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Health Benefits Of Tulsi ( Ocimum sanctum)
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Health Benefits Of Tulsi ( Ocimum sanctum)

Sam  Views: 6359  4 min read

Tulsi also known as Holy basil is a incredibly beneficial herb which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional medicine treatments for many years. It is worshiped and is grown in many Hindu households for many reasons.

It is native to southeast Asia and has several health benefits due to its unique composition of essential oil, containing eugenol, camphor, flavonoids, nerol and various terpenes. It is extremely beneficial for humans from warding off some of the most common health ailments, strengthening immunity, fighting bacterial and viral infections to combating and treating various hair and skin disorders.

From its leaves to the seed, Holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind and spirit.

Here are some of the health benefits of holy basil.

Cures fever

Tulsi has very potent germicidal, fungicidal, antibacterial and antibiotic properties that are great for resolving fevers. In Ayurveda, it is strongly advised to have a decoction made of tulsi leaves when suffering from fever. The disinfectant, germicidal and fungicidal properties of tulsi destroys all the pathogens and cures fever.

Protects the heart

Tulsi has a powerful anti-oxidant component called Eugenol. Eugenol helps protect heart by keeping blood pressure under control and lowering cholesterol levels. Holy basil targets metabolic stress and it can also help with weight loss and cholesterol levels. Animal studies revealed significant changes in rabbit’s fat molecules when they ate fresh holy basil leaves. Bad cholesterol (Low Density Lipoproteins) lowered and good cholesterol (High Density Lipoproteins- cholesterol) increased.

Protects against infections and treat wounds

Extracts made from its leaves are believed to boost wound healing speed because it has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Reduces stress and anxiety

Tulsi is thought to be helpful in maintaining normal levels of stress hormone (cortisol) in the body. Furthermore, holy basil is considered an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance. It helps sooth the nerves, regulates blood circulation and beats free radicals that are produced during episodes of stress.

Scientific research shows holy basil has pharmacological properties to help mind cope with numerous types of stress. One study discovered that people who took 500 mg of holy basil extracts daily felt less anxious, stressed and depressed.

Lowers blood sugar

Holy basil’s leaves are full of antioxidants and essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. These substances help pancreatic beta cells function properly and help increase sensitivity to insulin lowering blood sugar and treating diabetes effectively.

Treats cancer

Tulsi contains the powerful antioxidant, ursolic acid. Ursolic acid is one of several phytonutrients exhibiting antioxidant effects. Studies have shown that ursolic acid inhibit replication of abnormal DNA while preventing tumor growth and metastasis. It has ability to destroy specific cancer “bodyguards” that protect the survival of cancer cells.

Holy basil is recently found to provide protection against the instability of genes caused by radiation therapy for cancer. Studies indicate that orientin and vicenin from basil leaf extract are capable of safeguarding organs highly sensitive to radiation toxicity.

Treatment of respiratory system disorders

A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. Tulsi has immunomodulatory ( helps to modulate the immune system), antitussive (suppress the cough centre, reducing the amount of cough) and expectorant properties (helps expel phlegm from the chest).

Moreover, it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to cure respiratory problems. Its anti allergic and anti inflammatory properties help treat allergic respiratory disorders.

Cures a headache

The analgesic and decongestant properties of Holy basil relieve headache caused due to sinusitis, allergies, cold and even migraines.


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Sam
Sam
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