Health Benefits of Holy Basil

Holy basil is a green plant also called as Ocimum sanctum. Its cultivation is originated in Southeast Asia, centuries ago. Ayurveda – an ancient Indian traditional medicine recommends basil for its varied healing properties.

This plant is used in its entirety like its leaves are used to treat malaria, flowers are used to cure bronchitis, oil is used for insect bites, and the entire plant is used to treat vomiting and diarrhea.

It contains almost all the nutrients which your body requires like chlorophyll, calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A, C. There are a lot of research and studies to confirm the various benefits given by this plant.

Let’s read the 10 Health Benefits-

Holy basil to treat a headache:

Holy basil has a disinfectant and natural sedative property which is beneficial for relieving headache and migraine pain. It is anti-congestive and is useful in decreasing the symptoms of sinus. To avail the advantage, you can drink basil tea or can use basil oil. Here are some other essential oils for headaches.

Holy basil to fight infection:

It has an antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound that protects against all kinds of diseases. Many people use basil to treat wounds, and it helps to repair the skin faster. It is very useful for scars, acne (cystic acne, papules acne, nodular acne, pustules acne) and mouth ulcers.

Method to use basil to fight against infections:

• Take one teaspoon of basil leaves, put in one cup of hot water.
• Let it steep for five minutes.
• Drink this warm herbal tea regularly for better results.

Holy basil to treat respiratory problems:

It is known to deal with all kind of respiratory problems and upper respiratory infections. It is helpful for bronchitis and cough and cold. Holy Basil has a compound known as cineole and eugenol that provides ease in respiratory disorder and congestion. It is also helpful in asthma. Benefits of pomegranate seeds, pomelo fruit, and benefits of cranberry juice can also help you in this.

 watch this video to know amazing benefits of holy basil (Tulsi in hindi):

Holy basil for stomach ache:

It increases mucus cells and mucus secretion and extend the life of mucous cells and decrease stomach acid that reduces stress related ulcers. Drugs used for stomach ulcers many times have side effects. It is found out in studies that basil consumption in any form can reduce ulcers of the stomach.

Holy basil for acne:

It is used to get rid of infections and bacteria and irritation of the skin. It cures the skin infections completely. Eugenol – an antimicrobial compound which is used to treat acne and other skin infections. You can also use tea tree oil for acne, coconut oil for acne and aloe vera for acne.

Method to use for acne:

• Take one teaspoon of basil paste or juice.
• Mix with one teaspoon of coconut oil.
• Apply on the affected area, wash off after 30 minutes.

Or

• Take one teaspoon of basil juice; mix with one teaspoon of clove oil.
• Apply on the affected area, wash off after 30 minutes.

To reduce stress:

Holy basil has nutrients which help to combat stress. Stress can be of many types it could be emotional stress, or it can be physical stress or can be chemical stress. Holy Basil is very active in physical stress; it improves your metabolism. It also protects from tissue damage.

Holy basil for dental health:

It is useful in fighting against bacteria which cause tartar, plaque, cavity and bad breath. Holy basil treats mouth ulcers; it destroys the germs and bacteria found in the mouth. It can also prevent the onset of oral cancer.

Method to use for dental health-

• When you put your toothpaste on your brush add some holy basil oil on it and then brush.
• You can also drink holy basil tea; the recipe is mentioned in this article.

Read More- How to get fair skin fast permanently?

Holy basil for Eyes:

Holy Basil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral properties that are helpful for all kind of eye infections. It protects from damage caused by free radicals and pollution. Holy Basil is useful to prevent cataract, glaucoma, and macula.

Method to use for eyes-

• Make a salad with lots of green vegetables, and in seasoning add a teaspoon of holy basil powder. It will not only taste great but will give nice aroma.

Lowers your blood sugar level:

Holy basil is used in type 2 diabetes and decreases blood sugar level. It is helpful in preventing all significant symptoms of diabetes like high cholesterol, weight gain, insulin resistance and hypertension. If you are under medication to lower your blood sugar level, then consult your doctor before incorporating basil in your routine diet.

Read More- How to lose weight fast without exercise?

A rich source of vitamin K:

Holy Basil is packed with vitamin K which is essential for your bone density, brain functions, and digestive system. It is fat soluble vitamin and is involved in metabolism, balance brain functions and also fights against cancer.