Most commonly known as “Tulsi” or “Tulasi” (Hindi) in India, the basil plant is a leafy herb belonging to the mint family. Different varieties of basil are available in large or dwarf forms containing green, purple or variegated leaves. Some of the varieties of basil like Opal basil, lemon basil, anise basil, clove basil and cinnamon basil taste somewhat like their names.
This plant forms an important part of Indian culture. It is quite common in Hindu households where it is worshipped in the morning and evening. The leaves of this plant are edible and are used as flavoring agents due to their rich fragrance. Being one of the most popular herbs in the garden, it is extensively used in Italy in sauces and other dishes and is a key ingredient in Mediterranean food.
The Greek word for basil is ‘king’ which speaks highly of the qualities of this aromatic herb. Basil plant, particularly the leaves, has great significance for mankind, not only because of its culinary uses but also due to its medicinal properties. Holy basil leaves have been widely used in Ayurveda since thousands of years. This herb is even mentioned in the “Charaka Samhita”, an ancient Ayurvedic text due to its excellent healing properties. In fact, basil leaves or tulsi leaves are considered as a universal cure for numerous diseases and promote longevity and overall well-being.
The uses of tulsi leaves / basil leaves are so many that we have divided them into the categories of health, skin and hair for better reading.
The leaves of this miraculous herb are considered as an herbal remedy for common ailments and boast of countless health benefits some of which are given below.
Due to their excellent healing properties, basil leaves strengthen the stomach and facilitate copious perspiration. They are effective in removing catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. Basil leaves have antiseptic properties and are hence, used in the treatment of ulcers, cuts and wounds. They help in reducing the pain caused by measles, chicken pox and small pox. A mixture of basil leaves juice and coconut oil can be applied on cuts and wounds to give relief.
Being rich in phytonutrients and healing oil, basil leaves are effective in curing malarial and dengue fevers. Tender basil leaves boiled with tea should be given to the patient. In case of very high fever, basil leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in ½ liter of water mixed with sugar and milk should be given to the patient at an interval of 3 hours to bring down the temperatures. Basil leaves form good germicidal and a natural disinfectant that protects the body against all types of viral and bacterial infections.
Basil leaves are effective in alleviating coughing and colds. Chewing fresh leaves or drinking a tea of dried basil leaves can calm coughing and relieve cold and flu. Basil leaves are used as an ingredient in cough syrups and expectorants and help to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma.
A concoction made by boiling basil leaves in water can be taken as a drink or used for gargling to get relief from sore throat.
Chewing a basil leaf or applying the juice of basil leaves on the area stung or bitten by an insect will help relieve the pain as well as draw the venom out.
The juice of basil leaves is extremely beneficial in case of common pediatric such as cough, cold, diarrhea and vomiting. Basil leaves taken with saffron hasten the appearance of chicken pox pustules. Children experiencing loose motion at the time of tooth eruption can be given a mixture of pomegranate juice and powder of dried basil leaves for quick relief.
If you are suffering from frequent vomiting, you can try having a mixture of basil leaves juice, ginger juice and honey for immediate relief.
Basil leaves are considered as an ‘adaptogen’ or anti-stress agent. Chewing around 12 basil leaves twice a day on a regular basis purifies your blood, prevents stress and develops a sharp mind.
Having a mixture of 10 grams of juice of basil leaves in 20-30 grams fresh curd or 2-3 spoons of honey religiously is likely to cure cancer.
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