Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine has recognised a lot of natural plants to have numerous medicinal properties. Holy basil is one of them. Holy basil is different from what you use in your kitchen, why you ask? Because holy basil or tulsi (common name in India) has higher medicinal value and is usually not used in culinary arts.
Ocimum sanctum or ocimum tenuiflorum, the scientific names of holy basil, comes from the same family of mint. The name tulsi is derived from sanskrit that means the incomparable one. Holy basil is called so because it is considered a sacred plant in Hinduism and is worshiped as the manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi across India.
Every part of this sacred plant is useful in traditional treatment and has been called the queen of herbs for this very reason. The plant leaves are considered to treat a lot of serious illnesses including the symptoms of cancer.
The queen of herbs has numerous health benefits. You start using it in your daily lives and experience how your life will change, but you need to ensure that you are consuming a healthy diet, and are working towards achieving a healthy lifestyle.
Nutritional properties of holy basil:
Holy basil has phytonutrients including 71% eugenol which is an extract that gives it an aroma similar to cloves, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid that is usually found in many herbs and spices. It also consists of rosmarinic acid responsible for holy basil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities and carvacrol.
Apart from the above-mentioned active ingredients, holy basil also contains vitamin A and C that have antioxidative properties, calcium to build and maintain strong bones, zinc essential in the creation of DNA, iron which is required for body growth and development.
Holy basil- an adaptogen:
Holy basil is considered to be an adaptogen because it has stress relieving properties that have been used by people for centuries. If you are feeling stressed because of your work or personal life issues and find yourself in stressful situations, you can use holy basil in your daily routine.
Holy basil is also known to balance the hormones keeping the stress at bay. Using holy basil leaves to prevent the symptoms of stress could be beneficial for your overall health. Eating holy basil leaves twice after meals could help you manage your stress hormones.
An adaptogen is a natural substance found in plants and herbs that help us keep our body relaxed and keep us calm in stressful situations. One such adaptation that you might be familiar with is ashwagandha.
The queen of herbs:
Why is holy basil regarded as the queen of herbs? Because it has medicinal properties and has been a vital plant in treatment of wounds from centuries. And its piousness in Hindu religion has also contributed to give it the queen status among the herbs.
The various health benefits are because of its medicinal properties and here is how consuming holy basil will help you get the best of your health.
Health benefits:
Immune system:
Consuming holy basil leaves first thing in the morning can help you boost your immune system. Holy basil will protect you from all types of viruses by boosting your immune system as it will increase the activity of natural killer cells in your body that kill the harmful bacteria.
Prevents fever and infections:
Holy basil has been used for centuries to cure fever in the human body. Using leaves of holy basil is an effective remedy especially in ayurveda. Holy basil has anti-bacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that help our bodies fight the bacteria and viruses that are affecting our health.
Protects your skin:
The external environment is not good for your skin as all the pollutants affect your skin and harm it from which you develop acne or other skin infections. Consuming holy basil will protect your skin from such infections and prevent acne as well.
Holy basil has multiple properties including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antifungal that will protect your skin from harmful bacteria, fungus and virus attacking your skin.
Many face serums and oils use tulsi extract nowadays giving an opportunity to the beauty industry to explore the benefit of the queen of herbs.
Maintain your blood sugar:
Holy basil is also used by people to maintain their blood sugar levels making it a great choice to add in the daily routine of a diabetic person. The components of holy basil especially eugenol aids in the secretion of insulin that boosts your body’s sensitivity to insulin. Holy basil has the properties that are effective in improving the secretions and utilization of insulin hormone.
A diabetic person is always at risk of cardiovascular diseases but once your blood sugar level is maintained the risk of such diseases will be reduced drastically. The presence of vitamin C and antioxidants will help the cells to get damaged and prevent any risk of heart related issues. You can ensure prevention of cardiovascular diseases by consuming holy basil. It is better to consume it in the early morning on an empty stomach.
Note: Better to consult a dietician for particular use of holy basil in your diet.
The other risk factor of diabetes is stress and holy basil is known to reduce stress and anxiety in people. Holy basil is considered an adaptogen and is a therapeutic measure against stress.
Precautions, if any:
Though holy basils are safe to use for most people, if you have allergies from any of the mint family, you should avoid consuming holy basil leaves as well. If you consume them you might encounter allergies or skin rashes.
How to use basil leaves:
The best way and the most popular way of using holy basil leaves is adding it in your tea. You can add the leaves of the holy basil plant in your morning tea to start your day effectively.
You can also consume the leaves directly by mouth twice a day after every meal. Consider consuming the leaves early in the morning on an empty stomach.
Beauty industry has started using holy basil extract or essential oils in products like lotions, serums, moisturizers giving people a wide variety of products to use for your skin that can be helpful in preventing many skin infections. Be careful while choosing any skin product. It is always better to consult a dermatologist if you are already facing skin issues.
Holy basil supplements are also available in the market in which dried tulsi can be found in the form of capsules. Consuming capsules could be beneficial for your health as well. You can take it with lukewarm water, milk or tea.
Conclusion:
Holy basil is a relevant herb not only because of its medicinal properties but its association with religion as well. People have used it for centuries for its health benefits and it being an effective remedy for many illnesses.
The richness of this herb that protects not just your mental health but physical and emotional health as well is a great way to live a stress free life. Ensure to use holy basil leaves in your diet and enjoy its many health benefits.