Ocimum sanctum is also known as Holy basil or Tulsi, an incredibly beneficial herb which has been used in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine treatments. The plant is widely worshiped and grown in many Hindu households for various reasons. It has violet flowers and blossoms with the green stems and purple tinge. In this blog we are going to tell you Health Benefits Of Ocimum Sanctum, so read this blog carefully to know more.
Due to its unique composition of essential oils including camphor, eugenol, nerol, flavonoids and various terpenes; ocimum sanctumis extremely beneficial for humanhealth. Whether it is aboutfighting bacterial and viral infections,strengthening immunityor treating various hair and skin disorders; ocimum sanctum (tulsi) is considered a tonic for the body, mind and spirit.From its leaves to the seed, this plant is a boon for its traditional and medicinal values.
Other names for ocimum sanctum –
- Albahacasanta
- Baikaprow
- Baranda
- Basilicindien/Indian basil
- Green holy basil/red holy basil/sacred basil
- Krishna tulsi
- Rama tulsi
- Holy basil
- Manjari
- Tulsi
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Nutritional value of ocimum sanctum (basic leaves) –
- Vitamin A and C
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Iron
- Chlorophyll
Health promoting properties of ocimum sanctum –
- Adaptogenic
- Anti-arthritic
- Anti-coagulant
- Anti-diabetic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-pyretic
- Antidiarrheal
- Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal)
- Antioxidant
- Antitussive
Different parts of Ocimum sanctumare used for treating different health conditions:
- Fresh flowers for bronchitis.
- Leaves and seeds for malaria.
- Ointment form for eczema.
- Essential oil for insect bites.
- Extract for stomach ulcers and eye diseases.
- Whole plant for diarrhea and vomiting.
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Health Benefits Of Ocimum sanctum –
- Protects against infections and treat wounds: Basilextracts of its leaves are known to boost wound healing speed due to their antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Cures fever: Due togermicidal, fungicidal, antibacterial and antibiotic properties; tulsi is highly effective in treating fever. It is strongly advised to drinkkaara made of tulsi leaves when suffering from fever as it destroys all the pathogens and bacteria in the body.
- Cures a headache: Tulsi leaves havethe analgesic and decongestant properties which relieve headache caused due to allergies, cold, sinusitis and migraines.
- Lowers blood sugar: The leaves of Ocimum sanctumare full of antioxidants and essential oils which help pancreatic beta cells function properly. Also, basil leaves increase sensitivity to insulin, lowering blood sugar and treating diabetes in an effective way.
- Protects the heart: The holy basil leaves have a powerful anti-oxidant component, Eugenol which protects the heart by keeping blood pressure under control and lowering cholesterol levels. This plant targets metabolic stress and helps with weight loss.
- Treats cancer: Due to the powerful antioxidant and ursolic acid; Ocimum sanctum is highly used in the treatment of abnormal DNA. Its properties include antioxidant effects while preventing tumor growth and metastasis. Studies indicate that basil leaf extract is capable of safeguarding organs highly sensitive to radiation toxicity and the survival of cancer cells.
- Treats respiratory system disorders: Consuming tulsi leaves tea is an effective remedy for bronchitis, influenza, asthma, cough and cold. Due to itsimmune-modulatory, antitussive and expectorant, antibacterial and antifungal properties; basilhelps to cure respiratory and allergic disorders.
- Reduces stress and anxiety: The basil leaves arehelpful in maintaining normal levels of stress hormone (cortisol) in the body. Also, it helps the body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance by soothing the nerves, beating free radicals and regulating blood circulation in the body. According to some scientific research, holy basil has pharmacological properties to cope with numerous types of stress.
- Stimulate and vitalize your body: Ocimum sanctum is high in antioxidants and helps your body detox. Also, it protects your body against toxic chemicals thus, preventing cancer by reducing the growth of cancerous cells.
- Ease inflammation and joint pain: A cup of tea made with the leaves of holy basil can help you with arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Storage of Ocimum sanctum –
You can harvest the holy basil in the form of stems and leaves before the flower appears. It is the best way to store the dried herb in a glass jar with an airtight lid. Try to keep the jar in a cool and dark place. If you purchase holy basil in the form of medical supplements then use tinctures, dried herbs and supplement pills according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Side effects of basil leaves –
Side effects of the holy leaves may include mild nausea. Avoid mixing it with blood thinners or other drugs that cause drowsiness. It is suggested to speak with your doctor before using holy basil directly into your diet.
Final words –
Ocimum sanctum (Holy basil) that is grown in an urban and polluted environment is actually not considered safe for the women who are lactating, pregnant or trying to conceive as it may contain twice the toxicity. It is advised to consider the consumption of naturally or organically grown basil leaves only. I hope this blog is sufficient enough to provide the information about the Health Benefits Of Ocimum Sanctum.
