The tulsi or holy
basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped
in the morning and evening by Hindus at large.
The holy basil is also an
herbal remedy for many common ailments.
Here are top fifteen
medicinal uses of tulsi.
1.
Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a
nerve tonic and sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal
matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach
and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.
2.
Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During
the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender
leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of
acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a
liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The
juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves
in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep
giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down
the temperature.
3.
Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and
expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing
tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.
4.
Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of
sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.
5.
Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system
disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger 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.
They should be boiled in half a liter of water until only half the water is
left and add then taken.
6.
Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal
stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it
will expel them via the urinary tract.
7.
Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the
weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.
8.
Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea
and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of
chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten
them.
9.
Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent
studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress.
Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent
stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.
10.
Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in
the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
11.
Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect
stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is
repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected
parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and
leeches.
12.
Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of
ringworm and other skin diseases. Some naturopaths in the treatment of
leucoderma have also tried it successfully.
13.
Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the
sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with
mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for
maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums.
It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.
14.
Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves
can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can
also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for
providing coolness in general.
15.
Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness,
which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil
juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.
Source: Internet
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