Tulsi Helps Reduce Your Stress Levels

Tulsi (Sacred basil – Ocimum tenuiflorum, also known as Ocimum sanctum, Holy basil) is a common plant in Indian households. Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its many healing properties. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to 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. It helps sooth the nerves, regulates blood circulation and beats free radicals that are produced during an episode of stress.

Why Tulsi is good for you in winters?

The extract obtained from the Tulsi plant is used to cure various diseases such as common cold, inflammation, malaria, heart diseases and many more. Tulsi contains huge number of beneficial compounds and possess strong antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, adaptogenic and immune enhancing properties. Tulsi also helps in the purification of atmosphere. It has been used for centuries as an important component of Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties.

For respiratory conditions: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants and very useful in the treatment of many respiratory system disorder. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu. 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.

A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger and black pepper 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.

Some more benefits of Tulsi

• Supports the immune system.
• Helps with digestion and gastrointestinal problems.
• Great in resolving fevers, right from those caused due to common infections to those caused due to malaria as well.
• Good for 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 one’s blood sugar and treating diabetes effectively. The antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill effects of oxidative stress as an added advantage.
• Good for heart – Tulsi has a powerful anti-oxidant component called Eugenol. This compound helps protect the heart by keeping one’s 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.
• 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.
• For good skin – The holy basil when eaten raw, 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. Applied locally, tulsi juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases.
• For Memory – Tulsi leaves are a nerve tonic and improves brain functioning. It improves concentration and sharpens memory.

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DISCLAIMER: This is only general information. It is always better to see a health practitioner depending upon the intensity of the symptoms.