23 Benefits of Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi is also known as the queen of herbs. Due to its holistic properties Tulsi is widely used in many ayurvedic and naturopathic medicines. Not only its leaves but also its flower has the properties to fight a number of diseases.Tulsi is usually found in two types- the green coloured Lakshmi Tulsi and the purple-hued Krishna Tulsi. 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.

The beneficial properties that this humble plant possesses of are

1. It acts as a detoxifying, cleansing and purifying agent.
2. The juice of Tulsi leaves is very useful as it helps to bring down the fever
3. Chewing Tulsi leaves on an empty stomach will help you get rid of cold and flu.
4. Boil few Tulsi leaves in your drinking water and use it for gargling in case of a sore throat. It is also very useful for the patients who are suffering from asthma and bronchitis.
5. Headache due to heat is very common. So just make a paste of the basil leaves and sandalwood and apply it to the forehead. Its cooling effects will definitely make you feel relaxed and calm.
6. Black basil juice plays a very important role for eyes diseases. A few drops of black basil juice in the eyes can cure sore eyes.
7. Mix the dried leaves of basil powder with mustard oil to make a paste, massage your gums with that paste and you can also use this paste for brushing your teeth as it will help to prevent bad breath and disease like pyorrhea.
8. It is good for skin (both when consumed and applied topically).
9. It is also effective in treating skin disorders, like itching and issues like ringworms.
10. It can be cooked with teas or can be eaten raw, or powdered, or paste or in form herbal supplements.
11. It has antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-carcinogenic properties.
12. It is also beneficial in treating respiratory ailments like chronic bronchitis, asthma et cetera.
13. Helps relieve stress, strengthen immunity, and facilitate proper digestion.
14. It is loaded with phytonutrients, essential oils, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
15. Regular tulsi consumption can also aid in balancing various bodily processes.
16. It counters elevated blood sugar levels and is therefore beneficial for diabetics.
17. Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of stone, regularly taking a mixture of basil leaves juice and honey for 6 months helps expel the stones via the urinary tract.
18. According to the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India, Tulsi can help in maintaining normal levels of the stress hormone – cortisol in the body.
19. It can wards off harmful effects of free radicals.
20. Is great for dental health and for healthy gums.
21. Is an effective insect repellant and can aid in treating insect bite.
22. Is also beneficial in treating conditions like hepatitis, malaria, tuberculosis, dengue and swine flu.
23. It is also known as an adaptogen.