Tulsi (Holy Basil) - Beneficial to Diabetic Patients, Treats Eczema & Rich Source of Vitamin K

Tulsi has proved to be highly effective in protecting our body from various infections and diseases of the liver, skin, kidney, etc. It contains powerful oxidants that can help keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, making it one of the best heart-healthy foods. It is also suitable for diabetes as it possesses hypoglycemic properties, known to help lower blood sugar levels. It is recommended to include tulsi in your diabetic diet plan. Tulsi is known as the "Queen of Herbs" for its numerous health benefits.

Nutritional Value

Tulsi leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium. It also has a good amount of protein and fiber.

Benefits of Tulsi are

1. Natural Immunity Booster

Tulsi is rich in Vitamin C and zinc, and it thus acts as a natural immunity booster and keeps infections at bay. It has immense anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal properties that protect us from various diseases. Tulsi leaves extract increases the T helper cells and natural killer cells' activity, boosting the immune system.

2. Reduces Fever (antipyretic) & Pain(analgesic)

Tulsi has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which help fight infections, thus reducing fever. The fresh juice of Tulsi taken with black pepper powder cures periodic fevers. Tulsi leaves boiled with powdered cardamom (elaichi) in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk are also effective in reducing temperature.

3. Reduces Cold, Cough & Other Respiratory Disorders

Camphene, cineole, and eugenol in Tulsi help reduce cold and congestion in the chest. Juice of Tulsi leaves mixed with honey and ginger is effective in bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough, and cold.

4. Reduces Stress & Blood Pressure

Tulsi contains compounds Ocimumosides A and B. These compounds reduce stress and balance the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. The anti-inflammatory properties of Tulsi minimize inflammation and blood pressure.

5. Anti-cancer properties

Phytochemicals present in Tulsi have strong antioxidant properties. Thus, they help protect us from skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers.

6. Good for Heart Health

Tulsi has a profound effect on the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood lipid content, suppressing ischemia and stroke, reducing hypertension, and its higher antioxidant properties. Holy basil contains vitamin C and antioxidants such as eugenol, which protects the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. Eugenol also proves helpful in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.

7. Beneficial to Diabetic Patients

Extract Tulsi leaves has lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 Diabetes.

8. Useful in Kidney stones & Gouty Arthritis

Tulsi detoxifies the body and has diuretic properties, and it decreases the level of uric acid in the body; that is why kidney stones are formed. Reduction in uric acid levels also provides relief to patients suffering from Gout.

9. Useful in Gastrointestinal Disorders

Tulsi leaves help to cure indigestion and loss of appetite. They are also used for the treatment of flatulence and bloating.

10. Good for Skin & Hair

Tulsi helps clear out the skin of blemishes and acne. It is rich in antioxidants that allow it to prevent premature aging. Tulsi also strengthens our hair roots, thus preventing hair loss. The antifungal properties of Tulsi prevent the development of fungus and dandruff.

11. Acts as an Insect Repellent

The dried Tulsi leaves have been mixed with stored grains for centuries to repel insects.

12. Insect Bites & Blood Purification

Apart from simply repelling insects, the extracts of Tulsi leaves can also be applied to insect bites and stings to ease the pain. They also reduce swelling or resultant irritation to a great extent. Moreover, daily consumption of Tulsi also helps to purify the blood.

13. Oral and Dental Health

Tulsi has often been used in herbal toothpaste, and that is simply because of its unique teeth and gum strengthening properties. Moreover, it can act on mouth ulcers and provide comprehensive oral health care.

14. Treatment of Eczema

Tulsi is also available commercially in ingestible pills and topical ointments. These can be used to treat skin conditions like eczema and provide long-lasting relief from itching and irritation.

15. Reduces Stress & Fatigue

Tulsi has several physical and mental health benefits. For instance, consuming a tulsi drink after a tiring day at work can revitalize and help relieve stress and fatigue. Similarly, a tulsi drink during prolonged hours of study can also help to enhance concentration for students.

16. Anti-aging

Vitamin C and A, phytonutrients, in Holy Basil, are superb antioxidants and protect the skin from almost all the damages caused by free radicals.

17. Relieves Headaches

Tulsi is a natural headache reliever that can also relieve migraine pain.

18. Fights Acne

Holy basil helps kill bacteria and infections. The primary active compound of holy basil oil is eugenol which helps fight skin-related disorders. Ocimum Sanctum helps treat skin infections both internally and externally.

19. Eye Health

Tulsi's anti-inflammatory properties help promote eye health by preventing viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. It also soothes eye inflammation and reduces stress.

20. Rich Source of Vitamin K

Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in bone and heart health.

How to Consume Tulsi?

• Consume Tulsi leaves raw, plucked fresh from the plant, add it to your tea, or make kadha out of it.
• Tulsi tea: To make tulsi tea, boil 1 cup of water and pour it over 1 tsp of fresh tulsi leaves, 1/2 tsp of dried tulsi leaves, or 1/3 tsp of tulsi powder. Cover the water in a pot or mug and steep it for 15-20 minutes. Then strain the leaves, add honey if desired, and enjoy.
• Tulsi powders and supplements are also available in the consumption market.

Precaution of Consuming Tulsi That You Must Know

• Tulsi may affect the reproductive capacity of women who are trying to conceive.
• Tulsi may lower blood sugar and should be used with caution in people who have diabetes and are on blood-sugar-lowering medication.