Basil – Tulsi | Health Benefits of Tulsi

Basil – Tulsi:

It is a holy plant in Hindu culture and it is easy to grow. Mostly found in the Hindu family courtyard. Basil is being worshiped in the form of Goddess of Devi wealth or Lakshmi which is a symbol of prosperity and peace. Tulsi leaves are being used for traditional medicine purposes also. A string of beads made from Tulsi roots or stems called Tulsi Mala, which are considered to be auspicious for the wearer. The order of basil leaves spreading in the air will purify the atmosphere. Harmful germs, insects, mosquitoes, and flies do not grow. Basil leaves are used in herbal tea, make Kadha, and make a paste that is used on acne and pimples. Basil oil is also beneficial for many ailments. Ursolic acid is an active ingredient in Tulsi which is good for cancer. Basil leaves in the form of powder and paste are being used in many medical and cosmetics as an ingredient. In the ancient science of Ayurveda, Basil leaves are being used as a medicine for many types of ailments.

According to Ayurveda and naturopathy, basil leaves are very useful and play an important role in various ailments. Its essential oils are being used to treat so many diseases from ancient times. According to Naturopathy and Ayurveda, The essential oils found in basil leaves, effectively act on our respiratory system. It’s rich in antioxidants i.e. vitamin A and C which helps in mitigating stress and conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and so on. “Basil has linoleic acid which is extremely beneficial for the skin. According to Ayurveda, basil leaves have volatile effects which may help to fight allergies, infections, and pathogens. Basil paste or leaves powder has been utilized in herbal and cosmetic products for a long time because it has purifying, detoxifying, and cleansing properties. Commonly paired with other herbs and ingredients like neem, giloy, and turmeric, basil leaves paste, when this paste is applied on acne and pimples, it ensures relief with lesser chances of repeat breakouts.

Basil has thousand of varieties but most commonly found of two types.

Basil is two types:

1. The purple color is called Shyam Tulsi or Shyama Tulsi

2. The Green color is called Ram Tulsi or Rama Tulsi

Almost both type basils (Tulsi) have the same qualities.

Basil leaves can be widely and foremost commonly used ingredients in many Indian home remedies. From regular fever to a number of the deadliest and most fatal bacterial and viral infections – Basil can help to cure up to some extent, facilitate treating most diseases. According to Naturopathy Doctor’s suggestion, consuming a drink made by boiling basil leaves and adding about 1 – 2 grams of black pepper thereto. This drink helps in building your immunity, acts as an antibacterial element, and facilitates recovery from dengue. The kadha – a mixture of ginger, turmeric, basil leaves, black pepper, giloy, and cinnamon powder in boiling hot water – is typically seen as a potion that will put most illnesses straight. Apart from these, there’s a bundle of other beneficial properties.

Health Benefits of Basil (Tulsi):

1.    Anti Oxidant and Anti Bacterial:  

It cures infectious diseases related to viruses, bacteria due to phytonutrients, vitamin A, and C, etc. It is very effective in treating skin ailments this is itching, ringworms, etc. It also protects body organs from the free radicals. Free radicals may be due to any type of stress, and exercises, etc.

 2.    Anti-Viral and Anti-carcinogenic: 

It has a lot of natural ingredients that are protected from viruses and many types of cancer. Its Kadha is good for headaches, fever, malaria, dengue, flu, coronavirus, and hepatitis.

 3.    Detoxifying and Cleansing Agent: 

It purifies the blood and it is very helpful to remove toxins from the body. It cleanses the gastro intestine system and removes the bad bacteria. It is very helpful to improve the body’s metabolic rate. It is very good for the skin due to Vitamin A, and cleansing properties. Used in any form either applied on the skin or consume.

4.    Good for Respiratory Systems: 

It is good for respiratory system related ailments i.e. cough, cold, flu, throat sore, and chest conjunction. It also helps to cure asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and tuberculosis.

5.    Destroyer of Tridosa:  

According to Ayurveda, basil is a destroyer of gas, acid, and cough. Mostly diseases are due to an imbalance of three dosa i.e. gas, acid, and cough. Basil leaves are useful to maintain all three dosa under the healthier limit.

6.    Reduced Cholesterol: 

It’s anti-oxidant, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties increase liver performance. Mostly cholesterol is produced by the liver. When liver functionality improves than the liver takes cholesterol from the blood to make bile and perform to produce other hormones and enzymic reactions. That’s why; it reduces blood cholesterol from the blood slowly.

7.    Boost Immunity: 

It boosts immunity and has an antioxidant effect. It is loaded with a lot of potent phytonutrients, essential oil, vitamin A, and C.

8.    Good for Digestive System: 

Basil increases digestive power and kills worms. It is very useful to stop vomiting immediately. It is also to reduce weight because increases body metabolic rate.

 9.    Improve Brain Power: 

It improves the cognitive function of the brain that’s why It is very helpful in mental weakness and improves memory. It also provides relaxation from physical exertion 

10.   Used in Herbal tea: 

It is used to prepare herbal tea, herbal supplements, and other herbal products related to skin. It has an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory property that’s why herbal tea is very effective in swelling and improves digestion. Basil leaves or good quality basil supplements are being used empty stomachs then very effective to kills worm.

11.    Calming Effect: 

It is useful to release stress and reduce blood pressure and anxiety. Basically it maintains the stress hormone – cortisol and other hormones also which may be the cause of stress in the body.

12.    Anti Diabetes:  

It counters elevated blood sugar levels and is therefore beneficial for diabetics. Its leaves improve pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin secretion.

13.    Good for Oral Health: 

It is also good for dental health and for healthy gums. If anybody chews some leaves and massage the gum from the leaves. But basil should be grown in a pollution-free area otherwise its leaves should not chew. It is very beneficial in pyorrhea and other gum disorder due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It protects from breath a bad odor.

14.    Regulate uric acid: 

It helps in regulating uric acid levels in the body, thereby eliminating the risks of developing kidney stones and osteoporosis. It is also beneficial for those who have kidney stones. It is also good for arthritis.

15.     Effective for Insects repellant: 

Basil leaves contain a kind of oil that is an effective insect repellant and can be used as first aid in treating insect bite.

How and When to Grow?

Basil plant grows in rich and moist soil with ample sunlight. You’ll begin by planting it just a couple of centimeters below the soil with a light-weight cover of dirt. Let it grow indoors till it’s about 6-7 inches tall, after which the plant is often transferred outdoors. Basil should be planted in the summer season right before the monsoon.

How to use Basil: 

Basil leaves should be used fresh in tea or make kadha. Its leaves are also used for flavor and aroma purposes. We should not chew Basil leaves where air pollution is high because basil leaves absorbed lead from the air which is not good for our teeth and gums. It is also used for aromatic fragmented in cooking.

Conclusion:

According to Naturopathy & Ayurvedic Treatment System, Basil leaves can be used every day for a healthier life. It prevents viruses and boosts immunity. It has a lot of health benefits. It comes in the superfood products category for human beings. If fresh air basil leaves are not available then you can use good quality basil supplements.