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Tulsi has been an object of great veneration in India. Its time we recognized the health benefits of this ubiquitous herb and not limit its use as offerings to Gods alone.

The numerous benefits of tulsi have been explicitly mentioned in our Vedas. Unfortunately, this knowledge remains unused, while the books continue to be revered and smeared with vermilion and turmeric.

Tulsi or the Holy basil, is empowered with antioxidants [compounds that protect against cell damage inflicted by molecules called oxygen-free radicals, which are a major cause of disease and aging.] capable of battling with all probable sources of infections - viruses, bacteria, fungi and even protozoa. It is also known to aid the process of stalling the growth of carcinogenic cells. It is due to these natural properties that the herb is answer to curing a host of diseases.

MedGuru brings you a list of health benefits that tulsi can usher.

Protects Against Skin Ailments

Tulsi leaves aid both, prevention and cure of skin infections. The natural oils present in tulsi leaves are a great disinfectant. For a blemish free skin, apply a paste of tulsi leaves on your face regularly. Even consuming tulsi should work wonders for your skin. You can also put tulsi leaves in the water while taking a bath.

Avoid mosquito bites by applying tulsi oil on your skin before taking to bed. This oil also has the unique property of absorbing any excess oil secreted by your facial skin, thus keeping it pimple free.

Cures Respiratory Disorders

With the instances of cough and cold on a rise, one must consume a few tulsi leaves daily. It has been found to be of great help in curing almost all kinds of respiratory diseases, including common cold, cough, bronchitis and even asthma.

It is the presence of components such as Camphene, Eugenol and Cineole found in abundance in its essential oils that aid in relieving congestion caused due to viral, bacterial and fungal infections. Tulsi also acts as an expectorant, thus flushing out all the mucus accumulated in the sinuses, throat, chest, and the nasal cavity.

Strengthens Body's Defense System

Whenever your body is invaded by an unwanted foreign body in the form of an infection, it manifests in the form of fever. Fever is thus, the body's way of indicating that it is engaged in fighting the infection, caused either by a protozoa, virus or bacteria.

The essential oils and the phytonutrients present in tulsi leaves assist the body's natural defense system in fighting all these infections. They thus make your body stronger by improving its defense system.

Assists Oral Care and Hygiene

Tulsi is a singular answer to all possible oral and dental problems. It is a natural mouth freshener and oral disinfectant the effect of which lasts longer than that of any mouth freshener available in the market.

The Holy basil leaves are extremely effective in keeping dental problems such as cavities, tartar and plaque at bay. They also improve the health of your gums. However, avoid chewing tulsi leaves in access and for too long, for they have traces of mercury which can in fact be detrimental to your teeth.

Tulsi has also been found to inhibit the growth of oral cancer [abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. ] by controlling the multiplication of the carcinogenic cells.

Avoids Stress and Heart Ailments

Tulsi is rich in vitamin C and numerous antioxidants which control the potential harm capable of being caused by free radicals. By minimizing the oxidation taking place in cells, it also reduces the inflammation of nerves, reducing the blood pressure and thus also stress. Lower oxidation also means less danger to the heart.

Stalls Aging

Being rich in a host of antioxidants, tulsi protects your skin against damages caused due to aging. It has since long been considered as a natural enhancer of beauty and retainer of youthful skin.

So, take to tulsi for leading an active and healthy life with no side effects.

Other Health Benefits Associated with Tulsi
  1. Tulsi can protect from radiation [use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors] poisoning and also heal up damages from it.
  2. It acts as a vaccine against pox if consumed regularly.
  3. It has painkiller like properties and helps bear the pain from kidney stones. It is also beneficial in reducing labor pain.
  4. It assists in destroying rabies germs, treating gastroenteritis [infection or irritation of the stomach and intestines, which may be caused by bacteria or parasites from spoiled food or unclean water, or eating food that irritates the stomach lining and emotional upsets such as anger, fear, or stress.] , mumps, cholera, whooping cough, measles, rheumatism, nausea, septic, urinary, genital infections, destroying worms in stomach.
  5. The dried leaves of tulsi are used as an insect-repellent and is mixed with food grains to keep them insect free.