Tulsi or the Holy Basil a herb which can be used as a remedy for a lot of common ailments. Holy basil carries significance importance in hindu religion during pujas, in ceremonies and worship of God. Tulsi mixed along with other herbs have proven to be good and effective medicinal properties in treating various ailments.
- Pediatric Use: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, Tulsi leaves taken with saffron or kesar (3-5 threads) will hasten them.
- Different Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.
- Fevers: The leaves of Tulsi are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should begiven every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.
- Common Cold: Preparation of 10-12 Tulsi leaves boiled in water with 1/2 inch ginger can work wonders on common cold. Boil the ingredients till the 2 cup water is reduced to 1 cup. Sipping this herbal tea helps build immunity and treat common cold.
- Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.
- Quit Smoking and Chewing tobacco : Tulsi can also help you immensely if you are trying to quit smoking. It is more helpful than nicotine gums and candies which claim to keep you distracted from your need of smoking. Keep some fresh tulsi leaves in your pocket and munch whenever you feel the urge to smoke. The tulsi juice will cool your throat just as the mint drops do and chewing will distract you. The anti-oxidant works in repairing the damage to to your body by smoking.
- Lung disorder : Several compounds present in this herb like Vitamin C, camphene, Eugenol can cure lung congestion. They have proven to be effective in healing damage caused by smoking, tuberculosis etc.
- Respiratory Disorder: Tulsi leaves are useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A mix of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A thick mixture of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a litre of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.
- Mouth Ulcers : The leaves are quiet effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
- Sore Throat : Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.
- Heart Disorders : Tulsi has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.
- Stress : Tulsi leaves are regarded as an ‘adaptogen’ or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew these tulsi leaves. Having leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress.
- Stomach problems : Helps reducing stomach problems like acidity, constipation and gas formation can also be cured with tulsi leaves. Tulsi supports digestion and makes you feel less bloated and more comfortable. It also helps people suffering from vomiting and lack of appetite.
- Insect Bites : Tulsi is a preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.
- Teeth Disorder : The herb, tulsi is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustard oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, removes bad breath and can be used for massaging the gums.
- Kidney Stone : Tulsi has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of tulsi leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will remove the kidney stone from through the urinary track.
- Headaches : Tulsi works wonder for headache. A decoction (Arka in sanskrit) of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from headache due to excessive heat and for providing coolness in general.
- Diabetes : Tulsi is one of the many herbs that help to control blood sugar level in a person. Helps reducing the blood sugar level after a regular use.
- Eye Disorders : Tulsi leaves juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of Krishna Tulsi (black basil) juice put into eyes daily at bedtime helps in reducing eye burn and stress.
- Blood Purification : Chewing 5-7 Tulsi leaves with a glass of water on empty stomach helps in purification of blood and helping in many ways from giving a glowing skin to building immune system.
DISCLAIMER: The benefits listed in the article are only general guidelines shared as learned from people who have benefited from the usage. It is better to consult a physician depending upon the intensity of the case. The views expressed in the article above are entirely those of the author who is not in any profession related to medicine or its allied branches.