Amazing Leaf Tulsi: Uses For Health
Tulsi is popularly called as queen of herbs. This is used in Ayurveda and natural medicines or therapies for various health conditions. Ocimum Sanctum is the botanical name of tulsi, it is even known as holy basil in india. Hindu religious people worship this holy basil plant. Tulsi belongs to the mint family. There are 3 types of tulsi, they are Rama tulsi, Krishna tulsi ( black purple), Vana tulsi (white).
What do we believe about Tulsi?
Tulsi is an aromatic shrub in the basil family Lamiaceae. It tastes hot and bitter and is believed to reach the deep tissues after consumption. Daily consumption of tulsi is beneficial for promoting general health. From ancient times it is believed to aid longevity and assist in dealing with the stresses of daily life. Also, this herb is credited for giving luster to the complexion and sweetness to the voice. In addition to fostering beauty, it also improves intelligence, stamina and a calm emotional personality.
Nutritional Value and uses of Tulsi
All these protective functions of Tulsi are often attributed to its high content of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant properties of Krishna tulsi (black/purple variety) seem to be more due to higher phenolic content than white Vana (wild) tulsi. It protects against toxic chemical-induced injury by its antioxidant contents. Levels of anti-oxidant molecules such as glutathione and activity of anti-oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase are increased by daily consumption. This again protects cellular organelles and membranes by cleaning free radicals caused by lack of oxygen.
Antitoxic properties
Tulsi extracts act against cancers by reducing toxic compounds causing DNA damage. It helps induce apoptosis in precancerous and cancerous cells. As a result, it reduces the growth of experimental tumor cells and enhances survival of normal tissue. Tulsi also protects against the toxic effects of many drugs like acetaminophen, meloxicam, paracetamol, haloperidol and anti-tubercular drugs. In addition, it exerts its radio-protective effects by sweeping away the free radicals and reducing the oxidative cellular damage. As a result, chromosomal damage induced by radiation is protected. It prevents organ damage and enhances post radiation survival in experimental animals.
What does the evidence say?
Tulsi has also been shown to improve these conditions in laboratory animals
- Lipid profiles
- Prevent weight gain
- Hyperglycemia
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance
- Protect the organs and blood vessels from atherosclerosis
Traditional Tulsi Uses and Benefits
In the Indian Materia Medica tulsi leaf extracts are described for treatment of various conditions like
- Bronchitis
- Rheumatism
- Pyrexia
- Different types of poisoning
- Stomach-ache
- Common colds
- Headaches
- Malaria
- Inflammation
- heart disease
Health benefits of tulsi
In modern and generic medicines will show the result instantly but it consists of lots of adverse effects. These tulsi helps to relieve from diseases but it is a slow process without any side effects, This single holy basil plant helps in curing many diseases such as :
For Skin : The skin cream which is made up of tulsi gives you massive benefits, daily consumption of tulsi leaves reflects good results in maintaining the texture and moisture content in the skin. In ayurvedic treatment this herb is used to treat facial related problems such as acne , infections. The organisms like P. aeruginosa and E. coli are major causative factors of skin infections. Tulsi essential oil acts against these pathogens and helps manage these skin infections.
Hair : Applying tulsi to the hair can improve the density of the hair, prevent hair fall, and help in reducing the dandruff. It also reduces the bodily heat and temperature and prevents the dry scalp.
Weight loss : Adding tulsi in boiling water or in tea, consuming this tulsi added tea will help in reducing weight, post workout this tea will be more effective to increase the metabolism and helps in maintain a healthy weight, Tulsi has zero calories which enables your stamina and improves your digestive system.
Tulsi for eyes : In day –to – day life, we are more prone to the dust particles which are present in the pollution , tulsi leaves water wash , soothes the eyes and prevents stress and reduces the heat.
Premature aging : Tulsi contains antioxidants, vitamins such as C, A and nutrients as phytonutrients and essential oil compounds that are present in the tulsi, which helps in people from premature aging.
Natural immunity booster : Tulsi contains many nutritional rich compounds such as zinc and vitamin C. These components are natural immunity boosters which prevent any sort of infections. They also contain anti- bacterial and anti fungal properties to prevent infection.
Fever : The rise in temperature due to infections such as bacteria are viral infections , by consuming this tulsi added water to reduce the temperature and it can also cure periodic fevers which is caused by climatic changes and other factors.
Respiratory diseases : Tulsi also contains pain relieving components and others , which reduces the pain caused by fever or cold , tulsi has the components such as eugenol, terpene , camphene and cineole which is used to relieve the congestion in the chest caused by severe cold.
Kidney stones : People who are suffering with kidney stones , can consume tulsi water daily , which reduces the uric acid levels in the kidneys which helps in preventing from kidney stones
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