Tulsi, a very popular name in the Indian household, is now a global super-star all because of the benefits this wonderful tiny herb offers.
A very pleasant green plant with about a meter in height, Ocimum Sanctum aka Tulsi is used religiously in various holy ceremonies, Puja, Agni-Havana ( the holy fire) and is offered to the gods, hence entitling it with its very auspicious name, The Holy Basil.
The Holy Basil is the most sacred, divine little herb. Being extremely Satvik, It is a respected name in the field of spirituality and among the ones climbing the path to attain Moksha ( the spiritual enlightenment ).
Tulsi is a notable name in Ayurveda and has references that are centuries old. Isn’t that fascinating?
Tulsi and the Tridoshas
With pungent and bitter taste, Tulsi is light, dry, and has hot potency. It perfectly balances the Vata and Kapha Doshas. The bio-energies predominant in Air and Earth.
Tulsi for Respiratory Disorders
The Kapha balancing properties of tulsi are so good that it is often the drug of choice in various respiratory and Kapha related disorders as it supports lung function by removing the excess Kapha dosha, reliving obstruction and congestion for quicker relief.
Tulsi is the first preference for respiratory disorders and its juice is used for treating bronchitis, asthma, COPD, and emphysema. The paste of Tulsi leaves is applied to painful areas of the chest and in back pain for relief, while Leaf juice can also be used as nasal drops in chronic migraines to expel accumulated Kapha Dosha.
Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic action
Tulsi leaves juice mixed with honey and black pepper is found to be very effective in fever. This combination eliminates acute and chronic cold, headache, and back pain. Speeding up the process of digestion eliminates obstruction in the different channels of the body and reduces body ache by stimulating the process of perspiration.
The antipyretic actions of Tulsi make it one of the finest herbs recommended for fever of the Kapha and Vata origin.
Moreover, general weakness caused due to long term fever can be covered with the help of this drug.
Tulsi of Skin Issues
Owing to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, Tulsi helps in destroying local infections and inflammation, helps in quicker healing of wounds, and reduces pain.
Due to all these useful properties, the Tulsi plant is used extensively in treating skin diseases. A paste of the leaves should be applied to treat skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema, and contact dermatitis.
Also, Tulsi works internally as a blood cleanser and purifier. It helps with internal detoxification of the body and rapid healing. The results of tulsi are evident and trustworthy.
Tulsi for gut health
The Agni is the biological fire of the body responsible for the maintenance of our health both physically and mentally. Eating fresh Tulsi leaves helps in stimulating the digestive fire. A well maintained Agni equals a healthy body.
Read more about Agni, what it is and How to maintain the Biological fire here.
Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds can help reduce inflammation of the gut wall, thus improving the integrity of the wall to inhibit the passage of toxins into the bloodstream.
Tulsi for detoxification
Widely known for its antibacterial action, Tulsi plays a vital role in eliminating toxins and impurities from the body. It stimulates metabolism, corrects Agni, and eliminates Amma. Aama is the stagnant, undigested waste of the body. When not removed or eliminated, It is the sole reason for various diseases and ailments.
Tulsi is also known as a great blood purifier, it detoxifies the blood and is hence used in many skin issues. It is also known for its anti-microbial action and is heavily incorporated to treat intestinal worms and conditions like Candida.
Moreover, the leaves of the Tulsi herb help reduce the adverse effects of poison on the human body and is shown to work even against heavy metals like lead and arsenic.
Tulsi for Mental Health
Poor mental health may look like unexplained tiredness, overthinking, bouts of anger, episodes of anxiety, and stress among other symptoms. Tulsi is your relief from the everyday chaos.
Being a terrific adaptogen, it helps the body manage stress, both physically and mentally.
Along with other Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Shatavari, Tulsi is one of the oldest and the most readily available, trustworthy adaptogenic herbs.
Tulsi is Satvik in nature and has a high amount of Prana, Tejas, and Ojas. These energies are the sublime essence of the Doshas, the qualities which are responsible for our health from spiritual, mental, and physical grounds.
Click here to know what Ojas, Tejas, and Prana exactly are, and why they’re so important.
Along with the above-said benefits, The Holy Basil is a very potent Cardiac tonic, it strengthens and nourishes the heart muscles, checks hypertension and relieves cholesterol, and strives to keep your heart healthy and pumping.
Tulsi also works in conditions of dysuria, retention of urine, and bladder stones. It also works in various eyes, nose, throat, and ear disorders.
Chewing Tulsi leaves is a benefit for our oral health too. The anti-microbial properties of the herb keep the plaque away and at the same time relieves one from bad breath and gum diseases.
Tulsi tea is an excellent way to add tulsi to your everyday diet. Unlike caffeine, Tulsi does not produce any addiction or withdrawal symptoms but provides a calm, relaxing effect when consumed.
This effect is so similar to performing yoga that nowadays consumption of Tulsi is referred to as ‘Liquid Yoga’ referring to the relaxation it offers to the body, mind, and spirit.
Daily consumption of tulsi is said to prevent various diseases, promote general health, wellbeing, and longevity with the additional benefits of assisting in dealing with the stresses and chaos of everyday life.
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