Basil (Tulsi) Benefits have been known in the annals of folk remedies in the olden days and are now slowly seeping into the consciousness of mainstream life. Commonly used to add flavoring to Mediterranean food, basil also has a number of therapeutic properties. It can soothe feelings of anxiety and ease digestion.
Basil originated in Asia and the Middle East, and after being traded and cultivated for at least five thousand years, there are now hundreds of different varieties. All strains of basil, from the lemon-scented to camphor-like varieties, each possess a unique chemical makeup.
It has been an age old custom in India to worship it twice daily, water it and light lamps near it, once in the morning and once in the evening. It was, and still is, believed that it would protect the whole family from evils and bring good luck. Leaves and seeds are the important medicinal parts of this herb, which has gained prominence in recipes all over the world. The holy basil is also an herbal medicine for a lot of common ailments. Here’re top fifteen remedial uses of basil:
Cardiovascular Health: Basil is a very good source of beta carotene which can easily convert itself into vitamin A. It protects cells that form the lining of numerous body structures including the blood vessels from free radical damage, and it also prevents the free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in blood. Thus it plays a crucial part in minimizing chances of cardiovascular arrest or heart attack. Basil is also rich in magnesium that helps cardiovascular health by strengthening muscles and helping blood vessels to relax.
DNA Protection and Anti Bacterial Properties: Basil contains an active constituent called flavonoids that provided cellular protection. Orientin and Vicenin are two of the flavonoids that protect white blood cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen based damaged. It has been also shown that basil protects against various types of unwanted bacterial growth. The volatile oils of basil containing estragole, linalool, myrcene and limonene play an active role in restricting growth of various types of bacteria that include among other Escherichia Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa.
Digestion: Basil essential oil is also used as a digestive tonic. Since basil oil has carminative properties, it is used for treating indigestion, constipation, stomach cramps and flatulence. It provides immediate relief from the gas in your stomach and intestines.
Anti vomiting: Basil leaves can be used as an anti vomiting agent in motion sickness and many other vomiting cases.
Cold: Basil essential oil is effective in providing relief from cold, influenza and associated fever. Due to its antispasmodic nature, it is used in case of whooping cough. Take 7 holy basil leaves, 5 cloves and boil in one glass of water. Make pieces of holy basil leaves and cloves before boiling them in water. When the water reduces to half then add rock salt and drink it hot.
Jaundice: Basil is the best medicine for jaundice. Take ten basil leaves with 10gm of radish (mooli) juice and consume 10gm with jaggery (gur) regularly for one month thrice daily to cure jaundice.
Respiratory: Apart from its usage in cough, it is used for asthma, bronchitis, and sinus infections. The compounds like vitamin-C, Camphene, Eugenol and Cineole present in the essential oils of Tulsi do not only cure the infections in lungs but also cure congestion of the lungs. They are also found effective in healing damages caused to the lungs due to smoking, tuberculosis, lung cancer etc. It also helps cure tuberculosis due to its antibiotic properties.
Infections: Basil oil is good for treating a variety of infections such as cuts, wounds, skin infections, bladder infections, etc., due to its antibacterial properties. It is also good for viral infections. The anti-inflammatory properties of holy basil extract can help to loosen any buildup caused by the infection and make it easier for the body to expel the results of the infection. This action helps to relieve the stress put on the respiratory system and clear the way for healing to take place.
Stress disorder: Basil essential oil has a refreshing effect and hence it is used for treating nervous tension, mental fatigue, melancholy, migraines and depression. Due to this calming nature of basil essential oil, it is widely used in aromatherapy. Its regular use gives mental strength and clarity.
Blood circulation: Basil oil improves blood circulation and thus helps in increasing the metabolism.
Pain relief: It is analgesic and provides relief from pain. Hence it is used in arthritis, wounds, injuries, burns, bruises, scars, sports injuries, sprains, headaches, etc.
Eye treatment: Just wash your eyes daily with a few leaves of basil soaked in water and you will be free from conjunctivitis, boils and many other problems of eyes which are caused due to viral, bacterial or fungal infection. It also soothes eyes and reduces stress. A regular consumption can protect your eyes from all the damages done by the free radicals, such as cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma, vision defects, opthalmia etc. due to the high antioxidant properties of its essential oils, vitamin-A, vitamin-C etc.
Skin Care: People who suffer with skin conditions such as dry skin can often achieve a measure of relief by using holy basil extract. When taken in conjunction with calcium, phosphorus, carotene and Vitamin C, holy basil extract can help to hydrate the skin. Not only does this help to alleviate itching and soreness, it also can help to slow the aging process by helping the skin to remain supple for a longer period of time.
Cosmetics: Basil essential oil is used topically to massage the skin. It enhances the luster of dull looking skin as well as hair. As a result it is extensively used in many skin care supplements that claim to improve the tone of your skin. It is also used for acne and skin infections.
Anti-Aging: Vitamin-C, Vitamin-A, Phytonutrients and the essential oils in it are excellent antioxidants and protects the body from nearly all the damages caused by the free radicals. In Ayurveda, it is considered as a tonic to retain youth and avoid aging.
Apart from its health benefits, basil is one of the tastiest herbs from a culinary point of view, and it is for its flavor that basil is most well known. Basil is also fairly straightforward to grow, and not expensive, so even if you are not an avid gardener, there is a chance you will be able to produce a tasty end product.