7 Benefits Of The Holy Tulsi For Complete Well-being

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda owing to its wide range of medicinal properties and therapeutic health benefits. Scientific evidence shows Tulsi is an adaptogen that helps the body deal with stress, lowers inflammation, boosts immunity, enhances brain function, and promotes longevity. According to scientists, Tulsi is a rich source of several bioactive compounds that can improve overall health and well-being. The article explores both the ayurvedic and scientific health benefits of Tulsi. 

Ayurvedic Health Benefits of Tulsi 

In Ayurvedic medicine, Tulsi is used as part of a complete program that takes into consideration the patient’s specific dosha profile. There are main categories of doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas influence a person’s person’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

Ayurvedic practitioners believe that Tulsi balances Vata (cold and dry qualities) and Kapha (warm and moist qualities). Tulsi is considered to be a general tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. The herb is also used to treat several conditions such as:

• Infectious Diseases: Cold, flu, fever, ear pain, bronchitis, malaria, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis. 
• Gastrointestinal Diseases: Nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and dysentery
• Other conditions: Headache, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and genitourinary disorders

It is important to note that most of these benefits are anecdotal. Scientific studies are yet to back many of the Ayurvedic health benefits of Tulsi. 

Proven Scientific Health Benefits of Tulsi 

Some of the research-backed benefits of Tulsi are:

1. Ease Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: Studies have found that Tulsi has anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties that are comparable to antidepressant medications. It relieves anxiety, improves sleep, and reduces mood swings.  

2. Protect Against Infections: Research says that Tulsi possesses anti-microbial properties that make it effective against several infections.

3. Promote Wound Healing: The anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of Tulsi can potentially boost wound healing. 

4. Lower Blood Glucose Levels: Studies have found that intake of Tulsi can help reduce blood glucose levels, thereby maintaining blood sugar levels in diabetics. The herb is also believed to prevent weight gain, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and hypertension, all of which are risk factors for diabetes. 

5. Reduce Cholesterol: According to animal studies, intake of Tulsi can help reduce bad ‘LDL’ cholesterol and improve good ‘HDL’ cholesterol. Another study found that eugenol in Tulsi can help reduce stress-induced cholesterol levels. 

6. Ease Inflammation and Joint Pain: Being an adaptogen with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Tulsi can help reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation. It can help ease symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. 

7. Protect Against Stomach Ulcers: Intake of Tulsi can protect against stress-induced ulcers by reducing the secretion of stomach acid, increasing the secretion of mucus, and promoting the growth of mucus cells. The higher the mucus cells, the lower the chances of developing ulcers.

Recommended reading: 7 Ayurvedic Herbs Everyone Should Know About

How to Include Tulsi in Your Diet?

Tulsi is a versatile herb that can be easily incorporated into your daily diet and routine. The herb is available in the form of leaves, essential oils, and supplements (pills or capsules). You can make Tulsi tea by adding 2 to 3 teaspoons of the leaves in a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 5 to 6 minutes. You can also take the herb in the form of a supplement. However, experts suggest curbing the daily dosage of Tulsi to not more than 2,000mg per day to reduce the risk of potential side effects. Pregnant women and those taking blood-thinning medications should consult their physician before adding Tulsi to their diet. 

Takeaway

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is a herb that is valued for its medicinal properties. The herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times to treat a wide range of health problems and to promote a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Research shows that Tulsi can also help protect against infections, promote wound healing, and reduce inflammation. The herb is available in the form of dried leaves, extracts, essential oils, and supplements. Those who wish to add Tulsi supplements to their daily routine should consult their physician before taking the herb. 

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