14 Amazing Benefits Of Holy Basil You Must Know

In this post, Know about the amazing benefits of Holy Basil leaves and the importance of the Holy Basil plant. The Holy Basil plant or Tulsi has great importance in Hinduism. It is considered a symbol of Maa Lakshmi and is dear to Lord Vishnu. In any worship or pooja, we offer Prasaad (religious offering of food) is not offered to Lord Vishnu without Holy basil leaves. Not this, Holy basil has much spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is a boon for health for its numerous properties to fight against many diseases. Keep reading this post to find out some interesting facts about the holy basil plant and how holy basil can be beneficial in treating various health problems.

Different Types Of Holy Basil Plant

Ocimum Sanctum is the scientific name of Holy Basil which is popularly known as Tulsi. Holy basil is an aromatic perennial medicinal plant found in Southeast Asian tropics and the Indian subcontinent. It is a divine and sacred plant found all over the world in eighteen different species. There are four different types of Holy Basil (tulsi) found in India. Basil with green leaves is Rama Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi also known as Shyama tulsi has green to purple leaves, Amrita Tulsi has broad green leaves, and Vana Tulsi is wild leafy basil. Mostly we see Rama Tulsi and Krishna Tulsi planted in the house.

Nutrients Found In Basil Leaves

Holy Basil is considered a Sanjeevani herb in Ayurveda because of its numerous beneficial properties and nutrients. Holy basil is adapted as an Ayurvedic herb used as a natural remedy for anxiety, adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, imbalanced blood sugar, and acne.

Primarily used to make basil tea to boost the immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, and nervous system. It possesses antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties.

Basil leaves are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and K and essential minerals like calcium, chlorophyll, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron, and potassium. It also has a good amount of protein and fiber.

Some Interesting Facts About Holy Basil

• It is believed that in the house where Holy basil is planted there resides Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
• It is believed that holy basil leaves should not be plucked during eclipses, after sunset, on the full moon, on Ekadashi (11th day of the lunar fortnight), and Sunday. Doing so is considered inauspicious.
• It is also believed that basil leaf must be used in the worship and offering to Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu.
• Offering basil leaves to lord shiva and Lord Ganesha is forbidden according to Hindu mythology.
• Growing a basil plant at home and light diya (lamp) in front of it in the evening is considered very auspicious. It brings happiness and prosperity in the house and removes negative energy from the home.
• Holy basil is also popular as a Natural air purifier. It purifies the air and reduces pollution by releasing an adequate amount of oxygen in the air and absorbing toxic gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
• Besides, it also protects against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
• Basil contains an organic additive called eugenol which also acts as a natural insect repellent.

Amazing Benefits Of Holy Basil

Holy Basil has been used for centuries to treat various diseases. Due to the multiple beneficial properties of holy basil, not only its leaves but also its branches, flowers, and seeds are used for treatment in Ayurveda and Naturopathy. The following are absolutely common tips for first aid. It’s always advisable to consult a doctor in case you have a higher intensity of the below-mentioned health conditions.

The right way to use basil is to swallow and not chew its leaves because, basil leaves are high in mercury and iron content, which are released on chewing. Excess of these elements can harm your teeth and cause stains and discoloration. Another best way to get maximum benefits of holy basil leaves is by drinking basil tea, its juice, or boiled water.

1. Lowers Fever

Basil is a powerful herb for lowering down the fever. It provides relief in all types of fever. Holy basil leaves act as antibiotics and protect from bacterial and viral diseases.

Boil 20- 25 basil leaves and 1 teaspoon crushed ginger in two cups of water and boil them until it reduces to half. Drink this basil tea twice a day to get relief in fever.

2. Cures Common Cold, Sore Throat & Cough

Holy Basil leaves taken with ginger can combat a variety of infections, including sore throat, cold, and cough. To get rid of sore throat, cough, and cold, drink one cup of holy basil tea. Basil tea has been used for centuries to cure sore throat, cough, and cold.

Easy Holy Basil Tea Recipe

Wash and dry 5-6 springs of fresh holy basil leaves in a cup and mash them to pieces. Pour hot water over it and mix well. Let the hot water absorb its color and flavor then strain the mixture. Drink warm. You may also add ginger, honey, and lemon to it. Taking basil tea can provide relief in fever, cough, cold, stomach disorders, stress, and migraine.

3. Provide Comfort In Respiratory Disorder

Holy Basil can help eradicate respiratory disorders, including bronchitis and deep cough. Basil contains eugenol that has antiviral properties that help provide relief from respiratory ailments like a blocked nose, allergic bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory disorders.

4. Ease Stomach Disorders

Holy basil can be a boon for people suffering from stomach ailments because of its carminative properties. It can provide relief in stomach inflammation, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers. It can also strengthen digestive power.

5. Reduce Stress & Headache

A comforting cup of basil tea can tackle stress, anxiety, headache, and inflammation. Holy basil is a natural adaptogenic plant that can reduce stress, strengthen brainpower, and help promote flexibility in the body. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are considered anti-stress agents providing great relief in stress, anxiety, and chronic headache.

6. Maintains Oral Hygiene

Basil leaves are powerful in healing oral infections and mouth disorders. Carvacrol and terpene present as antibacterial agents in basil serve this purpose. Basil leaves work as a natural mouth freshener and keeps the entire mouth healthy. It also provides great relief in toothache. Basil is very helpful if you are thinking of quitting smoking.

7. Heal Insect Bites

Fresh basil leaves shield you from stings and bites from bugs and other insects. Just rush its leaves and apply on the affected areas to reduce the pain and redness.

8. Helpful In Skin Disorders

Holy basil is a good remedy to keep your skin healthy and pimple free. It has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic properties, that can help in every skin problem. Besides, it hydrates skin and acts as an anti-aging agent for your skin. Basil is also very beneficial to obtain smooth and glowing skin. Also, the antibacterial and antibiotic properties of basil help in treating skin infections. If you have any skin problems, try this basil face pack.

Benefits Of Holy Basil Face Pack

Take equal parts of neem leaves and basil leaves and grind them in a grinder. Add Few drops of lemon juice and water as required to form a thick paste. Apply this face pack for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash it off. Use this remedy regularly to get blemish-free glowing skin. Applying a mixture of basil leaves juice and lemon juice on the face enhances the facial glow.

9. Provides Comfort In Eye & Ear Disorders

The leaves of holy basil are well known as effective ear pain relief in Ayurvedic medicine. The juice of the basil leaves contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, that provide relief in ear swelling, ear infection, and ear pain. Ear pain can be relieved by pouring a few drops of basil juice or basil oil in the ears. Also, the soothing effect of basil leaves juice helps fight conjunctivitis and eye-related problems. It can also help protect eyes from environmental damage due to free radicals.

10. Prevents Hair Loss

Applying basil oil can prevent hair fall by strengthening the hair follicles. It also treats dandruff, dry scalp, and prevents premature graying of hair.

11. Controls Uric Acid Levels In Body

Holy Basil helps in controlling uric acid levels in the body, by reducing the risk of forming kidney stones. It is also helpful for those who have kidney stones. Take the juice of basil leaves along with honey regularly as advised by your Ayurvedic practitioner and it will expel stone through the urinary tract.

12. Strengthens Immune System

Strong immunity means we do not get sick easily. Basil strengthens immunity power and acts as a protective shield for our bodies. Holy basil leaves extract boosts the formation of T helper cells and natural killer cells resulting in a stronger immune system. It has many properties that increase the production of antibodies that fight infection and diseases.

13. Tackle Irregular Periods

Basil seeds are beneficial to treat the irregularity of the menstrual cycle. Holy Basil can decrease high cortisol and acts as a period regulator. Basil seeds can not only regulate the menstrual cycle but also hormonal issues.

14. Reduces Inflammation And Joint Pain

Holy Basil is a powerful adaptogen that can lessen physical and emotional stress. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to balance the body and can benefit people with arthritis or fibromyalgia. Applying the juice of basil leaves is beneficial in inflammation of the skin.

These were the wondrous benefits of Holy basil. Although there are numerous benefits of the holy basil plant, people undertaking medication or suffering from diabetes or hypoglycemia should avoid its intake without consulting a health specialist. Drink basil tea more than 2 times a day, which may cause problems like nausea, diarrhea, acidity, chest, and stomach irritation. Basil has the ability to thin the blood and might slow down blood clotting. Basil may strengthen uterine contractions in pregnant women, so it is not recommendable for pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children. Avoid its intake without consulting a doctor.

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