Holy basil or Tulsi is the perennial plant of the genus Ocimum. It is regarded as the goddess by the Hindus and is planted in front of the Hindu house.
Holy basil differs from the common basil due to its strong taste.
Holy basil herb poses a series of beneficial effects on human health when consumed in adequate amounts.
Ayurveda strongly recommends using Holy basil or Tulsi to cure various ailments in the human body.
The presence of phytochemicals like Rosmarinic acid, eugenol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, carvacrol, and beta-caryophyllene is the reason for the series of health benefits.
Health Benefits
Some of the Benefits of the herb are
1. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Consumption of the holy basil is beneficial in the soothing of upper respiratory tract infections like cough and cold in the human body.
This is due to the clearing of congestion and facilitating adequate breathing.
2. Ringworm Treatment
The antifungal property of the holy basil produces good effects in the soothing of the ringworm infection.
3. Cancer Prevention
The goodness of the phytochemical and antioxidant innate in the holy basil is effective in the prevention of the occurrence of cancer.
4. Blood Sugar Level
Consumption of the holy basil produces good effects on the regulation of the blood sugar level. This produces good effects for the one suffering from type 2 diabetes which is caused by insulin insensitivity.
5. Stress Reduction
Holy basil is associated with the reduction of the stress in the human body.
6. Bad Breath
Predominate cause of bad breath due to bacterial infection and the chewing of holy basil leaves is beneficial in warding off bad breath.
7. Joint Pain
The anti-inflammatory property of the holy basil produces good effects in soothing of the joint pain.
8. Cholesterol Regulation
The intake of the holy basil is associated with the regulation of the cholesterol
The low-density lipoprotein also known as bad cholesterol is regulated.
The regulation of stress-induced cholesterol helps to obtain a healthy life.
The eugenol innate in the holy basil is considered to have prolific beneficial effects.
9. Healthy Teeth and Gum
The goodness of the antimicrobial property followed by the astringent property helps to maintain healthy teeth and gum.
10. Fever
The healing potential of the holy basil can soothe the fever. Traditionally holy basil has been in use to cure fever.
11. Adequate Vision
The goodness of vitamin A and antioxidants helps to obtain adequate vision.
12. Immunity Boosting
The use of the holy basil aids in the boosting of immunity. Immunity Boosting is vital in the prevention of a series of ailments in the human body which is caused by a lack of immunity.
14. Healthy Skin
The goodness of the antimicrobial properties followed by an ample amount of antioxidants is beneficial in curing various ailments in the skin.
15. Anti Aging
The presence of an ample amount of Phyto-nutritions followed by the goodness of the series of vitamins like vitamin C has anti-aging effects.
Side Effects
Due to the lack of adequate scientific research on the potential beneficial effects of holy basil caution is required during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Further, the slowing of the blood clotting upon the intake of the holy basil recommends precaution before undergoing surgery.