In India, Tulsi leaves are long recognized as the natural remedy for cough, cold, and fever. Mothers have always used these leaves to make kadha or herbal tea to cure colds and coughs.
If you have also consumed this herb in your childhood or still do, you must know how effective it is to keep diseases away.
This plant is majorly cultivated all around Southeast Asia and is highly considered for its numerous health benefits. Tulsi leaves are generally used to treat colds and coughs. However, these leaves provide numerous other benefits too.
Know More About Tulsi
Tulsi is rich in vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium magnesium, and potassium. The plant also has a good quantity of fibre and protein and both of these are important for optimal health. Therefore it protects from a number of diseases.
Consuming this plant can assist in protecting body tissues and organs from the effects of physical restraint, ischemia, extended physical activity, or exposure to loud noises. All of these are called chemical stresses and are caused by industrial pollutants and heavy metals.
In this article, we will explore the various benefits of tulsi and how you can consume it.
Impressive Health Benefits of Tulsi Leaves
1. Improves Immunity
Tulsi leaves are rich in Zinc and Vitamin C. These two components are effective in fighting infections. Consuming Tulsi Leaves every day can help boost immunity.
2. Good for Skin
Tulsi is known for its antibacterial and anti-oxidant properties. These properties help to keep the skin away from acne, pimples, and blemishes. The antioxidant properties help delay early signs of ageing.
Also Read: 10 Benefits of Neem Leaves For Skin & How to Use It?
3. Reduces Fever
The anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties of tulsi are known to protect the body from infections and hence it fights fever.
4. Repels Insect
Dried tulsi leaves have been used for centuries with stored grains to keep away insects like mosquitoes and flies.
5. Helpful for Common Cold
Tulsi has compounds called cineole, camphene, and eugenol. These compounds help to reduce chest congestion and cold. You can consume Tulsi juice mixed with honey and ginger to fight the cold.
6. Good for Eyes
Tulsi is great for the eyes as it is used to keep away dust and pollution. People often use tulsi drops to keep their eyes fresh and protected from eye problems.
7. Fight Stress
It is one of the major benefits of Tulsi leaves and people most often use it for stress relief. The plant has anti-stress qualities. Consuming tulsi tea can refresh a person who is anxious or feeling stressed.
8. Stimulate And Vitalize The Body
Basil or tulsi leaves are rich in antioxidants and help to detox the body. According to studies, basil leaves have the potential to protect the body against toxic chemicals. These leaves can also protect against cancer by minimizing cancerous cell growth.
Also Read: Easy Ways To Your Strengthen Immune System
9. Protect From Infections And Treats Wounds
Tulsi leaf extracts help in the quick healing of wounds and also boost strength. Certain properties make these leaves beneficial. These leaves are antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.
Hence, these leaves help heal wounds faster and even increase their breaking strength. Basil leaves work to reduce infections like mouth ulcers, raised scars, acne, and keloids.
10. Lowers Cholesterol
Holy basil works on metabolic stress, and thus these leaves can also reduce weight and cholesterol levels. Animal studies have shown that there have been changes in the rabbit fat molecules after they consumed Tulsi leaves.
11. Help In Dissolving Kidney Stones
Tulsi helps in detoxification. So it can help patients with kidney stones. One of the benefits of tulsi leaves is that it reduces uric acid levels in the body which are a major cause of kidney stones.
12. Enhance Digestion
Tulsi leaves are effective in enhancing the health of the liver. They result in improved digestion and help the functioning of the digestive system.
13. Dental And Oral Health
Dental problems like tooth cavities are one of the common problems affecting people. However, Tulsi is really effective in fighting oral problems like this. Due to its antibacterial properties, tulsi can fight bacteria and germs in the mouth.
14. Purify The Blood
Tulsi leaves help in cleansing and purifying the blood in your body. This means it can help remove toxins and impurities, making your blood healthier.
15. Lower Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, tulsi leaves can be beneficial. They have properties that may help in reducing blood pressure levels, keeping them under control.
Also Read: Top 12 Best Blood Purifying Foods
16. Manage Respiratory Disorders
Tulsi leaves can be useful if you have respiratory problems like cough, cold, or asthma. They can help manage these disorders and provide relief from related symptoms.
17. Reduce Inflammation
Tulsi leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, which means they can help in reducing inflammation. This can be beneficial for people with conditions like arthritis.
18. Protects Stomach
Tulsi leaves are known to have protective effects on the stomach. They can help prevent stomach-related issues like ulcers, indigestion, and ulcers, keeping your stomach healthy.
Source: Nykaa
19. Relieve Pain in The Joint
If you experience joint pain, tulsi leaves can provide relief. Their natural compounds may help in soothing the pain and discomfort you feel in your joints.
20. Anti-Ageing Properties
Tulsi leaves are rich in antioxidants that help combat free radicals, which are responsible for premature ageing. Regular consumption of tulsi leaves or applying tulsi-based face packs can help reduce signs of ageing and promote youthful skin.
21. Improves Sleep Quality
Tulsi leaves have calming properties that can help promote better sleep quality. Consuming tulsi tea before bedtime or incorporating tulsi leaves in your evening routine may aid in achieving more restful sleep.
Source: Very Well Health
22. Supports Hair Health
Tulsi leaves are beneficial for maintaining healthy hair. They can help improve scalp circulation, reduce dandruff, and nourish the hair follicles, promoting stronger and shinier hair.
23. Boosts Mood And Mental Well-Being
Tulsi leaves have adaptogenic properties that can help reduce stress levels and improve mood. Consuming tulsi leaves or tulsi tea can have a positive impact on mental well-being, promoting feelings of calmness and relaxation.
Also Read: Impressive Health Benefits of Giloy
Uses of Tulsi
There are a number of uses of tulsi due to its medicinal properties. It can help treat a number of diseases, including diseases that may re-occur. Consuming tulsi can help you stay protected from such diseases. Below are some ways in which tulsi can be used:
- It is used to treat normal fever.
- It is useful in reducing skin issues like blemishes, acne, pimples, and even premature ageing.
- It is used to protect one from heart disease.
- It is used to treat insect bites.
- It is often useful in curing colds, coughs, sore throats, kidney stones, and headaches.
- It is also useful in treating asthma.
Ways to Consume Tulsi Leaves
The importance of tulsi is widely recognised and hence it is available in various forms in the medicine market. Some options to consume it include:
1. Tulsi Leaves
The most common way to use tulsi is by consuming its leaves. You can either chew fresh tulsi leaves on an empty stomach in the morning or make tulsi tea. To make tulsi tea, boil water and add a few fresh or dried tulsi leaves. Let it steep for a few minutes, strain, and drink. You can add honey or lemon for flavour if desired.
2. Tulsi Juice
You can also have Tulsi juice as it is easy to consume. You can either make it at home or get bottled juice from the market.
Also Read: How Does Ayurveda Assist You in Managing Your Allergies?
3. Tulsi Powder
Tulsi powder is another way to incorporate tulsi into your routine. You can mix tulsi powder with honey, water, or warm milk and consume it.
4. Tulsi Essential Oil
Tulsi essential oil can be used topically for skin-related issues. Dilute a few drops of tulsi oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the affected area.
Risks of Consuming Tulsi
Tulsi is generally safe for most people and people use it to treat various diseases. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects, including:
1. May Affect Fertility
According to a 2010 study, published in the International Journal of Ayurveda, it was found that tulsi leaves may reduce sperm count in animals when taken in excess amounts. Hence, people with infertility issues should refrain from consuming tulsi in large quantities.
2. Harmful With Blood Thinning Medicines
Tulsi is a great alternative for blood thinning medicines. However, consuming tulsi leaves along with blood-thinning medications may have adverse effects and may degrade the health of an individual.
3. Lowers Blood Sugar
Tulsi has blood-sugar-lowering properties. But the individuals with diabetic issues and with medications may get harmful effects of tulsi. It may lower blood sugar levels more than usual.
Also Read: Ambic Ayurveda: Health benefits of Ashwagandha
4. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding
Tulsi may have an effect on hormones, so pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should consult their healthcare provider before using Tulsi.
Precautions to Take with Tulsi
You should consult the doctor before consuming tulsi- especially pregnant women, individuals on blood thinners, and medication, and diabetic patients. Tulsi may have adverse effects on the body in some cases and hence consulting a doctor is recommended.
Summing Up
Tulsi is a holy herb with a number of benefits and may help combat many diseases. You can consume its leaves in a number of ways. You can make tulsi tea, infuse it in your water, or consume the supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of Tulsi?
Tulsi has numerous benefits including providing better immunity, protecting against diseases, and more. The most popular benefits include:
- Treats cold and cough
- Improves digestion
- Helps with diabetes
- Reduces Weight
- Manages Stress
- Dissolves kidney stones
- Improves sleep
- Reduces menstrual discomfort
- Balances hormones
- Reduces joint pain
2. What are the 5 medicinal uses of tulsi leaves?
Tulsi is really popular for its medicinal properties. The top 5 include:
- Treat normal fever
- Reducing skin issues
- Prevent heart diseases
- Treat insect bites.
- Curing cold, cough, sore throat
