Tulsi, better known as Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuflorum) is a powerful herb, sometimes referred to as the King or the Queen of all herbs. In the ancient Indo-European language of India, tulsi means “the incomparable one.”
In India, Tulsi is believed to be second to none and is considered a sacred plant. It is worshipped for its potent powers in flushing toxins out of the body and balancing the mind, body, and spirit.
Tulsi has a pungent, bitter taste and is not the same sweet basil found in marinara sauces, Italian or Thai foods. It is seldom used for cooking but is non-toxic and often used to make tea. Even today, it is customary for people in India drink tulsi water or chews on tulsi leaves at least twice a day. This sacred plant is comprised of a unique composition of essential oils and a rich blend of organic compounds. It contains camphor, eugenol, nerol, flavonoids, and terpenes.
With all the benefits to human health found in Tulsi, if feels as though we can only scratch the surface of all of its amazing properties. Tulsi contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It also has an abundance of vital minerals such as:
- Calcium
- Chlorophyll
- Iron
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Zinc
The whole plant delivers healing benefits from the seeds to the leaves. For example:
- Leaves made into an essential oil soothes the skin from insect bites.
- Fresh flowers treating symptoms of flu, such as colds and coughs and more.
- The whole plant relieves nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In human and animal studies tulsi was also shown to lower stress levels in people and animals sensitive to loud environments, reduce forgetfulness, decrease sexual problems, and increase energy. The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine says that tulsi has antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. In one analysis, they found that people taking a daily dose of 500mg of tulsi reported being much happier and more social.
15 Benefits of Tulsi, Holy Basil
- Increases and Protects the Health of the Brain
The brain controls our thoughts, memory, senses, actions, and governs everything regulating the body. Tulsi is an adaptogen plant, which means it is a nontoxic substance and is often used in an extract for the health of the brain. It contains manganese and copper.
Maganese increases the transmitting of electrical activity in the brain and increases the brain’s ability to resist the damaging effects of stress, promotes and restores normal physiological functioning. It is also known to relieve headaches.
- Increases Energy Levels
Copper, like Maganese, is stimulating and enhances healthy brain functioning. Adenosine triphosphate is a compound produced by copper that greatly increases the body’s energy levels.
- Readjusting and Stabilizing Hormones
For women who experience extra tiredness, cramping and wrestling emotional lows due to post menstrual syndrome, the manganese in tulsi is awesome relieving those symptoms by balancing, readjusting and stabilizing hormones.
- Metabolic Rate
The rate in which the body burns calories is called the metabolic rate and it is fundamental in keeping the body lean and physically fit. Maganese releases enzymes to break down, absorb and use amino acids, cholesterol, carbohydrates, and vitamins that are relevant to glucose.
- Deflates Stress
Every part of the tulsi plant, from the seeds to the leaves is used for medicinal purposes and is prized for containing adaptogen compounds. Adaptogens are fantastic for holistically restoring a balance in helping the mind and body to deal with emotional and physical stress. It also repairs the damage caused by stress.
- Builds Stronger Bones
Tulsi increases bone density and prevents injury by strengthening fragile bones. Loaded with vitamin K, vitamin K is a partner in helping the body to utilize and absorb necessary calcium into the bones.
- Physically Fit Eyes
An excellent source of Beta-carotene, tulsi strengthens eye muscles and protects from degeneration. It also contains a high amount of essential amino acids and Vitamin A that are known to have healing properties for Stargardt’s disease, as well as dry eye syndrome.
- Cancer Combative
Reactive oxidant species are the primary cause of the forming of cancer cells. Tulsi has anthocyanins and phenolics, vigorous antioxidants that have been noted for protecting the body from reactive oxidants.
- Kills Microorganisms
As an essential oil, Tulsi is an anti-microbial medicine and is used as an antibiotic against the effects of bacteria and fungi. Tulsi has a broad range of antimicrobial activity, which includes human and animal pathogens. It can be used as a water purifier, hand sanitizer, and mouthwash. It can also be used to preserve food.
- Protects Liver Against Chemical Stress
The liver stores and processes energy cleans the blood and fights against infections, drugs, and toxins. Tulsi protects organs and supports the liver system against heavy metals and industrial pollutants.
- Reduces Pain of Arthritis
Research has shown that Tulsi is remarkable in its ability to reduce stress, relieve joint pain and treat ulcers. Tulsi contains a rich amount of beta-caryophyllene. Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene found in cannabis with a remarkable ability to reduce pain and inflammation. The terpene acts as a cannabinoid altering and fine-tuning neurotransmitters released within the brain and soothes the burning sensations in joints caused by arthritis.
- Relieves Acne and Eczema
Tulsi antimicrobial properties are excellent to use topically on the skin. When combined with other ingredients, such as mustard oil or lemon juice, it can help in treating most skin conditions, including acne and eczema. It is also good for ringworm.
- Asthma
Asthma is characterized by sudden fits of wheezing as the muscular bands that control the bronchial tubes tighten up. This can be tied to exercise, infection, emotions, and allergies. The camphene, eugenol, and cineole in tulsi relieves congestion, fights infections, clears the passageways and patients who take tulsi report having fewer asthma attacks.
- An Anti-Inflammatory
Cintronellol, eugenol, and linalool are anti-inflammatory compounds found in tulsi that help to root out most diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel conditions, and heart disease.
- Lowers Risk of Heart Disease and Atherosclerosis
Tulsi breaks down the fatty materials that obstruct blood flow such as the plaque and cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries.
- Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain’s neuron activity. Tulsi has neuroprotective properties. The eugenol in tulsi has been shown to diminish anxiety, increase alertness and alleviate mental fatigue.
Caution!
Always talk with a doctor before taking supplements. Tulsi can interact with medications. Never take tulsi with barbiturate sleep-inducing medications. Tulsi should also be used with caution in people with hypothyroidism or are taking blood pressure or blood thinner medications. Tulsi lowers blood pressure, lowers blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, and thins the blood.
Tulsi, Holy Basil is an ancient herb that offers therapeutic benefits and solutions to many of our modern day problems. Consider Tulsi to cope with lives everyday challenges.