I have always wondered why ‘Tulsi’ is given so much importance in India. I recall my aunts and great-grand aunts narrating stories about Tulsi being the consort of Lord Vishnu. As an inquisitive child, I questioned this. “How can a plant be a consort? A plant is a plant! Period! It gives oxygen and takes in carbon dioxide.”
Today, as a doctor, I understand that the significance of many plants is rooted in folklore. Unfortunately, while the stories remain, the importance is often forgotten.
In this article, I delve into the significance of Tulsi – The Holy Basil, also known as the Queen of Herbs! It is grown in almost every Indian household for religious purposes. However, I suggest we grow it not just for spiritual reasons but also for its remarkable medicinal properties—saving us from hefty medical bills for minor ailments!
Why is Tulsi Known as the Queen of Herbs?
Tulsi is
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
- Antipyretic
- Antioxidant
- Antiseptic
- Anti-cancer
Health benefits of Tulsi
- Cold & Cough Relief
Tulsi’s antiviral and antibacterial properties make it effective for colds and coughs. Combine tulsi juice with ginger and betel leaf juice, mixed in honey, and consume twice or thrice a day. For severe coughs, add a pinch of black pepper powder and black salt to the mixture. - Fever Reduction
Tulsi’s antipyretic properties help manage fevers from malaria, influenza, or colds. Juice 10-12 tulsi leaves, mix with honey, and consume thrice daily. - Detoxification
Regularly consuming 10 tulsi leaves with jaggery for 15 days helps control worm formation in the abdomen. For ringworm, apply tulsi juice mixed with camphor twice daily on the affected area. - Liver Health
Mixing juice from 15-20 tulsi leaves with aloe vera supports liver health and detoxification. - Oral Health
- Apply a mixture of tulsi leaves and clove powder on teeth for instant pain relief.
- Use dried tulsi leaves mixed with mustard oil as toothpaste to prevent bad breath and maintain gum health.
- Kidney Health
Tulsi acts as a diuretic and detoxifier, reducing uric acid levels and aiding in breaking down kidney stones. Consume tulsi juice with honey daily for six months for relief. - Skin and Hair Care
- Tulsi purifies the blood, reducing acne and blemishes.
- Its antifungal properties soothe itchy scalps and reduce hair fall. Mix powdered tulsi in coconut oil and apply it regularly for healthier hair.
- Stress Relief
Consuming 10-12 tulsi leaves daily can help alleviate stress, thanks to its calming properties.
Environmental Benefits
According to Shyamkant Padoley, an eminent botanist, “Tulsi gives out oxygen for 20 hours and ozone for four hours a day, along with nascent oxygen that absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide from the environment.”
A Part of Your Daily Diet
Incorporating tulsi into your daily diet is easy, cost-effective, and side-effect-free. Let Tulsi become your go-to natural remedy for better health and well-being!
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