Tulsi/तुलसी/Tulasi/Ocimum Sactum/Holy Basil

Tulsi Medicinal Uses & Benefits

Indian mythology attaches a great significance to Basil by recognizing it as a holy herb. Perhaps, such significance comes from the actual health applications of the herb. Its use is recommended as a first aid in the treatment of respiratory, digestive and skin diseases. Apart from these common ailments, Ayurveda also recognizes its use for the diseases ranging up to tumerous growths. Experimental studies identify it to be a highly promising immunomodulator, cytoprotective and anticancer agent.

Following are the benefits & uses of Tulsi plant or Holy Basil/Ocimum Sanctum.

• Promotes Healthy Heart

  Holy basil contains vitamin C and antioxidants such as eugenol, which protects the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. Eugenol also proves useful in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.

• Anti-aging

  Vitamin C and A, phytonutrients, in Holy Basil are great antioxidants and protect the skin from almost all the damages caused by free radicals.

• Treats Kidney Stones

  Tulsi acts a mild diuretic & detoxifying agent which helps in lowering the uric acid levels in the body. Acetic acid present in holy basil helps in the breakdown of the stones.

• Relieves Headaches

  Tulsi is a natural headache reliever which can also relieve migraine pain.

• Fights Acne

  Holy basil helps kill bacteria and infections. The primary active compound of holy basil oil is eugenol which helps fight skin related disorders. Ocimum Sanctum helps treat skin infections both internally and externally.

• Relives Fever

  Tulsi is an age-old ingredient for treating fever. It is one of the prime ingredients in the formulation of various ayurvedic medicines & home remedies.

• Eye Health

  Tulsi's anti-inflammatory properties help promote eye health by preventing viral, bacterial and fungal infections. It also soothes eye inflammation and reduces stress.

• Oral Health

  Tulsi is a natural mouth freshener and an oral disinfectant. Ocimum Sanctum can also cure mouth ulcers. Holy basil destroys the bacteria that are responsible for dental cavities, plaque, tartar, and bad breath, while also protecting the teeth.

• Cures Respiratory Disorders

  Due to the presence of compounds like camphene, eugenol, and cineole, tulsi cures viral, bacterial, and fungal infections of the respiratory system. It can cure various respiratory disorders like bronchitis & tuberculosis.

• Rich Source of Vitamin K

  Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in bone health and heart health.

Chemical Composition

Aerial portion of the plant yields an essential oil possessing eugenol as the major constituent. Other compounds identified were nerol, eugenol, terpinene pinene and carvacrol. The leaves have also been reported to contain ursolic acid, apigenin, luteolin and orientin.