Top health benefits of holy basil leaves which you should know

Holy basil is a herb which most commonly seen in the parts of southeast Asia. This herbal plant has a tremendous role for its use in traditional medicine and ayurvedic which is widely practiced in India. Holy basil is alternatively known as Ocimum sanctum and in Indian households, it is commonly known by the name “Tulasi”. In this article let’s have an insight into the health benefits of holy basil leaves.

Use of holy basil leaves has much influence when it comes to Ayurveda and naturopathy. Oil extract of Holy basil leaf is used to treat a number of diseases. Since ancient times it is being used as a home remedy for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Its antioxidation property is very effective for treating health issues like diabetes, high blood  pressure, and skin related issues

Top health benefits of holy basil leaves

Tulsi is the most commonly available medicinal plant. holy basil is a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Each and every part of which have their own benefits. Tulsi is known as the “mother medicine of nature”.  The leaves of Tulsi can be used for spot treatment, pigmentation, and pimple.

1. Cure for fever and common cold

Holy basil or tulsi is a herb having properties like germicidal, antibacterial and antibiotic which will yield great effects for the treatments of fever and the common cold. Medicines made from Tulasi is a must to have in the ayurvedic treatments for fever or cold, making it one among the most prominent ingredient in ayurvedic medicines.

Preparation of a home remedy for fever using Tulasi

• Take hand full of holy basil leaves and few milligrams of cardamom powder
• Boil it in about 1 liter of water
• Boil the mixture until the mixture gets reduced to half of its total volume
• Let it cool to a moderate temperature
• Sip the residue twice a day with moderate temperature
  For children mixing little sugar is good,  it will reduce the sour taste of holy basil.

2. Reduce diabetes

Holy basil leaves contain antioxidants and essential oils which when consumed can produce methyl eugenol, caryophyllene, and eugenol. These substances altogether have the capability to maintain the functionality of pancreatic beta cells., these cells are responsible for storing and releasing insulin in our body. In this way, intake of holy basil leaves is very effective for reducing blood sugar level.

Syrup of holy basil or tulsi is the best home remedy for diabetics patient. One can just prepare it from their homes by crushing few tulsi leaves with water and have it at least once daily. Doing thins consistently can reduce diabetics without necessarily using any other medicines.

3. Good for skin and hair

When it comes to skin treatment, holy basil is used as an ingredient in many cosmetics due to its purifying, detoxifying and cleansing properties. In Ayurvedic medicine holy basil (tulsi) is a remedy for a wide range of skin diseases like ringworms, rashes, itchiness, and even leucoderma. And this one of the important health benefits of holy basil leaves and their products.

In addition to that when eaten in raw it can purify the blood from toxins which in turn gives you a glowing, beautiful skin and prevents the formation of acne and blemishes.  Acne formation on the skins can cause breakouts. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of holy basil are capable of preventing such breakouts. And the past of Tulasi leaves, when applied over acne affected areas can yield amazing changes and can reduce repeated breakouts.

• Also read Most natural way to clear acne without side effects

Use of holy basil is also healthy for hair. Holy basil can be used on hair by mixing coconut oil with Tulasi leaves powder. Apply the mixture to scalp an hour before bathing. Doing this at least twice a week can prevent hair fall and dandruff formation.

4. It can dissolve kidney stone

Health benefits of holy basil leaves include dissolving kidney stones. Diuretic and detoxifier property of kidney are exceptional when it comes to kidney health. As medical science shows that excess uric acid content in the blood is what leads to the kidney stone. Interestingly holy basil has the ability to reduce the uric acid content in blood. In addition to that holy basil essential oil contains acetic acid which helps to break down kidney stone within in the body.

• Also read What causes kidney disease?

If you want a remedy for kidney stone right from the comfort of your home try this.

Drink the juice of holy basil leaves mixed with honey daily. Doing thing for about six months regularly can make great changes to your kidney stones disease. In the course of this 6 months, it will break done the stones within your bladder making it easier to expel them through the urine.

5. Prevents cancer

Anti-oxidation and anti-carcinogenic properties found in holy basil can yield great effects for the prevention of cancer. In addition to that Holy Basil has the ability to control the secretion and action of an enzyme called COX-2 which triggers cancerous activities in the body. This can result in the prevention of inflammation and reduces pain.

Recent studies have proved that phytonutrients found holy basil leaves can kill the cancer cells which results in the growth and spreading of the cancer mass. So, drinking holy basil extract once daily keeps you body capable enough to cope with these factors which cause cancer.

6. Other 10 health benefits of holy basil leaves

1. It can be used for making teas.
2. Can consume in the form of powder paste or herbal supplements.
3. It has antibiotic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-carcinogenic properties.
4. It gives relief from fever, headache, sore throat, cold, cough, flu and chest congestion.
5. It is beneficial in treating respiratory ailments like chronic bronchitis.
6. Help to relieve stress, strengthen immunity, and facilitate proper digestion.
7. Helps to quit smoking.
8. Good for heart health.
9. Can be used for the treatment of insect bites.
10. Helps to lower cholesterol level.