Tulsi in Ayurveda

Tulsi, also known as ‘holy basil’, is probably the most widely known and common household herb in the Indian sub-continent. It is considered sacred, and rightly so, owing to its diverse healing properties. Known in Ayurveda as a kind of “elixir of life”, it is believed to promote longevity.

Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, as it helps in balancing the different properties in the body and helps coping with stress. The leaves of Tulsi are a nerve tonic, in the sense that they help sharpen memory and increase retention power.

Many common ailments like fever, common cold, sore throat, mouth infections, headaches and certain skin disorders can be treated using Tulsi. It has anti-microbial and anti-allergic property, so it is extremely useful for treating bacterial and fungal infections as well as immunological disorders like allergies and asthma.

Tulsi has proven to be useful in treating Heart disorders and diabetes as it helps in reducing the cholesterol level in the body. It is also known to have shown positive responses when used by patients suffering from kidney stones and bronchial disorders.

Ways to Use Tulsi:

• The best way to use Tulsi is to chew the leaves raw. This helps relieve symptoms of cold, flu, and help in maintaining oral and dental health.
• Tea brewed with a few Tulsi leaves can be consumed 2-3 times a day to get rid of sore throat.As a daily healthy practice, the leaves can be brewed in water and used for gargling.
• Pounded Tulsi leaves or Tulsi extract can be applied on the skin, thereby utilizing its anti-oxidant properties.
• Water with Tulsi leaves soaked overnight can be used as an eye wash to stir yourself free from eye disorders.
• Tulsi can also be used as a dressing in meals, in fact, it is used in many exotic dishes of the Thai cuisine.

These are the benefits and usage tips of Tulsi. We will be back next time with another herb and its importance in the world of Ayurveda. Till then, stay healthy and remember to pop a few Tulsi leaves in your mouth every now and then.