An elixir, and an herbal remedy, Tulsi or Basil has several health benefits. It is a solution to many health-related problems. There are several tulsi plant benefits that work wonders for us. It is grown in almost every Indian household for its capability to promote the overall well-being of the human body.
Uses of tulsi range from stress relief to gut health and have been proven in many studies, and globally, people have acknowledged the same. The sweet scent of this plant not only gives a fresh vibe to households but also plays an important role in addressing many immunological and other health-related conditions with ease. Let's learn what these benefits are and how tulsi can be used for maximum benefit.
Anti-stress Qualities of Tulsi
Tulsi is known to be rich in adaptogen, a plant-based extract that helps reduce the negative effects of stress on one's body by making the body more stress-resistant. Apart from this, several researches list down the following benefits of tulsi
In today's fast-paced life, humans have to deal with a lot of disturbing things. If you chew a few tulsi leaves every day, it may help keep your spirits high and will assist your body in functioning optimally during stressful times.
Anti-inflammatory Properties of Tulsi
Regular uses of Tulsi help Vata, or wind, in the body. As per Ayurveda, Vata is associated with blood flow, breathing and elimination. Tulsi is also known to heal wounds. It has a cooling effect and helps soothe the pain caused by abrasions, cuts or other small wounds. Thus, its external application on swollen parts or wounds helps reduce discomfort.
For this, you need to collect 10 to 15 fresh leaves of Tulsi and grind them into a thick paste. Now apply this paste on the inflamed part until you see the effects. You can also use this paste to treat skin rashes, itching and insect bites.
3 Benefits of Tulsi in Improving the Digestion System
People nowadays have irregular eating habits. With individuals preferring to mostly eat junk food, they naturally suffer from digestion problems. However, tulsi's medicinal benefits cater to the digestive health of an individual. The sharp taste of tulsi improves taste and thereby improves appetite.
This miracle herb is known to accentuate metabolism and relieve indigestion. Some leaves of tulsi help detoxify the body and skin by removing toxins. If you are travelling and are prone to motion sickness, take some tulsi leaves along since tulsi keeps nausea at bay. Moreover, tulsi relieves stomach aches that may crop up in the flanks due to flatulence or bloating.
How Tulsi Improves Gut Health
A healthy gut is related to a lot of internal functions in the body and thus, the importance of good gut health cannot be stressed enough. Well, tulsi leaves are the answer to good gut health. One of the uses of tulsi is to improve gut health. Tulsi juice helps detoxify the liver.
If you dislike the usual flavour of tulsi leaves, here's a quick and easy drink that you can have whenever you feel stomach discomfort or to improve gut health in general. All you need is some tulsi leaves, sugar or jaggery, and ginger. Add it to some water and bring it to a boil. Once done, turn off the flame, sieve the water and have it.
Tulsi as a Detox Agent
One glass or cup of tulsi water every morning will flush out all possible toxins from your body. Detoxification is one of the most well-known uses of the tulsi plant due to it being rich in antioxidants. This is also one reason why consuming tulsi water along with your workout routine helps you stay fit and shed a few kilos.
Tulsi as a detox agent also replenishes skin cells and helps your skin look brighter and fresh. Tulsi water can be had once it is cold or slightly warm. This powder can also be mixed with gram flour or besan to help reduce tanning and clear the complexion. However, it is recommended to do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Managing Diabetes with Tulsi
Tulsi's medicinal benefits in lowering blood sugar levels have been substantiated by Ayurveda and various experts. Tulsi is known to help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type-2 diabetes. The reason behind this is that tulsi leaves contain enzymes that aid in the smooth secretion of insulin and improve pancreatic beta-cell function.
This, in turn, increases the intake of glucose by muscle cells. For this purpose, tulsi leaves can be chewed as is, or you can prepare tulsi tea in the way mentioned above. Additionally, tulsi leaves can be added to dishes for them to absorb the goodness and richness of this wonder herb.
Antimicrobial Properties of Tulsi
Food Preservation is one of the uses of tulsi extract and the essential oil of Tulsi seeds that inhibit any kind of bacterial and fungal infestation. Scientific studies on Holy Basil have proven that it has multiple pharmacological properties like an antioxidant, detoxifying agent, anticancer, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticoagulant and anti-thyroid. Such is the miracle of this herb.
Tulsi can help you fight a lot of infections. Ten benefits of tulsi include fighting respiratory problems, curing fever, addressing allergies and asthma, soothing eye infections, and more. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of tulsi work as a heart tonic and keep heart issues at bay.
Conclusion
Tulsi is one of the most sacred and valuable plants in Hindu mythology and has been mentioned in many religious texts, including the Vedas. Tulsi tea and leaves have been a part of Indian households and Indian kitchens since time immemorial. The consumption of tulsi has minimum side effects. If there is something that is an affordable and viable way of ensuring your physical and mental well-being, it is the tulsi plant and tulsi plant benefits. So, grow a plant in your home today and soak in the eternal benefits of Tulsi.
FAQs
How can I prepare a tulsi face pack at home?
There are different uses of tulsi leaves. One such usage is facial skin care. Making a DIY tulsi face pack is easy. All you need is dry tulsi leaves completely in the sun until they turn flaky. Make a fine powder in the grinder and rub it on your face or mix it in some water and apply it on the skin. Wash after 10-15 minutes. This exfoliator-cum-face pack will exfoliate the skin, help remove dark spots and clear the clogged pores, giving a resplendent glow to your face.
What is the nutritional value of different uses of tulsi leaves?
Tulsi leaves are rich in vitamins, protein, minerals and carbohydrates. It is also an excellent source of minerals like phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese and zinc. Tulsi plant benefits accrue from the presence of various other useful compounds like linalool, ursolic acid, carvacrol, lutein, estragole, rosmarinic acid and zeaxanthin that enable the herb to act as an elixir.
Should one take precautions while consuming tulsi?
Tulsi is a safe herb to consume. However, pregnant and lactating mothers must consume tulsi on an everyday basis only after consulting their doctor.
Can tulsi help with skin disorders?
Tulsi helps with skin disorders. Before taking a bath, add some tulsi leaves (ensure the water is clean.) This will help you with eczema, skin rashes or ringworms.
Can tulsi help protect food grains from insects?
For a long time, dried tulsi leaves have been added to food grain bags to keep insects at bay.
Where can I get tulsi essential oil?
Tulsi essential oil can be purchased at any medical store or online. However, you must look for the hallmark to ensure that the product is original and authentic.
Is tulsi useful for dental problems?
Many kinds of toothpaste are known to have tulsi as one of their main ingredients. Tulsi leaves to ward off dental problems like plaque and cavities. Chewing tulsi leaves just like that or using a toothpaste containing tulsi extract can help you address dental problems. However, do not keep tulsi leaves in your mouth for too long.
Can tulsi be had with other medications?
Tulsi must be taken with drugs or medications only on a doctor’s prescription since it might react adversely with medications. It is also possible that it might reduce the positive effect of medications or negate their effect in totality.