As a matter of fact, the tulsi or holy basil is known to be an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy tulsi is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. The following are the top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi:
The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties and therefore has high impact of healing. The tulsi leaves are a nerve tonic while also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube while they also strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.
Moreover, the leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. In fact, during monsoon, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against these diseases. While also in case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water when 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.
Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants as it helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Even,chewing tulsi leaves tremendously relieves cold and flu and also water boiled with tulsi leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat when water can also be used as a gargle.
The tulsi herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder and when a decoction of the leaves is taken with honey and ginger acts as an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold and when taken along with 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.
Tulsi leaf has strengthening effect on the kidney and the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel renal stone via the urinary tract. Even it has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them while it reduces the level of blood cholesterol.
Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will abolish them.
Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. According to recent studies shown, the leaves has capability that's 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. The leaves are known to be quite effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth and if few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
This is not the end, the powerful herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. When a teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours and the fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts or may be a paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches. Other critical problems like treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases, effective preventive against teeth disorders and also counteracting bad breath, prevention from severe headache and also 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 for effective result.
Note: Content has been adapted from health resources on tulsi. The above mentioned solutions from tulsi are intended towards basic level healing even though it's highly effective and natural in some cases. But still, medical supervision is highly advisable for critical cases.
Stay natural, stay healthy!
(AW:Samrat Biswas)
