10 Healthy Benefits of Tulsi Leaves (Basil Leaf)

Indians have a history of using and worshipping the plant of tulsi. They have used it as an immunity booster for ages and have seen its benefits. From boiling it in several beverages to offering prayers every day, the plant has made its place in every household. Tulsi, scientifically called the Ocimum basilicum, the Mother Medicine of Nature in ancient Ayurvedic medicinal texts, is a herb that is used for several causes worldwide. Known for its exceptional medical abilities, tulsi is also a herb that is used in food and cuisines all over the world. So, in this article, we would discuss the exquisite tulsi plant benefits and tulsi uses.

 

Benefits of Tulsi Leaves

With varieties like lemon basil, sweet basil, holy basil, etc., the tulsi plant is grown worldwide with its multiple uses and benefits. Being an Ayurvedic herb, tulsi has minimal side effects on your health. Here are some benefits of tulsi leaves:

 

1. Sweet basil and stevia leaves are natural sweeteners that have fewer calories than sugar or jaggery. The sweeteners we make through extracts from the leaves are safe for patients with diabetes. Basil is also used in a variety of cuisines, including Italian and Indian, and can aid with gut health and metabolism.

 

2. Research has shown basil to be an apt medicine for infectious problems like ulcers, keloids, and acne. 

 

3. Basil is high in antioxidants such as beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene, as well as vitamins A, iron, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, and essential oils. Basil has an incredible amount of antioxidants. Due to its antioxidants, tulsi helps to fight free radicals.

 

4. Basil contains flavonoids, which help build up your immune system, reduce the ageing process, and protect your cellular structure from damage.

 

5. Sweet basil contains eugenol, which includes anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to keep your digestive tract healthy. So, basil is beneficial to your digestive and neurological systems, as well as active digestion and body pH balance.

 

6. Basil can help one bring down blood glucose levels. For those diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, holy basil has been shown in studies to curb diabetes symptoms, such as:

 

• High cholesterol
• Insulin resistance 
• Hypertension
• Weight gain 
• Hyperinsulinemia

 

7. Basil also contains an adaptogen, an anti-stress molecule. It decreases anxiety and despair by boosting energy-controlling neurotransmitters and pleasant hormones. Incorporating tulsi or basil into tea or any other hot beverage may significantly improve mental health.

 

8. Basil is a wonder herb for the liver, one of the most integral organs of our body and digestive system. It detoxifies the liver and prevents fat buildup in the organ. Being good for our liver, it helps us digest food better and helps prevent the onset of several serious diseases that originate from the malfunctioning of the liver. 

 

9. Tulsi contains magnesium, which improves blood circulation and relaxes blood vessels and muscles, which helps to relieve muscular cramps. Thus, include basil in your diet, since it may help you avoid cardiac problems, especially in the stressful world where most of us suffer from lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, stress, and anxiety.

 

10. Holy basil can help to avoid ulcers caused by stress. It aids in the strengthening of our stomach by:

 

• Reducing stomach acid.
• Increasing mucus secretion.
• Increasing mucus cell production and extending their cell life.

 

Consume Tulsi:

After coming across multiple benefits of tulsi leaves, one can not resist adding tulsi to one's daily life. Using tulsi in daily staples and dishes like pulses, lentils, rice, tea etc., can be helpful for you and your respective health conditions. Using basil leaves, pastes, and extracts as a part of your skincare routine can help you breathe new life into your skin that continually faces the assault of dangerous chemicals and pollutants every day.

 

Here are some other common ways to consume tulsi:

 

• Tulsi Tea
• Tulsi ghee or honey
• Tulsi juice
• Tulsi water

 

Among these, tulsi tea is the most common way to add a healthy habit to the lifestyle. While preparing the tea, tulsi leaves can be added to make it a delicious and healthy beverage.

 

Tips to Add Tulsi Safely

Although tulsi has no adverse side effects, it is recommended that women who are lactating, pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid basil leaves. It is unclear whether tulsi is safe for infants, so it is advisable not to give tulsi leaves to infants. It is advisable to drink tulsi juice or add tulsi to your tea in small quantities as, initially, it can cause nausea and diarrhoea.

People who are already on medication should get advice from the doctor about consuming tulsi.

 

Conclusion

Basil or tulsi is a vital medicine that has been hailed by Ayurveda for centuries. We must use it for the sake of our health and well-being. Also, health is a wealth that should be celebrated by everyone. With thoughtful tips about health, Niva Bupa offers health insurance plans to transform the world into a healthy family. Visit Niva Bupa to avail a suitable health insurance plan.