Health benefits of TULSI

Cures a fever: Tulsi has very potent germicidal, fungicidal,
anti-bacterial and anti-biotic properties that are great for resolving
fevers. It has the potential to cure any fever right from those caused
due to common infections to those caused due to malaria as well. In
ayurveda, it is strongly advised that a person suffering from fever
should have a decoction made of tulsi leaves. In case of a fever boil a
few leaves of tulsi with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water( The
proportion of tulsi to cardamom powder should be in the ratio 1:0.3).
Let it reduce to half its total volume. Mix this decoction with sugar
and milk. Sip every two to three hours. This remedy is especially good
for children.

Beats diabetes: leaves of holy basil are packed
with antioxidants and essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl
eugenol and caryophyllene. Collectively these substances help the
pancreatic beta cells (cells that store and release insulin) function
properly. This in turn helps increase sensitivity to insulin. Lowering
one’s blood sugar and treating diabetes effectively. An added advantage
is that the antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill effects
of oxidative stress.

Protects the heart: Tulsi has a powerful anti-oxidant component called
Eugenol. This compound helps protect the heart by keeping one’s blood
pressure under control and lowering his/her cholesterol levels. Chewing a
few leaves of tulsi on an empty stomach everyday can both prevent and
protect any heart ailments.

Beats stress: According to a study conducted by the Central Drug
Research Institute, Lucknow, India, tulsi helps to maintain the normal
levels of the stress hormone – cortisol in the body. The leaf also has
powerful adaptogen properties (also known as anti-stress agents). It
helps sooth the nerves, regulates blood circulation and beats free
radicals that are produced during an episode of stress. People who have
high stress jobs can chew about 12 leaves of tulsi twice a day to beat
stress naturally.

Dissolves kidney stones: The holy basil being a great diuretic and
detoxifier is great for the kidneys. Tulsi helps reduce the uric acid
levels in the blood (one of the main reasons for kidney stones is the
presence of excess uric acid in the blood), helps cleanse the kidneys,
the presence of acetic acid and other components in its essential oils
helps in breaking down kidney stones and its painkiller effect helps
dull down the pain of kidney stones. To relieve kidney stones one must
have the juice of tulsi leaves with honey, every day for six months to
help wash out the stone from the kidney.

Beats cancer: With strong anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties
tulsi has been found to help stop the progression of breast cancer and
oral cancer (caused due to chewing tobacco). This is because its
compounds restrict the flow of blood to the tumour by attacking the
blood vessels supplying it. Have the extract of tulsi every day to keep
these conditions at bay.

Helps to quit smoking: Tulsi is known to have very strong anti- stress
compounds and is great to help one quit smoking. It helps by lowering
the stress that may be involved in trying to quit smoking, or stress
that leads to the urge to smoke. It also has a cooling effect on the
throat just like menthol drops and helps control the urge to smoke by
allowing the person to chew on something. Ayurveda relies heavily on
tulsi leaves as a smoking cessation device. Keep some leaves with you
and chew it whenever the urge to smoke arises. Another plus is that the
antioxidant property of the leaves will help fight all the damage that
arises out of years of smoking.

Keeps your skin and hair healthy and glowing: The holy basil has
powerful purifying properties. When eaten raw, it purifies the blood
giving the skin a beautiful glow, and prevents the appearance of acne
and blemishes. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties are very
effective in preventing breakouts on acne prone skin. Ayurvedic doctors
say that this herb can cure difficult skin conditions like those caused
due to ring worms and even leucoderma. Apart from all this, it helps in
reducing itchiness of the scalp and helps to reduce hair fall. Mix the
powder in coconut oil and apply regularly to the scalp to prevent hair
fall. Eating tulsi leaves, drinking the juice, or adding its paste to a
face pack can help cure skin and hair conditions.

Heals respiratory conditions: Tulsi has immunomodulatory (helps to
modulate the immune system), antitussive (suppresses the cough center,
reducing the amount of cough) and expectorant properties (helps expel
phlegm from the chest), that make it a great relief for coughs, cold,
and other respiratory disorders including chronic and acute bronchitis.
Another great property of this leaf is that it has anti-bacterial and
anti-fungal properties that help to beat the infection causing the
respiratory problem. It also relieves congestion since it contains
potent components like camphene, eugenol and cineole in its essential
oils. Its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties also help to
treat allergic respiratory disorders.

Cures a headache: Tulsi helps to relieve headaches caused due to
sinusitis, allergies, cold or even migraines. This is because it has
pain relieving and decongestant properties, that help relieve the pain
and resolve the root cause of the condition. If you are suffering from a
headache, make a bowl of water that has been boiled with crushed tulsi
leaves or tulsi extract. Cool the water till it is room temperature or
bearably hot. Place a small towel in it, wring out the excess water and
place this on your forehead to treat a headache. Alternatively you could
dip a towel in plain warm water and add a few drops of tulsi extract to
the towel for immediate relief.

These are just some benefits of the plant, other benefits include
treatment for common colds, itchiness of the skin, treatment for insect
bites, curing common conditions of the eye and as a herbal remedy for
bad breath. So the text time you feel ill, try having a few leaves of
tulsi.