Often called "holy basil," tulsi is a powerful healing herb indigenous to India, where it has been used for thousands of years. Tulsi has spiritual and medicinal importance in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of balance. In Hindu mythology, the plant is considered an incarnation of the goddess Tulsi. Many Indians keep a tulsi plant in their houses. The woody stalks of tulsi are often made into beads used to form rosaries. Tulsi's healing properties extend to fevers, colds, heart diseases, stomachaches, inflammation and stress, providing the body purity and lightness.
Fevers and Colds
Holy basil leaves can treat many fevers. During the monsoon season in the east, when malaria and dengue fever are widespread, tender leaves, boiled with tea, prevent against these diseases. For acute fevers, combining tulsi leaves with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water, sugar and milk brings down your body temperature. The juice of tulsi can also be used to reduce fever.
Heart Diseases
Tulsi is helpful for heart-related diseases. It strengthens the heart muscles and improves blood circulation. It also helps improve blood supply to heart muscles and to reduce cholesterol levels in the body.
Stomachaches
Tulsi is one of the most powerful herbs to treat all kinds of abdominal disorders. It is very helpful in improving your appetite. Tulsi also has some mild laxative properties which help with excretion and maintaining a strong and healthy overall digestive system. To treat stomach problems, tulsi is generally put into someone's tea.
Inflammation
Tulsi is considered to have good anti-inflammatory properties. It is very effective in stopping any kind of edema (or swelling) that is happening in the body. It is often used to reduce the pain associated with swelling and improve the body's blood circulation. The anti-inflammatory effects of tulsi are comparable to those of common painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.
Stress
Tulsi oil has antioxidant properties that help explain why it helps reduce the damaging effects of stress on the body. According to the Chopra Center, many studies on animals have demonstrated that tulsi protects healthy cells from stress caused by radiation and chemotherapy. Tulsi may also influence the neurochemistry of the brain in a way that is similar to antidepressant medications.
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