Benefits of the Holy Tulsi (Basil)
The Tulsi or holy
basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped
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 these 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.
DISCLAIMER: These are
only general guidelines as a first aid. It is always better to see a doctor
depending upon the intensity of the case. The views expressed above are
entirely those of the author.
