Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Information, Recipes And Health Benefits

Tulsi (Holy Basil) has always been the most popular herb in Ayurveda. To know more about the plant, health benefits, and the recipes, keep reading the post.

Read Also: Here is Why Basil Needs to be Grown in Every House!

What is Tulsi?

Tulsi or Tulasi (Holy Basil) is always considered a sacred plant according to the Hindu belief. In fact, the plant is a manifestation of goddess Tulsi, the worshipper of the Lord Vishnu.

Usually, the holy plant is found in two varieties which are nothing but Lakshmi Tulsi and Krishna Tulsi. While the former plant has green colored leaves, the leaves of the latter variety are purple in color. Besides the Indian subcontinent, the sacred plant is found in numerous regions of South East Asian countries.

Many Hindu families prefer growing Tulsi in the courtyard simply because it can be used for medicinal and religious purposes. So, with this in mind, let’s have a look at the health benefits of Tulsi, and the various recipes.

Tulsi Leaves Benefits

Owing to different kind of properties, Tulsi / Holy Basil offers many health benefits. When a person sources the extract, he can always think of enhancing his mental and physical health.

Treats Respiratory Disorders

Tulsi is extremely effective to combat respiratory disorders and congestion. The natural extract works wonders due to the presence of constituents like camphene, cineole and eugenol. The person can also be relieved if he is suffering from chronic as well as acute bronchitis. Moreover, the essential oils and the phytonutrients help to give instant relief from asthma.

Cures Fever

Due to the presence of phytonutrients and essential oils, holy basil always acts as an antibiotic, germicidal, disinfectant and fungicidal agent. Regular intake of Tulsi not only helps to destroy pathogens but also offer protection from all sorts of infection. So, if you are suffering from fever, then it’s always a good idea to consume a decoction of Tulsi flowers and leaves.

Prevents Lung Disorders

If you have lung congestion or problems associated with breathing, then Tulsi serves to be a remedy. While Vitamin C, camphene, Eugenol and cineole help in controlling the infection, the antibiotic properties help to cure ailments like Tuberculosis. Moreover, the leaves are effective when a person is suffering from lung cancer or damage caused due to excessive smoking.

Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases

Tulsi aids in protecting the heart against the harmful effects of free radicals. While Vitamin C and antioxidants protect the heart in a better way, Eugenol always helps in regulating the cholesterol level in the bloodstream. Moreover, regular consumption of Tulsi tea is useful for keeping the blood pressure under control.

Reduces Stress

Vitamin C and antioxidants present in Tulsi offers instant relief from stress. The stress is reduced once the extract calms down the nerves, lowers the blood pressure and reduces inflammation. Potassium in Tulsi aids in replenishing Sodium and in releasing the tension within the blood vessels. In fact, when the level of Sodium is restored, the leaves help to reduce fatigue to a better extent.

Good for Diabetes

Since the herb has the ability to control the blood sugar level, it is a remedy for abnormal lipid profiles. Moreover, Tulsi tea can help in protecting the liver and kidneys against metabolic damage. Eventually, the consequences of Hyperglycemia are reduced to a considerable extent.

Acts as a Mouth Freshener

If you are thinking about improving oral health, then the Tulsi herb can be used as a disinfectant. As most of the germs and bacteria are killed, the leaves could be a solution for curing mouth ulcers. Finally, the extract reduces the chances of oral cancer which may be caused due to continuous consumption of tobacco. The astringent properties make the gums strong and prevent the teeth from falling.

Relieves from Skin Diseases

Taking a bath with a decoction of Tulsi leaves in hot water can always keep the skin free from infections. The person can also rub holy basil leaves on the skin to protect the body from insects and mosquitoes. Applying a paste of leaves on the skin can remove excess oil and give a soothing effect.

Relieves from Headaches

As Tulsi helps in reducing stress, the person can be instantly relieved from headaches, cough and migraine. Compounds like cineol, carvacrol, eugenol, camphene and methyl-chavicol calm down the mental state whenever the person is under stress or is anxious.

Good for Eyes

Washing your eyes daily with some leaves of Tulsi soaked in water can always keep the person away from boils, conjunctivitis and other problems associated with the eyes. Regular consumption of Tulsi tea can protect the eyes, increase Vitamin A and C level and reduce the probabilities of cataracts, glaucoma, ophthalmia and macular degeneration. In fact, the Tulsi herb aids to control damage due to free radicals around the eyes.

Prevents Kidney Stones

Removing toxins from the body and reducing the level of uric acid is one among the holy basil health benefits. Acetic acid and certain constituents of Tulsi help in dissolving the stones and clean the kidneys. The herb also acts as a painkiller when the pain becomes unbearable due to kidney stones.

Prevents Graying of Hair

One of the benefits of Tulsi is to retain the color of your hair. As the herb increases the level of catalase, the enzyme breaks down hydrogen peroxide and prevents the hair from losing its color. Thus, if you are concerned about hair, then it’s better to consume Tulsi tea regularly.

Boosts Testosterone

Holy Basil leaves always help in enhancing the testosterone level. But, a person should always take care of how often he consumes Tulsi. The leaves may decrease the sperm count and may affect behavior while the individual is indulging in an act of love.

Tulsi Leaves Recipes

There are many different ways in which you can consume Tulsi extract. Basically, you can prepare Tulsi Pudhina Drink, Tulsi Tea or Tulsi Syrup.

Tulsi Tea

With its herbal accents, Tulsi tea can be prepared within a few minutes. Initially, you need to add Tulsi leaves to one and half a cup of water and stir in a pan for 10 minutes. Later, you need to strain the concoction in a deep bowl and add a few drops of lemon juice. After mixing everything thoroughly, you should pour the tea into a cup and enjoy the drink.

If you are wondering about Tulsi Tea benefits, then the concoction helps in curing a sore throat. For better results, the addition of lemon juice helps to reduce mucus, and increase the level of saliva.

The antioxidants help in improving the immune system and in increasing the capability to combat many disorders.

Tulsi Pudhina Drink

For preparing the Tulsi Pudhina drink, you first need to wash mint and tulsi leaves for 5 minutes. Later, you need to cool them, add a little bit of honey and drink the juice while it’s warm. For better results, you should have the drink as soon as you wake up in the morning.

Tulsi Syrup

In case you need to prepare Tulsi syrup, then you need to crush ginger and tulsi leaves and extract the juice. Later, you need to mix the juice thoroughly and add some honey for enhancing the taste. While ginger helps controlling body weight, Tulsi can control the cholesterol level and keep the blood sugar level under control.

Finally, you may come across several uses of Tulsi. Apart from rejuvenating the person, the leaves serve to treat snakebites or stings of scorpions. You can also use the leaves for seasoning recipes and treat fever once they are mixed with peppercorns.

The natural extract can be useful for relieving the person from morning sickness, constipation, and excess acidity. No matter what the purpose might be, the leaves shouldn’t be chewed for a long time because they contain mercury.

If you are pregnant or taking medicines for a blood-clotting disorder, then you should speak with the doctor and then consume the leaves. Studies have also revealed that Tulsi can decrease fertility in animals and human beings.

Hope you are now well aware of this natural property. If yes, then let share it with others on social media for better awareness.