Tulsi or the Holy Basil (Ocimum Tenuiflorum) is a flowering plant in the mint family and native of India. It has been used traditionally in Indian medicine and Ayurveda for centuries for medicinal purposes. It is considered the most important plant for religious and medicinal value with miraculous properties.
Monsoons are here as a welcome change from the sizzling summer. The drop in temperature is sure to bring happiness, and so is when infections peak. Children are more prone, especially during this monsoon season.
Every other week, my toddler comes home with a runny nose or a fever that lasts about a week before reappearing once she is well. Also, the weather is ideal for breeding mosquitos, germs leading to cold, cough, fever and serious diseases like malaria, dengue, jaundice, etc.
When dropped on food, just a few drops of its essence can purify and kill germs as well. Also, when planted indoors, it can help the family to shield against colds, coughs, viral infections, etc.
Let us now see some amazing health benefits Tulsi offers and how you can include them.
Health Benefits of Tulsi
1. Fighting Fevers
Holy basil is a fantastic natural remedy because of its special oils and natural compounds. It acts like a strong shield against harmful germs and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When these pests make you sick and give you a fever, holy basil comes to the rescue. You can make a healing drink from holy basil leaves and flowers to treat a fever.
Here are simple home remedies for fever that can be useful when you have Tulsi.
Tulsi Tea Recipe
To make a special tea that helps with fever and protects against diseases like malaria and dengue fever, follow these steps:
- Take a handful of fresh tulsi leaves (the young, soft ones).
- Put them in a cup of boiling water along with tea leaves.
- Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Then, strain the tea.
You can drink this tea twice a day.
Tulsi Milk Recipe
- Boil the Tulsi leaves and powdered cardamom in half a litre of water.
- Once it’s boiled, strain out the liquid.
- Mix this liquid with sugar to your preferred sweetness.
- Add a glass of milk to the mixture.
- Warm it up and then drink it.
This can help lower your body temperature when you have a fever.
2. Helping with Breathing Problems
Holy basil has special chemicals and antioxidants that are great at fighting infections in your respiratory system, which includes your throat and chest. When you have a cough or feel congested, Tulsi can make you feel better. The easiest way to boost your immune system is to have 1 to 2 cups of Tulsi tea daily, especially during the rainy season.
3. Improves Skin Health
Basil essential oil has strong natural abilities to fight germs. Using basil leaves or its oil can help keep mosquitoes and bugs away and treat skin issues inside and outside your body without causing harm. Eat 5-6 basil leaves daily to protect your skin from infections.
4. Strengthens Your Immune System
Holy basil is like a superhero for your immune system. It helps your body fight off all kinds of infections, like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and tiny parasites. Extracts from Tulsi leaves make special cells in your body (T helper cells and natural killer cells) more robust, making your immune system even better at keeping you healthy.
5. Natural Mosquito Repellent
Tulsi is a minty plant with a powerful smell that bugs like mosquitoes, cockroaches, and fleas don’t like. These pests can make you sick, so having Tulsi plants at home can keep them away and protect you from annoying insect bites.
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