind that the discussed benefits of tulsi are only general instructions. It is always advisable to visit a doctor depending on the seriousness of the situation. Tulsi leaves can be used for treating many health disorders. So make the best use of this medicinal herb and stay healthy forever.
