Dr. Reena Gupta
Basil, one of the most common herbs used as a flavoring agent throughout the world, offers a number of important health benefits, in addition to its unique and versatile flavor.
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. Tulsi is rich in antioxidant and renowned for its restorative powers,
Basil’s Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses
The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. medicinal uses of tulsi are:
* Basil is also known to have extremely powerful antioxidant properties, especially when it is used in the form of an extract or oil. The natural antioxidants found in basil can protect the body against damage from free radicals, thereby preventing cellular aging, common skin ailments, and even most forms of cancer. Antioxidants are an important part of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, and basil may be a safe and effective source of these potent, life-giving compounds.Fresh basil leaves and basil oil both have antibacterial properties, and can actually be used to clean surfaces of infectious disease.
* Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.
* Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.
* Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.
* Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract. Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol
* Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an ‘adaptogen’ or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.
* Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.
* Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma. Basil makes a good medicine for headache also.
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