There are three varieties of tulsi in India – Krishna Tulsi, Rama Tulsi, and Vana Tulsi. This herb has been in use for more than 5000 years in curing various diseases under the mint family. Besides being good in taste, it is a powerhouse of essential nutrients packed with antioxidants and offers a lot of health benefits.
If you are wondering what fresh basil leaves can do, you would be surprised. Here is a list of health benefits of tulsi leaves.
Benefits of eating tulsi leaves
1. Promotes cardiovascular health
Basil is popular for its ability to help people suffering from high blood cholesterol and hypertension by preventing the formation of clots in the arteries. This lowers the risk of heart diseases and there are several studies that show that it does help.
2. Cures respiratory illnesses
Did you ever know the wonderful tulsi is a powerful natural remedy for sore throat and different respiratory conditions? Yes, boil the leaves in freshwater and drink it. You can gargle the solution too.
3. Lowers cortisol levels
The higher the cortisol level, the more stressed out you will feel. Tulsi is well known to bring down your cortisol levels and make feel relaxed. It is an adaptogen and is packed with antioxidants that can calm you down. And it is not only psychological stress that basils relieve; it protects the body from physiological, chemical, and metabolic stress too.
4. Beats cancer
Basil extracts are also known to have radioactive property that helps fight off tumor cells. The eugenol content in tulsi is said to possess the potential to fight different types of cancers according to studies by different research personnel. Besides being able to protect from cancer when taken for long, these leaves can reduce tumorigenicity and are also known to slow down and delay breast cancer.
5. Soothes indigestion
There is a strong reason basil is widely used in many cuisines. It promoted the health of your stomach and also relieves indigestion problems. If you have face constipation or bloating, add half a teaspoon of basil leaves to your meals or smoothies and notice the differences.
6. Controls blood glucose level
Basil has phytochemical compounds such as triterpenes, saponins, and flavonoids, which induce hypoglycaemic effect. This makes it useful for treating type 2 diabetes. According to various studies, when people consume the herb, the fasting blood glucose levels and post-meal levels are lower than usual.
7. Improves liver function
Fresh basil leaves have hepatoprotective benefits. These stimulate the release of Cytochrome P450 enzyme which helps in the detoxification and removing metabolic wastes, toxic chemicals from the body. So, tulsi effectively prevents the liver damage.
8. Helps in weight loss
A study showed that the usage of tulsi help in weight loss. This happens because of its blood glucose regulation and cholesterol effects, both of which result in influencing BMI. In a study, patients who were given with 250 mg of basil have a reduction in BMI and lipid profiles.
9. Prevents hair loss
Basil leaves is packed with nutrition and nourish the scalp. Besides supplying the hair follicles with the essential nutrients, the paste has the hydration ability too and moisturizes the hair. It relieves itching and also boosts blood circulation to scalp, stimulating the hair growth and making hair strong and shiny. If you mix coconut oil to the basil leaves and massage the scalp, it will eliminate dandruff.
10. Prevents greying of hair
The benefits of tulsi for the skin and hair are proved. If you are worried about the hair greying very fast, here is a natural remedy which works like a magic – Mix fresh basil leaves and amla powder. Make a paste and apply it in morning before washing the hair for desired results.
11. Improves immunity
If your immunity is weak, you are more likely to catch flu, common cold, and various infections. During cold or rainy seasons when you are most likely to have a fever, boiling fresh basil leaves and eating them is a desired way to protect yourself. A strong immune system means you would be less likely to have respiratory infections like lung infections and bronchitis. The extracts of the herb have been medicinally used to heal wounds faster and also treat any infections after medical treatment and surgery.
Make sure to consult your doctor before adding holy basil or other supplements to your diet.
There is not enough research to use for infants, children, and pregnant women. The FDA does not monitor the quality, processing, purity, and effectiveness of these herbs or supplements.
Buy holy basil that is grown organically in an unpolluted environment. Holy basil planted in polluted areas might have twice the toxicity.
No side effects have been found during clinical trials. But, you must avoid holy basil if you are pregnant, lactating, or trying to conceive.