It is one of the oldest herb known as, the queen of herbs, benefits of tulsi’s healing and healthful properties have been the most treasured knowledge across the world. Holy Basil or Tulsi, is considered sacred in Hinduism and is worshiped as ‘Goddess of Devotion’ in many of the Indian households. Tulsi is cultivated for medical purposes and also for its essential oil which is often used in Ayurveda. The benefits of tulsi leaves are quite a lot. We all know about the spiritual significance of cultivating the Tulsi plant, but let us unveil more of Tulsi’s benefits.

1.For skin

The essential oil of Tulsi cleanses the skin from within. This excellent skin cleanser is perfect for those with oily skin. It removes dirt and impurities that block pores. Apply the paste made of Tulsi leaves on your face for 20 minutes. Wash it off with cold water. The strong anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of Tulsi help prevent the formation of acne. Tulsi is known to heal many diseases and ailments. Juice of Tulsi leaves is used in treating ringworm and skin disorders.

For skin problems, the mix of Tulsi and Aloe Vera juice is beneficial.  Few physicians used this beneficial herb as skin ointments for treating leucoderma. It also prevents premature aging and keeps the skin healthy.

2.Cough

Tulsi leaves are used in the treatment of cough and cold. To cure cough and cold fever, one should take the decoction of tulsi flowers, ginger, black and long pepper powder along with honey for at least three to four times a day. It is good to reduce the symptoms of cough and cold. A person suffering from the expectorant should take the juice of Tulsi leaves and sugar. For a dry cough, the mixture of Tulsi leaves, onion and ginger juice is helpful in managing and controlling it.

3.Fever

The decoction of tulsi leaves, neem leaves, powder of ginger and powder of long pepper has the ability to reduce fever and its symptoms considerably.

4.Anti-Inflammatory

Tulsi is packed with strong anti-inflammatory properties that cure a variety of diseases and disorders. It contains enzyme-inhibiting oils, including eugenol, citronellal, and linalool. The anti-inflammatory properties of tulsi help lower inflammation, lowers the risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel conditions.

5.Diabetes

Keep tulsi root powder in water overnight and take it early morning. The medicinal property of the plant helps maintain insulin levels in the body and is a natural cure for diabetes.

6. According to Ayurveda(bhavaprakasa) tulsi used in case of indigestion, leprosy (skin diseases), dysuria, diseases of the blood, pain in the flanks and Its mitigates Kapha and vatha.

7. Chewing of Tulsi leaves soothes a fever, headache, sore throat, cold, cough, flu.

8.Stress

Basil leaves are regarded as anti-stress agents. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies the blood and helps prevent several common elements.

9. In Children

A Basil leaves taken with honey keeps chicken pox at bay.

1. Giving children a mixture of tulsi juice and honey helps bring relief to cough and sore throat too.
2. Warm tulsi juice gets rid of the worms in the stomach.

10.Insect Bite

This herb also prevents insect stings and bites. A teaspoon of fresh juice should be applied on the affected areas and repeated after a few hours. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in the case of bites of insects and leeches.

11.Soothes Itching

Rubbing Tulsi leaves on areas that itch gives quick relief. Itching can also be soothed by applying a mixture of Tulsi and lemon juice.

12.Dandruff and Dry Scalp

One of the major causes of hair loss is dandruff and dry scalp. Add a small quantity of Tulsi oil to a regular carrier oil like coconut oil and massage well on your scalp. Tulsi helps to improve the blood circulation and keeps your scalp cool reducing itchiness and dandruff and thus promotes hair growth. You can also apply tulsi paste which keeps the scalp, roots clean and keeps dandruff at bay.

13.Boosts Immunity

Tulsi has a complex constitution that includes immunity booster, adaptogens, and antioxidants. Hence, tulsi juice when taken every week keeps our scalp healthy and hydrated.

14.Inflammation

Tulsi leaves contain anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. A paste made of Tulsi leaves along with sandalwood paste and rose water can be applied on the face as it helps to prevent inflammation.

15.Stomach Problems

Several stomach problems like acidity, constipation, and flatulence can also be cured with tulsi leaves. Tulsi supports the digestive system and makes you feel less bloated and more comfortable. It also helps people suffering from vomiting and lack of appetite.

Author,

Dr. Vishnu K Nair

SKM SIDDHA AND AYURVEDA