Basil (Ocimum basilicum), a culinary and medicinal herb, is from the family of mints. Basil is indigenous to India and other tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. The essential oils of Basil possess antimicrobial activities against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Different Basil compounds are used to treat viral, respiratory, and hepatic infections. Studies show that the Basil leaf extract and seed oil helps enhance immunity. Lifestyle-related chronic diseases are the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, many of which can be handled through Ayurveda by focusing on healthy lifestyle practices and regular consumption of adaptogenic herbs such as Basil.
Different varieties of Basil:
- Sweet Basil is renowned for its use in many Mediterranean and Italian cuisines; it is generally used for cooking. It has a licorice-clove flavor. Sweet Basil has vitamins, minerals, and a range of antioxidants. The essential oil extracted from sweet Basil may also have medicinal benefits.
- Bush or Greek Basil has small green Basil leaves with white flowers that give out a strong fragrance. It can also be used in place of Sweet Basil. Greek Basil is easy to grow indoors in small pots.
- Thai Basil has purple stems and pink flowers with small, narrow leaves. It is slightly spicy with an anise-licorice flavor and is commonly used in Thai and Asian cuisines. Thai Basil is more stable than Sweet Basil under high temperatures.
- Lemon Basil has a strong lemon smell and flavor as it contains a chemical called citral. Lemon Basil is a good source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body that protects against sight loss.
- Holy Basil or Tulsi is widely used in health supplements and herbal tea. It is also used in some Thai dishes because of its distinct flavor. Tulsi plays a therapeutic role in Ayurvedic medicines. Most Asian Basils, such as Tulsi, have a stronger clove-like flavor than others.
Holy Basil
Of all the herbs used in Ayurveda, Tulsi is beneficial in managing physical, chemical, metabolic, and psychological stress. Tulsi, known as Holy Basil, is the most worshipped medicinal herb in the Hindu religion. The Tulsi plant is cultivated for both spiritual and medicinal purposes. From Ayurveda to Allopathy, this aromatic herb is used for various purposes. Consuming Tulsi leaves in tea or simply chewing can significantly influence blood pressure and help lower it.
Tulsi is an effective medicine for headaches, anxiety, depression, lack of sleep, and symptoms of high blood pressure. This Anti-Aging Adaptogen helps protect the heart as well as the brain. It also has anti-diabetic properties. Tulsi helps enhance the immunity in the human body due to the presence of nutrients which are vitamin A, vitamin C, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc.
The seeds, stems, and leaves of the Tulsi plant are edible and are used in numerous Indian delicacies. The leaf adds flavor to the dishes and is said to preserve and enhance the properties of the food. Holy Basil is generally not used for complex recipes, which may eliminate its natural qualities. It is used for different types of drinks such as tea, tonic, soups, refreshment drinks, etc. All of the drinks are beneficial for health, and one cup of special Holy Basil tea can reduce toxicity.
Types of Tulsi Plants in India
- Krishna /Shyama Tulsi or Purple Leaf Basil has purple leaves, which are believed to be similar to Lord Krishna's skin color, according to the Vedas, and hence given the name Krishna Tulsi. Krishna Tulsi is well-known for its crisp and pepper taste and is hard to find compared to the other types of Tulsi. Purple leaf Tulsi is used in treating throat infections, respiratory system, nasal lesions, earache, and skin diseases.
- Rama Tulsi or Green Leaf Basil, also known as Sri or Lakshmi Tulasi, gives a strong scent. It is found in Bengal and Bihar and is widely famous for its cooling taste.
- Vana Tulsi or Wild Leaf Basi is highly aromatic and has tiny hairy green leaves. Vana Tulsi helps slow down the aging process due to its strong antioxidant properties.
- Kapoor Tulsi or Heavy Flowered Basil has received its name due to its sweet aroma, which helps keep insects and mosquitoes at bay. Kapoor Tulsi is short in height and has the most flowers compared to other Tulsi plants. Kapoor Tulsi helps treat bronchitis, malaria, diarrhoea, dysentery, skin disease, arthritis, eye diseases, and insect bites.
Holy Basil for spiritual purposes
Holy Basil has a spiritual significance in almost every religion across the world. According to the Hindu mythology, Tulsi is revered as the plant incarnation of Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu, and the deity of wealth and generosity. It has been used to make holy water to bless churches in the Greek Orthodox religion and throughout Eastern European countries. In India, Tulsi is considered an embodiment of goddess Laxmi, who brings prosperity and happiness in life. This is why Indians worship this herb, and one often can find Tulsi herb in the yards of Indian families. Whether it is "tulsi vivah" or "tulsi puja," Basil has a strong religious value in India. Tulsi is a Christian symbol of holiness and spiritual birth in the West, and people still believe in this with their hearts.
Benefits of Tulsi
- Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Tulsi plant acts as an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps promote mental balance and combats various types of stress such as chemical, physical, emotional stress, etc. According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Tulsi leaves have antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. In India, many people consume tea with Tulsi leaves every day. Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend drinking Tulsi as tea using the leaves as it is caffeine-free and helps relax and clear thoughts.
- Boosts Immunity: Tulsi is a natural immunity booster, rich in antioxidants and micronutrients. It has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties that help fight common ailments such as cold, flu, viruses, fever, asthma, etc. Tulsi leaves extract raises the T helper cells and natural killer cells activity, thereby boosting the body's immune system.
- Promotes Heart Health: Tulsi has antioxidant properties that help protect the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals and also helps in reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood. Tulsi is beneficial in treating and preventing heart diseases by lowering blood lipid content, suppressing stroke, and reducing blood flow, reducing hypertension.
- Heal Infection and Wounds: For centuries, Tulsi has been used in healing wounds and infections due to the plant's anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. Tulsi also has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and boost wound healing speed and strength. Tulsi helps improve the wound's breaking strength (i.e., the pressure or weight an injury can take before it breaks), contraction, and healing time. Breaking strength refers to how much.
- Lowers Blood Pressure: In hypertension, the blood force is high against the artery walls. People with hypertension can get significant health benefits since consuming Tulsi leaves helps lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to the journal Studies of Ethno-Medicine, a combination of Neem and Tulsi was found to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure levels due to their active compounds.
- Treats Respiratory Disorders: The polluted environment affects the health of the lungs, which causes respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. Tulsi acts effectively on the respiratory system, and it also helps treat various respiratory disorders like bronchitis & tuberculosis, and inhaling the steam with Tulsi leaves clears the congestion. The compounds such as camphene, eugenol, and cineole present in Tulsi help treat viral, bacterial, and fungal infections of the respiratory system.
- Good for Diabetes: Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood sugar levels in the body. The hormone insulin transfers sugar from the blood into the cells to store or use for energy. With diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't effectively use it. Untreated high blood sugar can harm your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs. Tulsi is said to manage diabetes. Consuming Tulsi improves the metabolism process and helps the body process carbohydrates and fats. The ancient herb proves beneficial in regulating blood glucose levels and reducing the damaging effects. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetic conditions can benefit immensely from Tulsi leaves. As per research, Tulsi can lower fasting sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. The Diabetes Association researched 40 people with type-2 diabetes and asked them to stop the medication completely. This small study confirmed that Basil can effectively lower blood sugar levels.
- Anti-Aging: Tulsi is also revered for its anti-aging properties in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies have found that Tulsi has Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and phytonutrients, which are great antioxidants and protect against oxidative damage and reduce free radicals while balancing the antioxidant enzymes.
- Good for Skin & Hair: In the form of ointment or oil, Tulsi helps fight infection related to the skin and wounds. In addition, the leaves have a natural analgesic (pain-relieving) property that controls infection-induced inflammation or pain. Tulsi has some antimicrobial properties that help clear blemishes and acne. It is rich in antioxidants, and drinking tulsi tea or tulsi water can prevent premature aging. Tulsi also strengthens our hair roots, thus preventing hair loss. The anti-fungal properties of Tulsi prevent the development of fungus and dandruff.
- Relieves Fever, Cold, Cough & Pain: Tulsi is an ancient ingredient for treating fever and a prime element in the formulation of various ayurvedic treatments & home remedies. Tulsi has anti-bacterial, anti-pyretic, and anti-viral properties that help fight infections and relieve fever. The fresh juice of tulsi with black pepper powder helps treat periodic fevers. Also, tea with tulsi leaves and cardamom (elaichi) effectively lowers the temperature. Analgesic property found in Tulsi reduces aches in the body. Tulsi helps relieve cold and congestion in the chest. Juice of Tulsi leaves with honey and ginger is helpful in bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough, and cold. Chewing Tulsi leaves or drinking water boiled with Tulsi helps relieve the symptoms of sore throat and cold.
- Oral and Eye Health: Tulsi is a natural mouth freshener and an oral disinfectant. Tulsi is usually used in herbal toothpaste for its incredible teeth and gum strengthening properties. Moreover, it helps treat mouth ulcers and provides extensive oral health care. Tulsi eliminates the bacteria responsible for dental cavities, plaque, tartar, and bad breath while protecting the teeth. Its anti-inflammatory property helps boost eye health by preventing viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. It also alleviates eye inflammation and reduces stress.
- Anti-Cancer Properties: Tulsi and its active compounds are currently under research for their potential against various cancers. However, the study is still in early phases, with no human trials conducted so far. Different animal and laboratory examinations have indicated that Tulsi may have the ability to inhibit an enzyme that stimulates an inflammatory reaction and triggers cancerous activities in the body. A study still in the animal and cell stage indicates that Tulsi may repair and regenerate the cells damaged due to exposure to radiation showing its potential to destroy pre-cancerous lesions. Studies have revealed that phytochemicals and phytonutrients present in Tulsi have strong antioxidant properties and may kill the cancerous cells, thereby limiting the growth and spread of cancer.
- Treats Kidney Stones & Gouty Arthritis: Kidney stones occur when the salts and minerals in the body crystallise and create deposit build-up in the kidney. The leading cause is dehydration, due to which fluids move slowly through the kidney than usual, increasing the risk of minerals and salt compounds sticking together and creating a blockage in the urinary system. Tulsi is one of the best kidney stone treatments at home. Tulsi detoxifies the body and has diuretic properties. Ayurvedic experts suggest that some of the compounds found in Basil leaves can decrease the uric acid levels in the body, which curbs the formation of stones. Reduction in uric acid levels also provides relief to patients suffering from gout. Gout is a form of arthritis caused due to high uric acid in the body and is denoted by severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints. Also, the acetic acid present in Holy Basil leaves is known to dissolve the stones.
Other uses of Tulsi
- The sacred plant of Tulsi is known to purify the blood by flushing out the toxins and cleansing the digestive system.
- Tulsi is commercially available in pills form and topical ointments for remedying skin conditions like eczema. They also provide long-lasting relief from irritation and itching.
- Tulsi leaves extract is applied to insect bites and stings to soothe the pain, apart from repelling insects. They also decrease swelling or resulting irritation to a great extent. The dried leaves of Tulsi have been mixed with stored grains for centuries to repel insects.
- Tulsi is rich in Vitamin K, an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in strengthening bone and heart health.
- A Tulsi drink consumed while studying for prolonged hours can help improve concentration.
- Tulsi leaves are useful in gastrointestinal disorders as they help treat indigestion, appetite loss, gas, and bloating.
Side Effects of Tulsi
- Basil is considered safe when consumed in small doses; however, it is advised for people with certain health conditions to consult their dietician before use.
- Basil leaves are rich in vitamin K, which can cause blood clots. High intakes could interfere with blood-thinning drugs.
- Additionally, people consuming drugs to lower their blood pressure or taking diabetes medicines should consult dieticians before consuming Basil supplements as they may lower blood pressure or sugar.
- It is recommended not to use Holy Basil if pregnant or trying to conceive. Animal studies indicate that the use of Holy Basil supplements may harm the sperm or cause contractions in pregnancy. Risks during breastfeeding due to Basil are still unknown.
- People with hypo-thyroid have lower levels of the thyroid hormone called thyroxine. Holy Basil may lower thyroxine levels.
- Holy Basil extract may also slow blood clotting, increasing the bleeding risk during or after surgery. It is advised to stop consuming Holy Basil at least two weeks before the surgery.
- People who are allergic to Basil should not use it.
Tulsi for COVID-19
There is no medicine for COVID-19, but we all know that prevention is better than cure. In this pandemic-induced turmoil, it is necessary to focus on maintaining a strong immune system and following preventive health measures with special attention to respiratory health. Tulsi leaves are considered an immunity booster that can keep the system in check and viruses at bay. Ayurvedic experts recommend drinking 'Ayush Kwath' or 'Ayush Kudineer' or 'Ayush Joshanda,' containing mainly four medicinal herbs such as Tulsi (Holy Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Shunthi (Ginger), and Kalimirch (Black Pepper). The COVID-19 outbreak has become a cause of stress and various other mental health issues. A hot cup of Tulsi tea may help you handle stress better.
Frequently Asked Questions on Basil
How can you include Holy Basil in your daily routine?
This herb has plenty of benefits, and one should include it in their daily routine. The best way to incorporate this magical herb into your daily routine is to sip Tulsi tea daily. It is beneficial to your health and gives you freshness to kickstart your day. It reduces fatigue, nausea, and morning sickness, and you can start your day with freshness. Just put 2-3 teaspoons of Holy Basil in boiling water and let it steep for 5 minutes. Perfect Basil tea can keep you fit and healthy. One can also use Tulsi water as a mouth freshener as it benefits your dental health.
What happens if we consume Tulsi leaves daily?
When ingested daily, Tulsi leaves provide various health benefits from warding off some common maladies, boosting immunity, and to strengthening our overall health-the benefits of Tulsi are multifarious. Having 2-3 Tulsi leaves on an empty stomach in the morning can amplify these benefits.
Can we drink Tulsi water daily?
Consuming Tulsi water every day helps improve bowel movements and lower acid refluxes as well as indigestion and other digestive issues. It also helps flush out toxins and cleanse the body's digestive system.
Who should not take Holy Basil?
It is advised for children, pregnant and nursing women to not ingest Tulsi. Be sure to consult your doctor before consuming Tulsi if taking any medications.
What is Holy Basil dosage?
There is no particular dosage for Tulsi, but approximately 3 grams of dried leaf powder can be used daily on an empty stomach. Speak with a healthcare provider to determine what product might be best for a specific condition. Discuss with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking Holy Basil with prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, or supplements.
Is Basil toxic?
A safe dosage of Holy Basil for a long duration has not been documented yet to prove its toxicity, and the recommended dosages established have been from short-term studies. It has been observed that chewing Tulsi leaves alone may not be a safer way of consumption because the mercury present in Tulsi gets released in your mouth, causing tooth damage and discoloration. Also, Tulsi leaves are acidic in nature, and the mouth is alkaline, which can cause enamel to wear off sooner. Hence, the best way to consume Tulsi is by making tea, juice, etc.
Disclaimer:
This content is for information and educational purposes only and should not be perceived as medical advice. Please consult a certified medical or healthcare professional before making any decision regarding your health using the content above.
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