Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is known as a main pillar in Ayervedic medicine and has been used for a variety of ailments for hundreds of years. Although it is similar to cooking basil, Tulsi has distinct phytochemicals that make it medicinally active. It has been used for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and inflammation modulating properties. However, it is especially known for its powerful adaptogenic actions that help regulate hormonal functions in the body.
Tulsi helps to relieve the negative impact of daily stress by balancing hormones.
Tulsi is an Adaptogen
According to Linda Rector Page in her book Healthy Healing, adaptogens help the body regulate stress and maintain health and energy. They do not provide immediate boosts of energy, rather they increase prolonged revitalization. By regulating stress levels, adaptogens boost immune system functions and normalize hormone production. Currently, hormonal imbalances are highly prevalent and negatively impact a wide range of bodily functions that can cause fatigue, inflammation and menstrual problems.
Hormone Imbalance
Imbalances in hormone production can be triggered by trauma, removal of reproductive organs and serious illness. All of these triggers result in stress on the body, which is the main cause of hormone imbalance. The stress may be physical, emotional or environmental. Recently, environmental stresses have become more prevalent as exposure to chemicals from pollution and other sources have increased. Symptoms of hormone imbalance include unexplained weight changes, hair loss, fatigue, low libido and abnormal menstrual cycles.
Cortisol: A Stress Hormone
The National Institute of Health has stated that 90% of illnesses are worsened or caused by stress. Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands in order to aid the body in stressful situations. Improper cortisol levels can cause a sluggish thyroid and infrequent ovulation. Although stress is sometimes unavoidable, adaptogens like Tulsi help the body deal with stress while helping to return cortisol levels to normal. Tulsi also helps to regulate mood levels during times of stress by normalizing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Serotonin and Dopamine
Stress leads to an imbalance in the production of serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. Tulsi helps to regulate the production of these hormones as well as the secondary stress coping hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. By increasing dopamine levels, Tulsi allows epinephrine and norepinephrine to be replenished. Serotonin and dopamine levels significantly impact mood levels and mental well being.
Blood Sugar
Due to Tulsi's positive influence on regulating cortisol levels, it is also beneficial in regulating blood sugar levels. Blood sugar imbalances can lead to serious illnesses like diabetes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and obesity. Through its adaptogenic properties, Tulsi helps to normalize glucose levels in the circulatory system, lower sugar cravings and create a more balanced metabolism. This also prevent blood sugar imbalance symptoms like confusion, anxiety, headaches and slurred speech.
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