http://hinduism.about.com/od/ayurveda/a/tulsibenefits.htm
The tulsi orholy basilis 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 copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.MUST WATCH:Top 4 Videos on the Healing Powers of Tulsi2. Fever & Common Cold:The leaves of basil 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 theses diseases. 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. 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 and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.4. Sore Throat:Water boiled with basil 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: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.7. Heart Disorder:Basil 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 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 hasten them.9. 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.10. Mouth Infections:The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.11. 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.12. 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.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 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:Basil 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.
http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-top-10-health-benefits-of-tulsi-1876745
Tulsi also known as basil leaves, is a fairly common plant in Indian households. Considered holy by many religions, the tulsi plant is revered for its divine properties.Besides praying to the plant, a number of people advice including the leaves and roots of the plant in various medical decoctions.With immense benefits right from clear skin to dissolving kidney stones, tulsi is tonic for the entire body. Here are the top 10 benefits of tulsi.Cures a fever:Tulsi has very potent germicidal, fungicidal, anti-bacterial and anti-biotic properties that are great for resolving fevers. It has the potential to cure any fever right from those caused due to common infections to those caused due to malaria as well. In ayurveda, it is strongly advised that a person suffering from fever should have a decoction made of tulsi leaves. In case of a fever boil a few leaves of tulsi with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water( The proportion of tulsi to cardamom powder should be in the ratio 1:0.3). Let it reduce to half its total volume. Mix this decoction with sugar and milk. Sip every two to three hours. This remedy is especially good for children.Beats diabetes:leaves of holy basil are packed with antioxidants and essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. Collectively these substances help the pancreatic beta cells (cells that store and release insulin) function properly. This in turn helps increase sensitivity to insulin. Lowering ones blood sugar and treating diabetes effectively. An added advantage is that the antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill effects of oxidative stress.Protects the heart:Tulsi has a powerful anti-oxidant component called Eugenol. This compound helps protect the heart by keeping ones blood pressure under control and lowering his/her cholesterol levels. Chewing a few leaves of tulsi on an empty stomach everyday can both prevent and protect any heart ailments.Beats stress:According to a study conducted by the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India, tulsi helps to maintain the normal levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. The leaf also has powerful adaptogen properties (also known as anti-stress agents). It helps sooth the nerves, regulates blood circulation and beats free radicals that are produced during an episode of stress. People who have high stress jobs can chew about 12 leaves of tulsi twice a day to beat stress naturally.
Dissolves kidney stones:The holy basil being a great diuretic and detoxifier is great for the kidneys. Tulsi helps reduce the uric acid levels in the blood (one of the main reasons for kidney stones is the presence of excess uric acid in the blood), helps cleanse the kidneys, the presence of acetic acid and other components in its essential oils helps in breaking down kidney stones and its painkiller effect helps dull down the pain of kidney stones. To relieve kidney stones one must have the juice of tulsi leaves with honey, every day for six months to help wash out the stone from the kidney.Beats cancer:With strong anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties tulsi has been found to help stop the progression of breast cancer and oral cancer (caused due to chewing tobacco). This is because its compounds restrict the flow of blood to the tumour by attacking the blood vessels supplying it. Have the extract of tulsi every day to keep these conditions at bay.Helps to quit smoking:Tulsi is known to have very strong anti- stress compounds and is great to help one quit smoking. It helps by lowering the stress that may be involved in trying to quit smoking, or stress that leads to the urge to smoke. It also has a cooling effect on the throat just like menthol drops and helps control the urge to smoke by allowing the person to chew on something. Ayurveda relies heavily on tulsi leaves as a smoking cessation device. Keep some leaves with you and chew it whenever the urge to smoke arises. Another plus is that the antioxidant property of the leaves will help fight all the damage that arises out of years of smoking.Keeps your skin and hair healthy and glowing:The holy basil has powerful purifying properties. When eaten raw, it purifies the blood giving the skin a beautiful glow, and prevents the appearance of acne and blemishes. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties are very effective in preventing breakouts on acne prone skin. Ayurvedic doctors say that this herb can cure difficult skin conditions like those caused due to ring worms and even leucoderma. Apart from all this, it helps in reducing itchiness of the scalp and helps to reduce hair fall. Mix the powder in coconut oil and apply regularly to the scalp to prevent hair fall. Eating tulsi leaves, drinking the juice, or adding its paste to a face pack can help cure skin and hair conditions.
Heals respiratory conditions:Tulsi has immunomodulatory (helps to modulate the immune system), antitussive (suppresses the cough center, reducing the amount of cough) and expectorant properties (helps expel phlegm from the chest), that make it a great relief for coughs, cold, and other respiratory disorders including chronic and acute bronchitis. Another great property of this leaf is that it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that help to beat the infection causing the respiratory problem. It also relieves congestion since it contains potent components like camphene, eugenol and cineole in its essential oils. Its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties also help to treat allergic respiratory disorders.Cures a headache:Tulsi helps to relieve headaches caused due to sinusitis, allergies, cold or even migraines. This is because it has pain relieving and decongestant properties, that help relieve the pain and resolve the root cause of the condition. If you are suffering from a headache, make a bowl of water that has been boiled with crushed tulsi leaves or tulsi extract. Cool the water till it is room temperature or bearably hot. Place a small towel in it, wring out the excess water and place this on your forehead to treat a headache. Alternatively you could dip a towel in plain warm water and add a few drops of tulsi extract to the towel for immediate relief.These are just some benefits of the plant, other benefits include treatment for common colds, itchiness of the skin, treatment for insect bites, curing common conditions of the eye and as a herbal remedy for bad breath. So the text time you feel ill, try having a few leaves of tulsi. To know more about the health benefits of various everyday ingredients, check out our natural remedies page.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/240141/use-goodness-tulsi.htmlUse the goodness of tulsiNishi PathakOne plant with multiple utility values is tulsi. Tulsi is found in almost all Indian households and even worshipped religiously by the Hindus.
The plant: It is a small plant and there are many varieties. However, Ram tulsi (with light green leaves) and Shyam tulsi (with black leaves) are the most common. Both have almost similar properties despite the difference in colour.
Different names: Tulsi is known by different names in different languages. For example, Gauri or Vrinda in Sanskrit, Shree tulsi in Kannada and holy basil in English are names of the same plant. It is also known as ocimum sanctum in Latin.
In Indian culture, this plant is said to be the abode of all the gods. The plant possesses a lot of antibiotic properties. And all it requires is a bit of water to help it flourish in your garden.
Uses
All parts of the plant like leaves, flowers, roots and bark can be used to our benefit. As the plant contains antibiotic properties in its different parts, it is generally used to cure contagious and infectious diseases. It is said that a Tulsi stand can clean even the polluted air around.
It is good for the heart and easily digestible. It corrects the deficiencies in the blood and is a great fixer of ailments such as vommitting, hiccups, epilepsy and fever. Taking a few leaves of tulsi daily is known to keep common ailments such as colds and coughs at bay. It also has a good effect on the overall health of the body and digestion of food.
Ten leaves of tulsi, ground with five black peppers and five almonds, and taken with a little honey can help improve memory.
Tulsi leaves are specific for many fevers. During rainy season, its leaves boiled with tea act as prevention against various types of fever.
You can also get rid of any nasty headache with the juice of tulsi. A few drops of its juice when applied on the nose or rubbed on the forehead also cures headaches. Swallowing two or three leaves of tulsi after a meal removes bad odour and is good for the teeth and gums.
Alkaloids found in tulsi are helpful in detoxification of the skin. Add a few leaves to a jug of water and drink it up. This will help clean up the stomach.
Mixing the leaves to coriander, mint and curry leaves chutney adds zing to your meal. Tulsi can also be added to soups and rasams as garnish.
The plant contains natural mercury, which may be harmful to teeth if the leaves are chewed. It is best to swallow the leaves whole with water.
33 Amazing Benefits Of Tulsi/Basil For Skin, Hair And HealthThe holy Tulsi, also known as the queen of herbs is the most sacred of all the herbs found in India! This sacred plant is found in almost every Indian household. Tulsi has been used in India for around 5000 years and is acclaimed for its healing properties of the mind, body and spirit. Tulsi has been widely popular in South Asian countries for many centuries and now is also gaining popularity in the West.The scientific name of Tulsi is Ocimum Tenuiflorum and is its English term in Basil. There are three variants of Tulsi; Rama Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi and Vana Tulsi. Each of the variants has its own distinctive taste. The parts of Tulsi generally used are its leaves, seeds and dried roots.Tulsi has played a significant role in the history of mankind due to the multitude of benefits that it possesses and uses it offers. The extract obtained from the plants is used to cure various diseases such as common cold, inflammation, malaria, heart diseases and many more. Tulsi contains hundreds of beneficial compounds and possess strong antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, adaptogenic and immune enhancing properties. Tulsi also aids in the purification of atmosphere. It has been used for centuries as an important component of Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogenic, balancing different processes in the body and enabling the body to adapt to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as an elixir of life and is well known to promote longevity. It is because of these numerous benefits that tulsi medicinal plant is worshiped as a goddess in India!A. Health benefits of Tulsi:Not only from a religious point of view, but from a medicinal perspective too, Tulsi has endless value. In Ayurveda, it is considered as the destroyer of all the doshas. The tulsi benefits are many and people also chew raw leaves regularly to reap these benefitsTulsi leaves also re-energize and rejuvenate the body of a person. It keeps one fresh mentally and stimulates the thought process. The holy basil is a homemade remedy for a lot of common ailments.Listed below are some of the uses of plant.1. Fever and common cold:The tulsi medicinal uses begins with the ability of the leaves to cure many kinds of fever. Tender Tulsi leaves boiled in water acts as a preventive against malaria and dengue fever. In case of acute fever, a decoction of the leaves boiled with cardamom power in half a litre of water mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature.Tulsi is also a good germicidal agent and a disinfectant that protects the human body from all types of viral infection.2. Cough and Respiratory Problems:Chewing Tulsi leaves also cures cough and flu. It helps to mobilize mucous in bronchitis and asthma attacks. A decoction of leaves with honey and ginger is an effective remedy against bronchitis, asthma, influenza and cold. A decoction of leaves, cloves and common salt also relieves influenza.Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as a drink in case of sore throat. You can also gargle with this water to soothe sore throat. Tulsi is an important ingredient in the preparation of cough syrups and expectorant.3. Kidney stone:One of the tulsi plant uses is that its leaves have a strengthening effect on the kidneys. In case of renal stones, the consumption of juice of basil leaves mixed with honey help removes these stones through the urinary tract. Tulsi being a detoxifying agent can help to reduce uric acid level which is the main reason behind kidney stones.4. Heart disorder:Basil is very beneficial in combating cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from it. It reduces blood cholesterol level. Tulsi also contains Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants such as Eugenol which protects the heart from harmful effects of free radicals. Tulsi can also reduce blood pressure and thus is useful for heart patients.5. Childrens ailments: Commonpaediatricproblems like cough, colddiarrheaand vomiting respondfavourablyto tulsi juice. Basil leaves taken with honey keeps chicken pox at bay. If a baby is given tulsi juice regularly before teething, it helps grow teeth easily without any of the usual teething troubles. Massaging the gums with a mixture of tulsi leaves and honey will also help. Giving children a mixture of tulsi juice and honey helps bring relief to cough and sore throat too. Warm tulsi juice gets rid of the worms in the stomach.[ Read:Benefits Of Neem Oil For Skin And Hair]6. Teeth disorder:The leaves are also useful in treating teeth disorders. Tulsi leaves dried and powdered can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustard oil and can be used as a tooth paste. It maintains the health of the gums and helps to counteract bad breath, pyorrhoea and other dental problems. This tooth paste can also be rubbed on the gums to hinder gum inflammation.Tulsi is also used as a mouth wash to relieve tooth ache. Tulsi is an excellent mouth freshener and oral disinfectant and destroys 99% of germs and bacteria found in the mouth. These leaves are quite effective for several mouth infections like ulcer.7. Headache:Basil leaves are a good medicine for headache. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can be applied on the forehead for relief from headache.8. Eye disorder:Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night blindness, which is generally caused by lack of Vitamin A. Two drops of basil juice can work wonders for the eyes. It soothes eyes and reduces stress. Also it can protect from conjunctivitis, boils and other problems of the eyes which are caused mainly due to bacterial and fungal infections by washing eyes with water soaked in tulsi leaves.9. Stomach problems:Several stomach problems like acidity, constipation and flatulence can also be cured with tulsi leaves. Tulsi supports digestive system and makes you feel less bloated and more comfortable. It also helps people suffering from vomiting and lack of appetite.10. Diabetes:Tulsi is one of the many herbs that help to control blood sugar level in a person. It reduces the blood sugar level by causing a sudden or drastic drop.
Image: shutterstock[ Read:Benefits Of Neem Leaves]11. Pain relief:Tulsi plant acts like a COX-2 inhibitor and benefits people with painful medical condition. Some Compounds found in tulsi helps to ease inflammatory and neurological pain and has no side effects whatsoever. Tulsi is also used in the treatment of ulcers, cuts and wounds because of its beneficial antiseptic and healing properties.12. Anti-cancer:Tulsi is anti-carcinogenic in nature and helps to treat some forms of cancer including breast cancer. Tulsi restricts the blood vessels that feed tumours. It also helps to inhibit the growth of oral cancer that it caused due to tobacco. But tulsi should not be used as a sole treatment of cancer however.13. Stress reliever:The anti-oxidants present in Tulsi help in balancing different processes of the body. Drinking Tulsi extract daily smoothes the nervous system and helps to relieve stress.14. Lung disorder:Several compounds present in tulsi like Vitamin C, camphene, Eugenol can cure lung congestion. They have proven to be effective in healing damage caused by smoking, tuberculosis etc.15. Insect bite:This herb also prevents insect stings and bites. A teaspoon of fresh juice should be applied on the affected areas and repeated after a few hours. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.Apply a paste of Tulsi leaves and roots ground together on the sting of the scorpion. It will completely eliminate the effects of poison. Also in such cases, crushing a few leaves of Tulsi and mixing it with lemon helps too. Apply it on the area of the sting and it will cure the problem. The pain caused by the sting can be reduced by drinking Tulsi juice and also by applying it on the sting.16. Helps to quit smoking:Tulsi can also help you immensely if you are trying to quit smoking. It is more helpful than nicotine gums and candies which claim to keep you distracted from your need of smoking. Keep some fresh tulsi leaves in your pocket and munch whenever you feel the urge to smoke. The tulsi juice will cool your throat just as the mint drops do and chewing will distract you. The anti-oxidant will actually help you to undo the damage done by years of smoking.B. Skin care benefits of Tulsi:[ Read:Amazing Benefits Of Green Tea]Time and again, this wonder herb has proved itself to be one of the most essential ingredients used in herbal skin care products. The beauty benefits of tulsi plants are plenty. It helps in maintaining a healthy skin and shiny hair. Tulsi extracts make the most organic solution for your skin and hair problems. Tulsi is endowed with antiseptic and purifying qualities which help to prevent skin diseases. Some of them have been listed below.17. Tulsi works very well on eczema, acne and pimples and many cosmetic companies use Tulsi as an ingredient in skin ointments due to its anti-bacterial properties. People suffering from scabies and eczema should drink Tulsi juice to help cure it.18. Tulsi works great on the skin, whether you eat raw leaves or apply a paste to the face. When eaten raw, it purifies the blood from toxins and prevents appearance of acne and pimples. You can also make a toner by boiling Tulsi leaves in water. Let it cool for 15 minutes and then apply on the acne affected areas. This remedy will not only help eliminate pimples but will also impart an instant glow to the skin and will smooth the skin out completely.19. Besan and tulsi paste face pack is a popular pack to get rid of scar marks and get a clean and even skin tone. Skin whitening effects of besan lightens the appearance of scars and black marks and Tulsi kills the bacteria that lead to acne.20. Rubbing finely powdered dry tulsi on the face like a loose powder makes the face glow and removes dark spots from the face.21. Tulsi leaves contain anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. A paste made of Tulsi leaves along with sandalwood paste and rose water can be applied on the face as it helps to prevent inflammation.22. The antioxidants present in Tulsi makes you look younger and fresher. Tulsi is very healthy for the skin. It works well as a skin and hair moisturizer too.23. Skin with blemishes can also benefit from Tulsi leaves. Make a face pack using one egg white and Tulsi leaves paste. Then rub the mixture gently on the face particularly on the infected areas of the skin. Wash off the face pack after 20 minutes scrubbing it gently. The egg white used will tighten the pores while the tulsi paste will disinfect the skin and prevent infections which cause pimples and acne.24. Using tulsi paste and lemon helps to cure ring worms.25. Continued ingestion of powdered tulsi roots and leaves is believed to cure all skin diseases.26. Another good remedy for treating all types of skin diseases is boiling tulsi in mustard oil till the oil turns black. Let it cool, then strain the oil and apply all over the body during winters. This promotes quick healing. Application of tulsi juice on the boils is beneficial and gives relief too.27. Apply tulsi paste for relief from skin irritations caused due to plucking of the hair.28. Dry tulsi leaves in a shade, add alum, grind and sieve well and store the powder in a clean glass bottle. Apply the powder on wounds and cuts. Pain due to burns can be alleviated by applying equal amounts of Tulsi juice and coconut oil mixed in it.29. Rubbing tulsi leaves on areas that itch gives quick relief. Itching can also be soothed by applying a mixture of Tulsi and lemon juice.[ Read:Benefits Of Aloe Vera Juice]C. Hair Care benefits of tulsi:Dry and damaged hair is often a cause of concern for beauties. Further high pollution in cities and several other factors combine to wreak havoc on our crowning glory and damage our hair to the very roots. It is highly important to keep ourselves hydrated and eat a balance diet to ward off hair problems. Always rely on herbal products andhomemade remedies for hair problemsrather than using over the counter, chemical laden hair care products which do nothing but make the matter worse for us. Tulsi is a wonder herb which helps to achieve lustrous shiny and healthy hair.30. One of the major causes of hair loss is dandruff and dry scalp. Add a small quantity of Tulsi oil to regular carrier oil like coconut oil and massage well on your scalp. Tulsi helps to improve the blood circulation and keeps your scalp cool reducing itchiness and dandruff and promotes hair growth. You can also apply tulsi paste which keeps the scalp, roots clean and keeps the dandruff at bay.31. A paste of tulsi, hibiscus and neem leaves can be applied on the hair to keep it healthy and itch free.32. Regular massage of tulsi oil in your scalp energizes you and your hair.33. Tulsi has a complex constitution that includes immunity booster, adaptogens and anti-oxidants. Hence, tulsi juice when taken every week keeps our scalp healthy and hydrated.Apart from all these benefits, it has been recently discovered that tulsi has environmental benefits too. Tulsi apparently gives out oxygen for 20 hours and ozone for 4 hours along with the formation of nascent oxygen which absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide from the environment.After knowing all these amazing benefits of this herb, Im sure all of you would try these home remedies. It will work wonders on your life and living habits.PrincipleNutrient ValuePercentage of RDA
Energy23 Kcal1%
Carbohydrates2.65 g2%
Protein3.15 g6%
Total Fat0.64 g2%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Dietary Fiber1.60 g4%
Vitamins
Folates68 g17%
Niacin0.902 mg6%
Pantothenic acid0.209 mg4%
Pyridoxine0.155 mg12%
Riboflavin0.076 mg6%
Thiamin0.034 mg2.5%
Vitamin A5275 IU175%
Vitamin C18 mg30%
Vitamin E0.80 mg5%
Vitamin K414.8 g345%
Electrolytes
Sodium4 mg0%
Potassium295 mg6%
Minerals
Calcium177 mg18%
Copper385 mg43%
Iron3.17 mg40%
Magnesium64 mg16%
Manganese1.15 mg57%
Zinc0.81 mg7%
Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-3142 g
Crypto-xanthin-46 g
Lutein-zeaxanthin5650 g
