Tulsi, or Holi Basil, is a small plant that is the storehouse of many spiritual, medicinal, and air-cleansing activities.
Though it is a very common plant, many minor and major illnesses that are otherwise difficult to cure are cured by this plant. Due to its medicinal qualities, it has earned a hollow status.
Tulsi leaves grown in every Hindu household. Because this has the effect of keeping the air fresh and pure up to a distance of 200 metres from the plant.
Can we eat tulsi leaves every day?
Without a doubt,
Tulsi is a great herb to add to your diet if you are looking to improve your overall health. If diluted juice of tulsi leaves is taken on an empty stomach every day,it helps in the development of bodily strength, memory, and an impressive personality.
- Daily intake of tulsi juice maintains the digestive efficiency of the stomach and promotes appetite.
- Daily use of tulsi removes acidity,cures dysentery etc. and is very beneficial for muscular pain,cold,leucoderma,obesity, headaches etc.
- Chewing the leaves with a couple of black-pepper grains is a good de-addiction dose. Whenever the addicted person (tea, alcohol, or tobacco) feels the urge to have these things, it is a good way to get rid of the addiction.
- Tulsi leaves help the body maintain its ideal weight when consumed on a regular basis, i.e., the thin become healthy and the fat lean.
Benefits of Tulsi
Since tulsi has a variety of uses in therapeutic ways and general hygiene,its various medicinal uses have been described below.
Tulsi as a cure for stress
Tulsi has great anti-stress action. Intake of a few tulsi leaves or a decoction made of its juice every day relieves mental stress and increases the probability of a long and healthy life.
Tulsi benefits for skin
Finely powdered dry tulsi leaves rubbed on the face like talcum powder make it glow with beauty. This remedy will also remove light and dark spots on the face.
Boil tulsi leaves in mustard oil. When the leaves turn black,take the oil off the fire and strain it. This oil is beneficial for all skin diseases.
Tulsi benefits for Hair
In the case of quick hair loss and baldness,rubbing the skin of the head with tulsi leaves and amla powder would provide very quick and beneficial results. The hair will also turn black and the hair loss will be stopped.
Tulsi benefits for teeth
Take the decoction of the panchang of the tulsi plant and add a little warm water to it and gargle twice a day to prevent disorders of the teeth like decay and crevices.
Tulsi benefits for ear
Take enough tulsi leaves and cook them in mustard oil. When the leaves turn black,take the oil off the fire and strain it. Put a few drops of this liquid in the ears if there is any earache due to cold weather, infection, etc.
Tulsi benefits for eyes
Prepare a decoction of the leaves of shyama tulsi and dissolve a little alum(fitkiri) into it. Then strain the liquid. dip a cotton on the decoction and place it on the eyelids,eye strain is relieved together with decrease the swelling of the eyelids.
Tulsi benefits for nose
If the nasal passage is infected with micro-organisms,the vapour from a mixture of tulsi leaf juice and camphor should be applied.
Tulsi for improving memory
Swallow five tulsi leaves with water every morning.
Crush together 8-10 tulsi leaves, 4-5 black pepper seeds, 2-4 almonds, and a little honey. Regular intake of this preparation greatly improves the powers of the brain.
Tulsi benefits for good health
Tulsi benefits for Typhoid
Taking 10 gms of tulsi juice daily is beneficial for typhoid fever and chronic fever.
Take 6 leaves of tulsi and 7 black pepper seeds with two spoonfuls of water and make a suspension. This is a cure for typhoid fever accompanied by loose motions.
Tulsi benefits for Rheumatoid arthritis
Fermentation with steam from water boiled with tulsi leaves and drinking the decoction when it cools to a bearable temperature can cure rheumatoid arthritis.
Tulsi benefits for headache
Inhaling smoke formed by putting the ban tulsi inflorescence on charcoal cures headaches speedily.
Tulsi benefits for heart
Combining 4 gms of arjun tree bark with 2 gms of powdered tulsi helps to strengthen your heart nerves.
Honey mixed with tulsi leaves is a good decongestant agent to dilute the deposits of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries.
Tulsi is a cure for diseases in children
As tulsi is a very mild and harmless substance, it can be ideal for treating the diseases of children. Children’s coughs, colds, fevers, and difficulties in breathing are common diseases in children and get cured quickly by tulsi-based treatments.
Fever and the common cold
- Half a tea spoon of tulsi juice with an equal quantity of honey should be given to the sick child.
- The child should be made to inhale the vapour that comes out of the tulsi juice.
- The coat of tulsi juice is applied to the chest and forehead.
Cold and cough remedies
- For colds and coughs, give them a little tulsi juice with honey twice or thrice a day for instant relief.
Here is the video from a doctor about the benefits of tulsi.
Precaution should be taken while taking tulsi
- In the case of tulsi juice, which is to be warmed, no honey should be mixed with it in any way. Warmed honey is poison,especially if mixed with tulsi juice.
- Person with hot physiological tendencies or with a tendency to bleeding soon should avoid taking tulsi,its juice or decoction in any form in summer and the initial part of the winters(oct. nov.).
- Those who are suffering from piles should avoid taking Tulsi and black pepper together,as this combination is likely to aggravate the conditions.
Tulsi Tea
Preparation procedure
- Wash 20–30 leaves of tulsi and crush them.
- Combine it with one cup of water.
- Add ginger,cardamom seeds, and a spoonful of sugar.
- Boil it and drink it while it is still hot.
Tip: never strain the decoction.Chew the tulsi leaves after drinking the tea.
FAQ’s
How many tulsi leaves should I take daily?
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is a herb that has been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments. 2-3 grams of tulsi leaves is the recommended dose as per API.
Are tulsi leaves safe for children?
In general, tulsi leaves are considered a safe herb for children to consume. But, it is always best to speak with your child’s paediatrician if you have any concerns about their health.
What are the benefits for a teen girl of eating empty stomach tulsi leaves early in the morning?
Tulsi leaves have many benefits for teen girls to eat. They are a source of antioxidants,anti-inflammatory agents, fibre,vitamins A and C, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
Conclusion
Tulsi is the storehouse of many spiritual, medicinal, and air-cleaning herbs. It has a variety of uses, either for curing diseases or preventing the onset of ailments.
Disclaimer:The information provided at this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for any medical treatment.
References
- API-Vol-2,Pg 174-176, THE AYURVEDIC PHARMACOPOEIA OF INDIA.
- Dr. satish goel,Nature cure for health & happiness,pg47-73.