Description
Tulsi or Holy basil is a widely known herb in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to India and vastly cultivated throughout Southeast Asia.
Tulsi has proved to be highly effective in protecting our body from various infections and diseases of heart, liver, skin, kidney etc. So, Tulsi is rightly called the ‘Queen of Herbs’.
Tulsi has a special place in Ayurveda as well as the home of Hindus in India. It is considered sacred by Hindus and worshipped by them. Three main types of Tulsi are seen growing in India:
- Bright green leaves called Ram Tulsi
- Purplish green leaves called Krishna Tulsi
- Common wild Vana Tulsi.
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 fibre.
11 Research-Backed Benefits of Tulsi are:
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Natural Immunity Booster:
Tulsi is rich in Vitamin C and zinc. It thus acts as a natural immunity booster and keeps infections at bay. It has immense anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties which protect us from a variety of infections. Tulsi leaves extract increases the T helper cells and natural killer cells activity, boosting the immune system.
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Reduces Fever (antipyretic) & Pain(analgesic):
Tulsi has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which help to 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 litre of water and mixed with sugar and milk, is also effective in reducing temperature.
Eugenol, a terpene with pain-relieving properties found in Tulsi reduces aches in the body.
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Reduces Cold, Cough & Other Respiratory Disorders:
Camphene, cineole, and eugenol present in Tulsi helps to 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.
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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. Anti-inflammatory properties of Tulsi reduce inflammation and blood pressure.
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Anti-cancer properties:
Phytochemicals present in Tulsi have strong antioxidant property. Thus, they help in protecting us from skin, liver, oral and lung cancers.
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Good for Heart Health:
Tulsi has a profound effect on treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases by means of lowering blood lipid content, suppressing ischemia and stroke, reducing hypertension, and also due to its higher antioxidant properties.
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Good for Diabetes Patients:
Extract of Tulsi leaves has shown to lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 Diabetes.
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Useful in Kidney stones & Gouty Arthritis:
Tulsi detoxifies the body and has diuretic properties. It decreases the level of uric acid in the body, which is the main reason why kidney stones are formed. Reduction in uric acid levels also provides relief to patients suffering from Gout.
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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.
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Good for Skin & Hair:
Tulsi helps clear out the skin of blemishes and acne. It is rich in antioxidants, and that helps it to prevent premature ageing. Tulsi also strengthens our hair roots, thus preventing hair loss.
Antifungal properties of Tulsi prevent the development of fungus and dandruff.
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Acts as an Insect Repellent:
For centuries, the dried Tulsi leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Health Benefits of Giloy (Giloy)
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Boosts Immunity
Giloy is recognized to accord longevity, enhances memory, improves health, and bestows youth. This herb, activates the immune system of the body, boosting immunity and promoting vitality in a person.
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Detoxification
Giloy works as a detoxifier and improves complexion and luster of the skin. People suffering from skin ailments often apply the Giloy plant oil on the affected areas. It is also popular as a skin lotion, considering the fact that it improves skin complexion and enhances the general health of the skin
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Effective against respiratory Infections
Giloy has been preferred traditionally to treat ailments such as bronchitis and chronic cough. It pacifies the mucous membrane of your respiratory system thereby making it very effective against asthma.
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Boosts Liver Function
Giloy or Giloy has the ability to detoxify your liver and help in proper functioning. It might also act as a remedy for fatty liver. One of the biggest benefits of Giloy is that it can help stimulate the regeneration of liver tissue that has been damaged.
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Improves Digestion
Giloy works towards building a stronger digestive system and immunes body against hyperacidity, colitis, worm infestations, and loss of appetite, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, and vomiting.
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Reduces Stress and anxiety
Giloy is an excellent adaptogenic herb, which means that it helps in managing stress and anxiety by normalizing your physiological functions. It has a calming effect on the body. Due to its ability to cross the blood brain barrier, Giloy has the power to enhance memory and cognitive functions.
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Health Rejuvenator
This medicinal herb is a health rejuvenator which is also widely known for its effectivity in enhancing natural immunity to fight against a number of illnesses such as fever, jaundice, skin diseases, constipation and tuberculosis.
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Anti Ageing Properties
The anti ageing properties in Gudduchi helps in reducing wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and pimples resulting in flawless and glowing skin.
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Anti-Inflamatory Properties
Giloy is known for its anti-inflamatory properties which provides relief while dealing with inflamatory conditions such as gout and arthritis. Clicnical evaluations have shown to significantly reduce pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Brings down fever
Giloy helps in bringing high fever under control by lowering the body temperature. It is very effective while dealing with intermittent fevers.
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Promotes Sexual Health
Giloy is well known in Ayurveda for its aphrodisiac benefits. It can effectively tackle various sexual health issues such as impotence and involuntary ejaculation.
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Improves Eye-sight
Giloy might help in improving the clarity of vision. In order to get the benefits of Giloy for your eyesight, boil Giloy powder or Giloy leaves in water. Once it cools down apply it on the eye lids.
How to use Giloy
It is highly recommended that you consume Giloy after consulting an ayurvedic medicine specialist. Giloy is normally consumed in the powdered form. Normal dosage is a teaspoon at a time, taken twice a day. The Dosage might vary depending on the type of health problem. Various concoctions can be made using Giloy and other herbs such as Ashwagandha. Giloy can also be consumed as a juice or applied topically as a paste for skin problems.
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