The Holy Basil or Tulsi is a herbal remedy for a lot of common physical and mental disorders. It is one the herbs that is being used from ancient times in Ayurvedic treatments.Tulsi ia a native of
1. Healing Power:
The tulsi plant has got many medicinal properties. The intake of leaves helps in sharpen memory and also serve as a nerve tonic. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.They contribute in the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves of Tulsi can strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration.
2. Fever & Common Cold:
The leaves of Tulsi are specific for many fevers. When malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent in rainy season, 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 1/2 liter of water and mixed with milk and sugar brings down the temperature. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2-3 hours. In between we can keep giving sips of cold water. In small children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.The juice of tulsi leaves can also be used to bring down fever.
3. Sore Throat:
Water boiled along with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of a sore throat. The same water can also be used as a gargle.
4. Coughs:
Tulsi is an important constituent of many available Ayurvedic cough syrups and other expectorants. It also helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves in case of cold and flu can reduce it.
5. Kidney Stone:
5. Kidney Stone:
Tulsi has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case if you are having renal stone ,the juice of tulsi leaves and honey, if taken regularly for six months it will drive out them via the urinary tract.
6. Respiratory Disorder: Tulsi is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorders. A decoction of tulsi leaves with ginger and honey is an effective remedy for bronchitis, influenza, asthma,cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, common salt and cloves also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They have to be boiled in 1/2 liter of water till only 1/2 the water is left and add then taken.
7. Heart Disorder:
7. Heart Disorder:
Tulsi has a beneficial effect in cardiac diseases and also the weakness resulting from them. It mainly reduces the level of blood cholesterol in body.
8. Stress: Tulsi leaves is regarded as an 'adaptogen'- meaning anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves provide significant protection against stress. Even healthy people can chew 12 leaves of tulsi, twice a day to prevent stress. It also purifies blood and helps to prevent several common ailments.
9. Mouth Infections:
8. Stress: Tulsi leaves is regarded as an 'adaptogen'- meaning anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves provide significant protection against stress. Even healthy people can chew 12 leaves of tulsi, twice a day to prevent stress. It also purifies blood and helps to prevent several common ailments.
9. Mouth Infections:
The tulsi leaves are very effective for the cure of ulcer and infections in the mouth. Chewing of few tulsi leaves will cure these conditions.
10. Children's Ailments:
Common problems like cold, cough,diarrhea ,fever and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of tulsi leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance then tulsi leaves taken along with saffron will hasten them.
11. Skin Disorders:
11. Skin Disorders:
Tulsi juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other types of skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma also.
12.Teeth Disorder:
Tulsi is also useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves which is 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 can be used as toothpaste. It is very good for maintaining dental health, treating bad breath and also for massaging the gums.
13. Headaches:
Tulsi serves as a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be used for treating it. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can be applied on forehead for getting relief from headache, heat and for providing coolness in general.
14. Eye Disorders:
Tulsi juice can be used for treating sore eyes and night-blindness which are generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black tulsi juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.
15. Insect Bites:
The herb is preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoon full of the juice of the tulsi 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 effective in case of bites of leeches and insects.
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.
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.
