15 Powerful Health Benefits Of Tulsi

Tulsi is worshipped, is offered the gods and is grown in many Hindu households not in vain but for a well-established reason – this humble, inexpensive herb comes loaded with a host of benefits. Tulsi is extremely beneficial for humans. From warding off some of the most common ailments, strengthening immunity, fighting bacterial & viral infections to combating and treating various hair and skin disorders – just a few leaves of tulsi when used regularly can help resolve a host of health and lifestyle related issues.

Tulsi has proved to be highly effective in protecting our body from various infections and diseases of heart, liver, skin, kidney etc. So, Tulsi is rightly called the ‘Queen of Herbs’. Tulsi have been recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, skin diseases, arthritis, painful eye diseases, chronic fever, insect bite etc.

Used in ayurvedic home remedies, tulsi has several health benefits that can prevent many illnesses and keep you in top health. Here are some reasons you should be including tulsi in your diet.

- Tulsi has healing powers and medicinal properties that help sharpen your memory.

- It acts as a detoxifying, cleansing and purifying agent – both from within and without.

- The herb is used as a medical treatment for respiratory disorders. Mixed with honey and ginger, tulsi makes for an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold.

- It is good for skin – both when consumed and applied topically. It is also effective in treating skin disorders, itching and issues like ringworms.

- Tulsi is rich in Vitamin C and zinc. It thus acts as a natural immunity booster and keeps infections at bay. It has immense anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties which protect us from a variety of infections.

- It has beneficial effects in cardiac problems and helps in fortifying our body during weakness. It also helps reduce the level of unwanted cholesterol.

- Tulsi leaves are also effective in treating ulcers and other infections in the mouth. Chewing these leaves helps in getting rid of these conditions.

- It helps in relieving from fever, headache, sore throat, cold, cough, flu and chest congestion.

- Helps relieve stress, strengthen immunity, and facilitate proper digestion.

- It helps in regulating uric acid levels in body, thereby elimination risks of developing kidney stones. It is also beneficial for those who have kidney stones.

- Is also beneficial in treating conditions like hepatitis, malaria, tuberculosis, dengue and swine flu.

- Tulsi contains compounds Ocimumosides A and B. These compounds reduce stress and balance the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Anti-inflammatory properties of Tulsi reduce inflammation and blood pressure.

- Tulsi have strong antioxidant property. Thus, they help in protecting us from skin, liver, oral and lung cancers.

- Tulsi leaves help to cure indigestion and loss of appetite. They are also used for the treatment of flatulence and bloating.

- The juice of basil leaves is considered effective for eye disorders such as sore eyes and night-blindness, generally caused by deficiency in Vitamin A.

How to Consume Tulsi?

- Consume Tulsi leaves raw, plucked fresh from the plant, add it in your tea or make kadha out of it.

Tulsi powders and supplements are also available in the market for consumption.

Tulsi tea

- To make tulsi tea, boil 1 cup of water and pour it over 1 tsp of fresh tulsi leaves, 1/2 tsp of dried tulsi leaves, or 1/3 tsp of tulsi powder.

- Cover the water in a pot or mug and let it seep for 15-20 minutes. Then strain the leaves, add honey if desired, and enjoy.