The plant known as tulsi or holy basil is one of the best adaptogenic fights (plant against the effects of stress, anti-inflammatory and very effective against viral infections. This plant is from the basil family (but this variety is not one that uses to flavor your food! It is a variety with much stronger virtues), which is known and used in India more than 5,000 years ago, like the tulsi. In Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil has been used for thousands of years. However, it is only in recent decades (and especially in recent years) that it began to gain popularity in the West. It is considered a true elixir of life, a plant that promotes health and longevity.
It can be used both sweet and savory. Holy basil is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. A good amount of other nutrients that can be found in holy basil are dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. But the strength of the nutritional profile of sacred basil lies in its phytochemical components. Holy basil contains ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and eugenol (essential or volatile oil). Sacred basil leaves also contain natural components such as oleanolic acid and caryophyllene. Sacred basil seeds contain linoleic acid.
Holy basil relieves acidity and gases. It also contains the healing properties of the ulcer. The medicinal properties of holy basil help to cure gastric ulcers and peptic ulcers. Additionally, this herb is also known for its support to liver function. It improves its function and protects the liver from various diseases.
The dried leaves of holy basil are a good remedy for fever and the common cold. The phytochemicals and essential oil of this herb contain antibiotic and antiviral properties. Holy basil strengthens the body’s defense mechanism against the viruses that cause fever. The strong antibiotic properties of holy basil protect the body against bacteria and infections caused by the bacteria.
The holy basil has numerous beneficial properties such as:
· Adaptogenic (anti-stress)
· Antibacterial
· Anti-fungal
· Antioxidant
· Anti-inflammatory
These properties themselves can account for many potential benefits, including an increased sense of well-being, increased immune function, and disease prevention.
The known benefits of holy basil are:
· Memory Stimulant
· Fever reducer
· Soothing Cough
· Sore throat relief
· Soothing bites, cuts, and scratches
· Headache Treatment
· Increase renal function
· Balances emotional health
· Eliminate acne
· Possible blood sugar regulation
Both as a general health tonic and as a treatment for specific diseases, tulsi has been the herb that has been used for millennia.
Basil also:
· Improves circulation
· Boosts immune function
· Reduce inflammation
· Reduces cholesterol oxidation
· Protect the heart
· Detoxifies the blood
· It can help control blood sugar levels
In herbal medicine, basil can be given to:
· Stomach cramps
· Nausea
· Cough
· Uterine cramps
· But above all for a huge and wide variety of digestive problems.
How to Consume holy basil
♦ Infusion: Ayurvedic doctors say that the best way to take advantage of the benefits of holy basil is to take it fresh and infused. This is because it contains a small concentration of essential oil that is very volatile, so it supports drying poorly. It is also better to take it as an infusion to fully benefit from its flavonoids and other compounds. A good option is to grow it at home to use when you need it.
♦ Food supplement: you can find it in the form of capsules or tablets. It is normal to start with prolonged treatment of at least three weeks. Doses may vary between 300/1800 mg per day (divided into several doses) depending on the desired objective.
♦ Essential oil: you can also opt for this format, but its concentration does not allow long treatments. An overdose can be toxic to the liver and is discouraged in pregnant women and children. For internal use take three or four drops a day mixed with a little honey for a few days. You can also externally apply a drop mixed with a little vegetable oil in the area of the adrenal glands (above the kidneys).