Tulsi or holy basil is one of Ayurveda’s favourite calming adaptogen herbs. It is often called “The Great Protector” by practitioners for good reasons. This sacred herb has Ayurvedic and Chinese medicinal roots that go back over 5,000 years. It holds valuable minerals, and nutrients, volatile oils and phytochemical constituents. Tulsi essentially contains the terpene Eugenol which is a dominant anti-fungal/bacterial oil. Tulsi helps calm the nervous system without dampening the immune or digestive systems. It can assist your body in decreasing stress responses, like insulin sensitivity and cortisol production, and it steers energy into necessary work like digestion. Tulsi comes in many varieties like Krishna or Rama. Each has its own subtle properties. All, though, are general calming and energizing.
With an abundance of clinical applications and health-supportive properties that have been applied in Ayurveda for thousands of years, Tulsi has been shown to nourish body, mind, and spirit through balancing and protecting against stress in the body. Tulsi is considered to have mild adaptogenic properties and can be enjoyed daily as a tea. An adaptogen is a herb that helps support a healthy stress response by balancing different processes in the body including the hormonal cascade, how the immune system functions and brain chemistry. This helps bring the body back into balance when you feel like things have gone off track. Through this article, let us discuss the six major attributes of Tulsi in dealing with health issues.
Reduces Stress
Tulsi has adaptogen properties that reduce stress and anxiety. Tulsi is widely used in Aromatherapy because of its strong intense aroma. Drinking Tulsi tea every day can aid in reducing stress. Tulsi will trigger the natural response in the body, and this will eradicate issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.
Anti-ageing properties
Tulsi is rich in antioxidants. This aromatic shrub contains essential oils that preserve the aroma and it exhibits high anti-oxidant activity after the steam distillation process. With its ability to support immunity and detoxifications, tulsi slowdowns ageing.
Protects from Dental Plaque
Tulsi is also benefiting in maintaining oral health. Tulsi destroys the bacteria that are responsible for dental cavities, plaque, tartar, and bad breath, while also protecting the teeth. It also has astringent properties which make the gums hold the teeth tighter, thereby keeping them from falling.
Prevents Cancer
Flavonoids in Tulsi are chemo-preventive agents. Tulsi has been shown to prevent DNA damage and the potential for tumour creation in a number of studies. The phytochemicals in Tulsi can prevent cancer-causing agents.
Reduces Glucose Level
Tulsi aids in decreasing glucose level by improving lipid profile and blood pressure. Tulsi leaves are said to have hypoglycaemic properties, which lower blood sugar levels and help prevent complications of diabetes. Tulsi can even protect the kidneys and liver from metabolic damage due to high glucose levels.
Strengthens Immunity
The antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties in tulsi can act effectively against many pathogens that are responsible for human infections. Daily consumption of tulsi can aid in promoting health, protecting the body from infections, colds and flu. Chewing tulsi leaves every morning on an empty stomach could double the immunity in no time.
Tulsi is regarded as the reincarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and it is known for its divinity. You could grow a few tulsi shrubs at home and make your life more healthy and divine.
