The Tulsi, also known as basil or holy basil Residence, is one of the plants Ayurveda as popular as turmeric and ginger. In fact, in India, it is known as “The Queen of Herbs” for its many properties.
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Research approves that this plant organizes as an adaptogenic plant. Adaptogenic plants help balance or normalize the body’s energy responses, helping to resist stressful situations that can negatively affect our body’s functioning.
What is Tulsi or Holy Basil?
The Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum) is an ayurvedic plant. It has broad therapeutic applications that have been used for over 5,000 years to promote health through its regenerative properties and as a support and a solution to stress, natural detoxification of the body, increase stamina and energy, restore balance and harmony.
Its name, Tulsi or Tulasí, means ” The Incomparable ” and is a highly revered plant in Hindu religious traditions as it is considered a manifestation of the Divine Mother on Earth.
Basil is suspects of being native to Asia, although today, it grows in numerous tropical climates around the world. Indians believe that Tulsi is a manifestation of the Lakshmi goddess. The Hindu tradition says that there is no amount of gold that can surpass the power of Krishna, but that with just one Tulsi leaf placed on his scale and with devotion, it would be enough to tip the scale towards it.
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Tulsi and basil Are they the same?
Both Tulsi and Basil are member plants of the mint family. Basil has many varieties, more than forty. The one we all know, green basil (Ocimum Basilicum ), is widely used in gastronomy. Its leaves are dark green, and the edges are smooth and soft. It is very aromatic and has a spicy and robust flavor.
Tulsi (Purple Basil) belongs to the Basil family but differs from the rest due to its properties since purple basil has many more therapeutic properties than other varieties. Although it also uses in medication, its most prevalent use is for cooking purposes. Unlike the green basil, the Tulsi leaves (holy basil) are gray-green to purple, it is rough to the touch, and the edges of its leaves are not smooth. As for its flavor, it is more robust, spicier, as well as its aroma.
Inside the Tulsi, we find three varieties whose appearance, taste, and smell are slightly different.
- Tulsi Branch (Ocimum Sanctum)
- Vana Tulsi (Ocinum Gratissimum)
- Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum)
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Tulsi: Properties and Health Benefits
If we look at this plant’s properties and composition, we will notice Vitamin K, C, and A. Also, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, and other chlorophyll are a phytonutrient.
Hence, it can consume for bone health, cardiovascular, stress, fatigue, brain function, digestive health, brain health, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
It has a relaxing, calming but non-drowsy effect and the ability to maintain balanced hormonal levels. Hence, it has beneficial effects in cases of metabolic stress, mental or physical.
The Holy Basil protects the organs and tissues of the body against stress, environmental pollution, and heavy metals.
Tulsi states counter metabolic stress by normalizing lipid levels, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Regarding psychological stress, it acts with its autolytic and antidepressant properties (without causing drowsiness), also has positive effects on memory and cognitive function.
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Consequently, this plant can use for the following resolutions:
Stress
Adapt genic assets well attributes to this plant, that is, it proposals care to the body’s response to bodily whether stress or mental. It also influences the brain in much the same way as antidepressants. We can say that this plant is an influential anti-stress. It promotes the proper functioning of the body, making us able to respond in a relaxed way too stressful situations.
Tulsi is Anti-inflammatory
Holy basil is a natural inhibitor of an enzyme (COX-2) present in our body’s tissues and dormant cells. When we suffer a trauma, infection, or another disease, this enzyme is activated, and inflammation and pain appear.
The compounds found in this plant, such as eugenol, isthmian, apigenin cirsilineol, cirsimaritin, rosmarinic, and isothimusin acid, have anti-inflammatory properties action comparable to that of ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, thus contributing to reduce inflammation and reduce pain.
Antibacterial
Tulsi is also astonishing for its antibacterial action. Precisely, it is active against enterococci, staphylococci, and bacteria resilient to antibiotics (pseudomonas bacteria).
The source of this plant in the handling of gonorrhea can be as operative as ciprofloxacin or penicillin. It also has antiviral belongings that defend against herpes.
Cognitive function
Studies have shown that Tulsi improves memory by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. It is consequently increasing acetylcholine levels, which becomes very beneficial in treating different cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and senile dementia.
Tulsi helps in Cardiovascular health
It is rich in phenol, a substance that protects the heart, reducing inflammation of the heart tissue after a heart attack. By inhibiting myeloperoxidase, an oxidative enzyme that causes plaque build-up in the arteries, it also prevents cardiovascular disease.
It is also highly recommended in high cholesterol and triglycerides cases, as well as to regulate blood pressure and improve blood circulation.
Bone health
It favors and increases the absorption of calcium in the bones, which is why it is very beneficial in maintaining good bone health. It also has the power to fight bacteria in the mouth, so it helps prevent cavities, plaque, tartar, and bad breath and helps heal canker sores.
Immune system
The Holy Basil increases the immune function of our body. The studies carried out corroborated that with the daily intake of 300mg of Tulsi extract, the immune function risen significantly in just four weeks in the form of capsules.
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Tulsi helps in treating Diabetes
As studies carried out and published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition have indicated, it is a good ally for diabetics by helping to control blood glucose levels.
Antioxidant
Tulsi is said to promote long life. It has significant antioxidant activity. Also, It can fight free radicals produced by different heavy metals, such as cadmium. It also restores liver and kidney function.
Digestive system
In this plant, we find good support for digestive health. Tulsi defends and endorses the remedial of stomach ulcers and sores. It is also an excellent stomach protector since it increases the protective mucosa of the stomach and protects the liver from the damage that toxins can cause.
Urinary tract
Tulsi is a great detoxifier. Its seeds will use for treating urinary problems from ancient times. It reduces uric acid and cleanses the kidneys, so consuming its extract for about six months can even combat kidney stones.
Cancer
Tulsi can take, as long as it is prescribing by a doctor, as a balancing treatment against cancer and avert it.
People who eat Tulsi habitually are less susceptible to emerging cancer cells. The studies whose outcomes publish in the periodical Nutrition and Cancer shows that in some cases. Tulsi can prevent lung cancer and liver when it is inducing by chemicals. As well as oral and skin cancer, since it increases the antioxidant capacity of the body and its ability to influence the death of cancer cells, stopping metastasis.
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Fever
In Ayurveda, Tulsi is widely used to lower fever. It was a disinfectant, germicidal and antibiotic. It protects us against bacteria and viruses and also helping to recover respiratory difficulties caused by colds and flu, such as nasal jamming.
Scientific studies have established that this plant is anti-asthmatic and that it enables breathing.
Skin Health
The phytochemicals and essential oils that we find in holy basil are very beneficial for the skin. Its antibacterial and antiviral l belongings protect the skin from pollutions. It can be of countless help in psoriasis, acne, eczema, healing of wounds and body healing, and the stoppage and lessening of wrinkles.
