The health
benefits of TULSI include the following:
Fever: The miraculous
healing properties of Holy Basil come mainly from its essential oils and the
phytonutrients contained in it. Holy Basil is an excellent antibiotic,
germicidal, fungicidal and disinfectant agent and very efficiently protects our
body from all sorts of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Fever is mainly
caused due to infections from protozoa (malaria), bacteria (typhoid), viruses
(flu) and even 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 tulsi destroys all those pathogens discussed above and heals the
resulting fever. It is an old practice in India to have a decoction of tulsi
leaves and flowers in case you are suffering from a fever.
Respiratory Disorders: Tulsi, along with curing viral, bacterial and fungal infections of the
respiratory system, gives miraculous relief in congestion due to the presence
of components like Camphene, Eugenol and Cineole in its essential oils. It is
very effective in curing almost all varieties of respiratory disorders
including bronchitis, both chronic and acute.
Asthma: Tulsi is very
beneficial in the treatment of asthma, since it relieves congestion and
facilitates smoother breathing. The phytonutrients and essential oils, along
with the other minerals in it, help cure some of the underlying causes of
asthma as well.
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 Basil, 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 very 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. Finally,
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 bad
breath, while also protecting the teeth. It also has astringent properties
which make the gums hold the teeth tighter, thereby keeping them from falling.
However, tulsi 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: Try 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. You can also just consume tulsi leaves, and
still manage to keep your skin free from all infections. You may not believe
this, but rubbing Holy Basil leaves or its extracted oils on the body keeps
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 caused
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,
phytonutrients and the essential oils in Holy Basil 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.
Immunity: Holy Basil is so
good for boosting up the immune system that it is hard to describe in words. It
protects against nearly all infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi and
protozoa. Recent studies show that it is also helpful in inhibiting the growth
of HIV and carcinogenic cells.
Eye Care: Wash your
eyes daily with a few leaves of basil soaked in water and you will be free from
conjunctivitis, boils and many other problems of the eyes which are caused due
to viral, bacterial or fungal infections. It also soothes eye inflammation and
reduces stress. Regular consumption can protect your eyes from much of the
damage done by the free radicals, such as cataracts, macular degeneration,
glaucoma, vision defects, and opthalmia, due to the high antioxidant content of
its essential oils, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Other Benefits: It can protect your
body from radiation poisoning and also heal and damages from that sort of
condition. It can be given after surgery to help heal wounds quickly and also
to protect those healing areas from infections. It acts as a vaccine against
pox if consumed regularly. It is anticarcinogenic and found to be effective in
healing nearly all types of cancer and tumors. Being an expectorant is one of
the most prized properties of Holy Basil, making it very efficient in curing
coughs and colds. It is beneficial in reducing labor pain, destroying rabies
germs, treating gastroenteritis, cholera, whooping cough, measles, mumps,
rheumatism, nausea, septic, urinary and genital infections, destroying worms in
the stomach. Furthermore, its dried leaves can be mixed with food grains to be
used as an insect repellant. Apart from these many functions, more alternative
applications and uses of this truly miraculous plant are always being
discovered or experimented with.
Perhaps you should
just find out how amazing it can be for yourself!
You may consult with me for Disease prevention and Health Management at
+91-9748354306 or mail at nutrition.everyday@gmail.com
