Tulsi

Tulsi, also known as the queen of herbs is an aromatic herb found almost everywhere in India. It has an important place in the Ayurvedic tradition of medicine. It is a perennial herb that can grow up to a height of 1m. It bears aromatic green or purple leaves, flowers, and seeds. It is a native of tropical Asia and also grows in Afric.

Part used: Leaves and seeds.

Method of administration: Tulsi is used as dried leaves, tea made from the leaves, decoction, dried seeds and infusion.

Chemical composition: Multiple benefits of Tulsi is due to multiple and complex composition. Tulsi leaves contain antioxidants, Vitamin A and C, minerals, calcium, iron, zinc, eugenol, polyphenol, rosmarinic acid, carvacrol, terpene and caryophyllene.

Medical benefits: Tulsi has a long list of benefits spanning many helath conditions.

• Tulsi leaves have great healing power. A paste of the leaves is useful in treating eczema, mouth ulcers, ring worms, wounds and other skin diseases.

• Tulsi also reduces stress. A powder made from the leaves is beneficial in stress related disorders such as headache, arthritis, diabetes and cancer.

• Drinking a decoction made by boiling 20-25 leaves with water prevents further spread of cancer and reduces the side effects of chemotherapy.

• Antioxidants present in Tulsi provide immunity and prevent immunity related diseases. A decoction made by boiling Tulsi leaves with ginger, black pepper and mint leaves and jaggery improves immunity, prevents and cures respiratory problems such as cold, cough and sore throat, fever, malaria, nausea, indigestion and vomiting.

• A paste of leaves with ginger, black pepper and honey is beneficial in treating sore throat and cough.

• Inhalation of steam from crushed Tulsi leaves with mint leaves removes the nasal congestion and phlegm from the nasal passage.

• Dried Tulsi leaf powder with mustard oil can help treat dental problems and toothache.

• The juice made from Tulsi leaves and root are antiseptic and beneficial against insect bites.

• A decoction of its leaves mixed with honey prevents kidney stones and purifies the blood.

• The oil derived from Tulsi leaves is antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective. The oil reduces stress, headache and other nervous problems.

Tulsi seeds are also beneficial in many ways.

• The seeds boiled with Tulsi leaves are digestive. They also give relief from cold, cough and fever.

• A decoction of Tulsi seeds or dried seeds mixed with green tea act as a stress reliever and can help treat skin and bladder infections.

• An oil obtained by crushing Tulsi seeds can be applied externally to heal wounds and treat skin infections.

Contraindications: No contraindications. Tulsi is a safe herb. However excessive chewing of leaves is not advisable.

#respiratory #digestion #kidney #cough #cold #fever #stress #bloodpurifier #antioxidant #headache #insectbites #bladderinfections #immunity #tulsi #dentalproblems #ginger #blackpepper #honey