Holy basil ( Tulsi ) is also known as queen of herbs. Because of its miraculous healing properties and uses. Learn some of the amazing health benefits of using holy basil in your daily life.
Holy Basil belongs to lamiaceae family and is considered to be native to INDIA. It is one of the most widely grown herb or plant through out the world.
There are more than 100 varieties of basil are found around the world. It is packed with medicinal properties and has been used for centuries in Indian traditional medicines.
It is also used in variety of cuisines. According to Indian tradition holy basil has many spiritual beliefs and it is planted in almost every home, as there is a belief that holy basil brings happiness and prosperity.
Now let’s know what amazing benefits it give you and how you can use it.
BOOST IMMUNITY :
Holy basil is such a powerful herb which helps you to boost your immune system as it is rich in antioxidants which helps to fight with free radicals, cold, flu, infection and virus of any type.
You can simply consume 1-2 fresh leaves of holy basil in the morning to make your immune system strong or you can also take basil drops in a glass of warm water for strong immunity. Holy basil is such a powerful herb that it can even fight with cancer.
TREATS INSECT BITES :
Holy basil can help in treating insect or mosquito bite as it contains eugenol & thymol which both helps to soothe itching caused due to insect bite.
It also has anti-bacterial properties which kills bacteria around the affected area. Anti-inflammatory properties present in it helps to reduce inflammation and pain caused due to bite.
You can simply apply crushed basil on the affected area.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY :
When there is inflammation in body it is prone to many diseases, so it is important to reduce inflammation.
Holy basil is rich in anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce inflammation. It is also helpful for the person suffering from arthritis .
To reduce inflammation you can simply consume basil tea or add 7-8 drops of basil in a warm glass of water.
TREATS STRESS AND ANXIETY :
Holy basil can be a great herb for reducing stress and anxiety because it is an excellent adaptogen. Which means when your body is more efficient in handling stress or anxiety.
Consuming basil tea daily can help you to reduce stress and anxiety and it is also caffeine free. Below I am sharing a very simple recipe to make holy basil tea at home.
Homemade Holy Basil Tea :
Ingredients :
Holy basil leaves – 5-6
Lemon – Few drops
Honey ( optional )
Directions :
In a sauce pan add 1 glass water
Wash and add basil leaves in the water
Keep the sauce pan on low heat and cover it
Let the tea boil until it reduces to half in quantity
Strain and pour it in a mug
Then you can add few lemon drops and honey, mix it
Your homemade holy basil tea is ready.
SKIN CARE :
Holy basil is a super herb for improving skin health as it rich in antioxidants which helps to fight with free radicals which causes wrinkles and fine lines. It also helps to makes your skin firm.
Anti-microbial properties present in it helps to reduce and treat acne. It also protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Anti-fungal properties found in basil prevents and treats fungal growth on skin.
You can also apply a fresh home basil pack, Let’s see how to make it
DIY BASIL FACE PACK :
- Crush 3-4 fresh basil leaves
- Add 2 tbsp of fuller’s earth powder
- Add few drops of rose water
- Make a smooth paste
- Apply this mixture on your face
- Leave it for 8-10 minutes
- Wash your face with water.
ORAL CARE :
Holy basil also helps to improve oral health because of anti-bacterial properties found in it. Basil kills germs and bacteria present in mouth.
When you chew basil leaves its juices releases, which kills bacteria and germs in mouth, prevent tooth decay and makes your teeth and gums healthy.
IMPROVES DIGESTION :
It helps to improve digestion as oil present in it helps to slow down the process of digestion which leads to better digestion.
Also holy basil helps to reduce constipation and bloating caused due to water retention. Consuming fresh basil leaves on daily basis helps in better digestion.
TREATS RESPIRATORY ILLNESS :
Holy basil is a great herb for improving and treating respiratory issues as it contains eugenol, camphene which both helps to treat congestion.
It also helps to the people suffering from difficulty in breathing. Consuming basil tea will help to make you breathe easily.
ACT AS NATURAL PAIN KILLER :
Holy basil act as a natural painkiller because of anti-inflammatory properties present in it. It is a very powerful herb that helps to reduce pain in joints and muscles. Consuming basil also helps in reducing swelling caused due to inflammation.
HOW MUCH TO CONSUME IN A DAY :
- You can consume 2-3 fresh leaves of holy basil in the morning or You can drink basil water by adding 7-8 drops of basil in water.
RARE SIDE EFFECTS & PREVENTION :
- Excess consumption may lead to liver damage
- It may lead to upset stomach when consumed in excess
- Excess intake may interact with blood thinning medications.
