Tulsi: Nutritional Value, Uses, And Health Benefits

Have you ever heard of a plant that's revered for both its medicinal properties and religious significance? Well, we have! And it's none other than the holy basil or Tulsi. Tulsi is not your ordinary basil - it's an herb that's believed to provide holistic healing to your body, mind, and soul. From its leaves to its seeds, almost all parts of the Tulsi plant have some usage against different diseases.

It's considered an elixir of life and is widely known for its adaptogenic properties, which helps to adapt the body to stress and boost immunity. Tulsi is native to South Asia and Africa and has a long cultivation history across Southeast Asia. It's a popular herb used in cooking, and its leaves are used to make herbal tea, capsules, tinctures, and powders. This herb is not just a medicinal plant but also a deity, and it's worshipped in many households.

Let’s dive deep into the Tulsi benefits and Tulsi uses in our daily lives.

Different Varieties of Tulsi

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a popular plant in the Indian subcontinent that has been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes for centuries. This versatile plant comes in different varieties, each with its unique set of properties and benefits.

• Green Leaf Tulsi: Green Leaf Tulsi, also called Rama Tulsi. This variety has light green leaves and a clove-like scent. Its flavour is mellow and cooling, making it perfect for use in teas, salads, and other culinary dishes. Rama Tulsi is known for its ability to increase mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote a healthy immune system.

• Krishna Tulsi: Krishna Tulsi, also known as Purple Leaf Tulsi, is another popular variety. Its leaves are purple and have a strong, peppery flavour. Krishna Tulsi is widely used to treat respiratory problems, throat infections, and skin diseases. The oil extracted from this plant is used as an ear drop to cure earaches.

• Vana Tulsi: Vana Tulsi is a wild type of Tulsi that grows in the Himalayas and plains of India. It has light green leaves and a lemony aroma. Vana Tulsi is known for its ability to increase physical and mental endurance and improve the body's oxygen and nutrient absorption.

• Kapoor Tulsi: Kapoor Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is an annual plant that is commonly grown in the US. It has heavily flowered plants that attract bees. Kapoor Tulsi is known for its ability to reduce stress, promote healthy sleep, and improve respiratory and digestive health.

Benefits of Tulsi

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a herb commonly used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. Some of the health benefits of Tulsi include:

• Immunity Booster: Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is rich in minerals like Vitamin C and zinc, which are essential for a healthy immune system. It also contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties, which help in curing various infections and illnesses. Drinking Tulsi tea or adding fresh Tulsi leaves to your diet can be a natural way to boost your immunity.

• Aids Cold and Cough: Tulsi has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat respiratory issues like colds and coughs. It contains compounds like camphene, cineole, and eugenol, which help in relieving chest congestion and cough. Mixing Tulsi leaves with honey and black pepper powder is an effective remedy for a sore throat.

• Beats Stress: Tulsi contains compounds called Ocimumosides A and B, which are known to balance neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing blood pressure and inflammation in the blood vessels, eventually leading to a reduction in stress.

• Maintains a healthy Heart: Tulsi is known for its ability to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and stroke. It helps in lowering blood lipid levels and is rich in antioxidants, which keep the heart healthy.

• Helps in Type 2 Diabetes: Tulsi leaves have been found to lower blood sugar levels and are therefore recommended for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Drinking Tulsi tea or consuming fresh Tulsi leaves helps in managing blood sugar levels.

• Reduces chances of Kidney Stones: Kidney stones are formed due to the excess presence of uric acid in the blood vessels. Tulsi is known to be a natural remedy for kidney stones as it reduces uric acid levels in the body. Drinking Tulsi leaves' extract with honey is also believed to help in flushing out kidney stones.

• Cures Indigestion: Tulsi leaves are known to be effective in treating indigestion, loss of appetite, and bloating. Consuming Tulsi tea or adding fresh Tulsi leaves to your diet helps in improving digestion.

• Treats Skin Issues: Tulsi is a common skincare ingredient due to its rich antioxidant content. Its extract is used in serums, face creams, and other skincare products to prevent blemishes and acne.

• Improves Oral Health: Tulsi is used in toothpaste and mouthwashes as it has antimicrobial properties that cleanse germs and bacteria in the mouth. It also strengthens gums and cure mouth ulcers, making it an excellent ingredient for oral care.

• Repels Insects: Dried Tulsi leaves are known to repel insects and pests and are often kept with stored grains to prevent insect attacks. The natural oils from Tulsi leaves can also be used as a mosquito repellent.

Uses of Tulsi

Tulsi is not only a sacred plant in Hinduism but also a versatile herb that can be used in various forms. Here are some Tulsi plant uses that you should know:

• As a Seasoning: Tulsi has a sweet and minty taste, making it an excellent herb for garnishing foods, sauces, and soups. It's a staple ingredient in Indian and Thai cuisines and is commonly cooked to add flavour and aroma.

• As a Tea: Tulsi tea is a popular beverage in India and is consumed in place of coffee. It's easy to make and has numerous health benefits. It's a great way to start your day and boost your immune system.

• As a Supplement: You can find dried Tulsi in capsule form, making it a convenient option if you don't enjoy the taste or smell of basil. Some sources suggest that fermented options make it more easily digestible.

• As an Essential Oil: Holy basil essential oil is extracted from the Tulsi plant and is used in lotions, soap, perfume, shampoo, and conditioner. It has calming and immune-boosting properties and can be diffused in your home or inhaled.

• In Baths: Adding Tulsi tea to your bath is an awesome way to help enhance organ function and fight bacterial or fungal infections. You can also add holy basil essential oil to your skin care regimen to improve acne.

• To fight Illnesses: Tulsi is well recognized for its ability to strengthen the immune system and ward off various illnesses. It has antibacterial qualities that relieve cold symptoms and reduces acidity by preserving the pH balance in the stomach. Tulsi also contains several phytochemicals that have been linked to cancer prevention.

• For Detoxification: As an antioxidant, Tulsi helps detoxify the body by removing toxins and free radicals.

• For Clear Skin: Try an invigorating homemade honey face wash with holy basil essential oil to achieve clear skin.

• As a Plant: You can buy and care for a Tulsi plant or purchase Tulsi powder from a health food store. If you buy fresh holy basil, look for leaves that are vibrant and green without any holes or dark spots.

• Drinking Water from the Tulsi Leaves: Drinking water infused with Tulsi leaves is an excellent way to reap the benefits of this herb. It's said to have numerous health benefits, making it an excellent addition to your morning routine.

Nutritional Value of Tulsi

Here's a table summarizing the nutritional value of Tulsi:

It's worth noting that these values can vary depending on factors such as the growing conditions and processing of the Tulsi.

Side Effects of Tulsi

Tulsi is known for its numerous health benefits, but just like any other herb or medicine, it also has side effects that we should be aware of. Here are some of the side effects of Tulsi:

• Liver Damage: Tulsi contains a compound called eugenol that can protect the liver, but overconsumption of eugenol can damage the liver and cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and convulsions.

• Lowers Blood Sugar: If you're already on diabetes medication, consuming Tulsi may lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.

• Not good for Teeth: Chewing Tulsi leaves can stain your teeth due to the presence of mercury and can cause enamel erosion due to its acidic nature. It's better to swallow it whole.

• Blood-thinning properties: Tulsi has blood-thinning properties, which can be dangerous for people already on blood-thinning medication.

Well, now that you know about the amazing benefits of the Tulsi plant, why not bring it into your life and make it a part of your daily routine? With just a few Tulsi seeds, you can grow your very own Tulsi plant in your garden and enjoy it’s refreshing aroma and purifying properties. And if you're looking for an easy and tasty way to incorporate Tulsi into your diet, why not try our organic Tulsi powder? With its vast range of health benefits, Tulsi is truly a plant that's worth embracing. So, what are you waiting for? Let's start reaping the benefits of Tulsi!

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