The
tulsi or 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.
Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi.
1. 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 profuse perspiration. The seed of the
plant are mucilaginous.
2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of Tulsi are
specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue
fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive
against these diseases. In case of severe 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. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to
bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every
2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children,
it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.
3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important
constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to
mobilize mucus in bronchitis( illness affecting lungs and making breathing
difficult) and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.
4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with tulsi
leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be
used as a gargle.
5. 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.
6. Kidney Stone: Tulsi has strengthening
effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of tulsi leaves and
honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary
tract.
7. Heart Disorder: Tulsi has a beneficial
effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the
level of blood cholesterol.
8. Children's Ailments: Common medicine
problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the
juice of tulsi leaves. If furuncles of chicken pox delay their appearance, tulsi
leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.
9. Stress: Tulsi leaves are
regarded as an anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves
afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12
leaves of tulsi, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps
prevent several common elements.
10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quite
effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will
cure these conditions.
11. Insect Bites: The herb is a
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.
12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, tulsi 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 Medicine.
13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in
teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for
brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used
as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting
bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea (inflammation
of the gums with a loosening of the teeth and a discharge of pus from the tooth
sockets) and other teeth disorders.
14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine
for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded
leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for
getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.
15. Eye Disorders: Tulsi juice is an
effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused
by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the
eyes daily at bedtime.