Did you know that Tulsi is often referred to as Holy Basil? It is originally from India where it is considered to be the “Queen of Herbs”. Nowadays it can also be harvested in Australia, West Africa and in a few Middle Eastern countries. The parts used from the Tulsi plant are leaves, flowers, stems, roots and seeds. Tulsi can be taken as a herbal tea, in dried powder form, or it can be added to traditional dishes.
From the Ayurvedic point of view
It is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine and used as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are natural substances helping the body adapt to stress. This can either influence the physical, metabolic or psychological response to stress. In Ayurveda, we look at the properties of a substance. Tulsi’s qualities are light and dry, the taste is pungent and bitter, with a heating potency and a pungent post-digestive effect. Consequently, it balances Vata and Kapha Dosha and increases Pitta Dosha. Below you will find a list of a few benefits.
1. Stress and Anxiety
Research claims that holy basil is a calming herb enhancing relaxing effects, reducing anxiety and symptoms of stress including sleep problems, forgetfulness, and sexual problems. It helps to maintain the normal levels of the bodily cortisol hormone. High cortisol has a direct effect on stress tolerance, and Tulsi helps to lower the levels. For that, It is best taken in the morning and at night.
2. Enhance Cognitive function and memory
Given it has anti-depressive and anxiety regulating actions it has a positive effect on memory and cognitive function.
3. Lowers blood sugars
Studies have shown that Tulsi has the following benefits on people with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes: reduces weight gain, reliefs excess insulin in the blood, reduces high cholesterol, reduces insulin resistance and hypertension.
4. Respiratory Benefits
Tulsi helps to relieve congestion, suppresses coughing and enhances the immune system. This leads to relief in colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma.
Symptoms of Arthritis are inflammation and swelling in the joints, which is a painful condition and has a huge impact on daily activities. Tulsi has anti-anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties helping to attack free radicals. Free radicals are the cause of degeneration in the joints and their surrounding tissues.
Tulsi has a soothing effect on the mind of working as an adaptogen. Further, it promotes physical health at with its anti-anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties it helps to relieve arthritis, colds, coughs and infectious diseases. It is safe for children to use. Are you ready to open to its benefits?
This post was written by Julia Blohberger from www.juliablohberger.com.
Picture credits: India Markt