The alternative name for holy basil is Tulsi. It is a very common herb of the ancient Indian history. It was firstly mentioned in around 1500 B.C. in the Rig Veda, and it was celebrated for the many benefits in the Ayurvedic medicine. It helps with anxiety, fat burn and much more.
Its origination is from tropical Asia, but today it grows in tropical climates all throughout the world. It is one of the most highly utilized and important plant in a large number of countries. The leaves are considered as adaptogen herbs that can provide different benefits for the whole body.
The adaptogen herbs are unique healing plants, which balance, protect and restore the body. One naturopath, Edward Wallace, explains that adaptogen does not have any specific action but it helps the body to respond to the stressors, and therefore normalizes the physiological functions.
Some of the popular adaptogen herbs include ashwagandha, astragalus, licorice root, ginseng, holy basil, Rhodiola and some medicinal mushrooms.
Benefits of holy basil
Nowadays,
the holy basil is mostly used in the form of tulsi tea or supplement
form. Mostly, it is used for treating acne, high blood sugar, anxiety,
adrenal fatigue and thyroid problems.
1. Acne
Some
researchers from Thailand have conducted a study in order to find out
whether the essential oils of tulsi can fight the bacteria that causes
acne and provide optimal skin care. When the antimicrobial capability
was being tested, researchers discovered that a 3 percent concentration
of tulsi is the most potent substance against the bacteria that can
cause acne. Eugenol, which is the primary compound of Tulsi is an active
ingredient in the potent clove oil. One of the very celebrated benefits
of the clove’s oil is that it effectively treats numerous skin
conditions. If using tulsi for treating acne, please make sure to use
unrefined virgin coconut oil as a carrier because when melted, it can be
absorbed into the skin far more quickly than any other oil.
2. Cancer
In
accordion to one review published in Nutrition and Cancer, the holy
basil contains potent immune-boosting as well as anti-inflammatory
properties that can protect against pain, stress as well as fever. So,
the people who consume holy basil on a daily basis are much less
susceptible to poor immunity and developing cancerous cells. Contained
phytochemicals in holy basil protect against lung, oral, liver and skin
cancer. The tulsi extract can prevent radiation- induced mortality and
sickness and are known to protect the normal tissues from the rough
effects of radiation.
3. Diabetes
The
holy basil’s ability to keep blood glucose in check has been widely
known since the mid-1900s. For example, in order to investigate its
ability to reverse and treat diabetes, a team of researchers from Azad
University of Agriculture and Technology (India) have studied the
effects that holy basil leaves has on rats. The group that has been
given holy basil has showed incredible results. The fasting glucose
dropped by 21mm/dl, post meal glucose dropped by 15.8 mm/dl, which
showed a reduction of 17.6 percent and 7.3 percent. Additionally, the
cholesterol levels were also hugely decreased. A research that was
published in the Journal od Ethnopharmacology, has proved that the
extract of tulsi has decreased glucose by more than 36 percent in normal
rats and up to 18 percent in diabetes-induced rats.
4. Balances hormones and lowers stress
An
article published in the journal Doe Pharmazie has pointed out that the
hypoglycemic effects of tulsi are because of its ability to regulate
the cortisol levels. The cortisol, or as it is also called the stress
hormone in responsible for a large number of diabetes cases throughout
the world. The adverse effects it has can damage memory, bone density,
learning, heart disease, immune function and weight gain. According to
Psychology Today, a high level of cortisol is viewed as a number one
public enemy. Yet another benefit of holy basil is that it can very
successfully decrease emotional stress and anxiety. A few of the
symptoms of high cortisol level include the following: weight gain (in
the abdomen/stomach area), puffy, flushed face, mood swings, high blood
pressure, acne or some other skin condition, high level of anxiety, poor
sleep/fatigue, muscle pain and aches, excessive thirst, increased
urination.
5. Helps the fever
The
holy basil is recommended as a natural fever treatment, especially by
practitioners of Ayurverdic medicine. Holy basil leaves act as
antibiotic, germicidal and disinfectant agents, which means that they
will protect us from bacteria and viruses. In times we have a fever, its
proof that our bodies are fighting against an infection and thus, with
its infection fighting properties, tulsi helps fight a fever and restore
the health in a quick way.
6. Relieves headaches
Some practitioners of Ayurveda recommend the holy basil as a natural headache medicine that helps relieve the migraine pain.
Holy basil tea recip
Ingredients:
- 1-quart water
- 4 teaspoons tulsi leaf or 2 teaspoons powder
- 1-inch ginger root or 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon raw, organic honey (optional)
- Infuse all the ingredients in boiling water for about 20 minutes
- Strain, then add the honey
- Drink as tea