TULASI
Tulasi, the elixir of life:
T ulasi (Holy basil – scientific name: Ocimum sanctum) has significance in Ayurveda and Hinduism.
There are two types. One is krishna tulasi with dark green leaves and another one is lakshmi tulasi with light green leaves. Both have antioxidant, anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties. But, Krishna tulasi has more medicinal properties, due to higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity.
Its an adaptogen, which helps in balancing stress and anxiety in the body. It is also helpful in protecting the liver and kidney against toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
Usually, Hindu vaishnavites drink tulasi kept in a copper vessel in water, after their daily prayers on empty stomach. This practice helps attain longevity of life.
Health benefits:
- Boosts immunity:
It increases immunity and is a natural antibiotic. Whenever you have a chance of immunity compromise, boil Tulasi with pepper, ginger and drink it for an instant boost of immunity.
- Fights cancer:
It is high in antioxidants and helps in fighting cancer.
- Lowers blood sugar level:
It lowers blood sugar levels. So it is helpful for diabetes treatment.
- Cures cold & cough:
It cures cold and cough. Tulasi along with pepper, makes the best combo for fighting cold and cough. Try drinking it as soup, for cold and cough. For babies, make an extract of leaves and add a pinch of pepper powder and give 1-2 tbs per day. It is the best cough syrup for babies and kids.
- Acne cure:
Take Tulasi along with Turmeric, in equal parts, make a paste and apply to acne to get immediate relief.
- Dandruff cure:
Apply paste of Tulasi along with Neem leaves, taken equally and mixed with curd, atleast twice weekly for 15 minutes to remove dandruff.
- Insect repellent:
It is an excellent insect repellent and the plant can be used as such. Apply Tulasi and Neem paste over the itchy or red skin affected by insect bites, to get relief.
