15 Benefits of the Holy Basil

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15 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi)

- MP Bhattathiry

(Retd. Chief Technical Examiner to the Govt. of Kerala, India)

 

The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious

tradition and is worshipped in the morning and evening by Hindus at

large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common

ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi.

1. 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.

 

2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil 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 be given 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.

 

3. 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.

 

4. 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.

 

5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of

respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey

and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza,

cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt

also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be

boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and

add then taken.

 

6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In

case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken

regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.

 

7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease

and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood

cholesterol.

 

8. Children's Ailments: 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, basil

leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.

 

9. Stress: Basil 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 12 leaves of

basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps

prevent several common elements.

 

10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and

infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these

conditions.

 

11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or 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.

 

12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the

treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried

successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.

 

13. Teeth Disorder: The herb 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 mustered oil to make a paste and

used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health,

counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also

useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

 

14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction

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 heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.

 

15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes

and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of

vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily

at bedtime.