The benefits of Tulsi and ways to incorporate it into your wellness routine
Nature's got your back. With us today is one of endless examples, going by the name of Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi. In India, Holy Basil is known as the Queen of Herbs and can rightfully be found in every household.
But what makes this herb so regal? Let's explore a few reasons, shall we?
Respiratory relief
Perfect for this time in our lives where masks are mandated and taking a hefty hit on our immune systems, Holy Basil is a profound tool for combating respiratory disorders that may arise as a result. Tulsi is great for providing comfort to symptom of colds, sinus congestion, coughs, bronchitis, asthma flare-ups, flu, sore throat, and more.
Immune system strengthener
Holy Basil is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps the body resist stressors of all kinds - physical, chemical, or biological. How? Because of its Apigenin properties acting as a powerhouse in assisting your body to eliminate harmful materials, that's how.
And by virtue of its immune modulator properties, Tulsi can not only speed up the healing process of a diverse list of infections and wounds (such as mouth ulcers, keloids, acne, etc), it gives your entire immune system a boost.
Inflammation prevention
Inflammation is the associated with all chronic disease; from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, heart disease, ulcerative colitis, and various forms of cancer...the list goes on and on.
Another guiding light from Holy Basil is its levels of Ursolic and Rosmarinic acids, both offering hefty (and natural) doses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and even anti-aging properties. Wowza, right?! Yep, good ol' Tulsi.
Decreases stress and anxiety levels
With a wildly increased amount of the collective experiencing roller-coaster levels of stress and anxiety, Holy Basil acts as a saving grace; bestowed with Ocimumosides A and B compounds that can fight stress and maintain the secretion of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in your blood.
According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Holy Basil's anti-anxiety properties are comparable to diazepam and relative antidepressant drugs. In fact, studies have found that people who took 500 milligrams of Holy Basil extract daily felt less anxious, stressed, and depressed as well as overall more comfortable in social situations.
Balancing the body with Holy Basil
From the leaves to the seed, Holy Basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit; with different parts of the plant recommended for treating different conditions. Use:
Fresh flowers for bronchitis
The whole plant for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
A supplement (pill) and ointment form for eczema
A tincture (alcohol extract) for stomach ulcers and eye diseases
Essential oil made from the leaves for insect bites
Many studies also support use of the entire plant because of its nutritional value, being high in vitamin A and C, calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll.
As most things, not everything is right for everybody so be sure to do your own research based on your personal makeup and pre-existing conditions. See your Naturopathic Doctor for personalized guidance.
By Sam Jump
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