Tulsi/Holi Basil

Adaptogenic herb: Tulsi has the property of balancing Vata which helps to reduce stress, anxiety and nervousness, when taken on a regular basis. Tulsi kadha/decoction: Take 10-12 Tulsi leaves and add it to 2 cups of water. Boil it till the volume reduces to half a cup. Allow it to cool to room temperature and strain the mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and consume.

Anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant: It is effective against liver disorders. Tulsi helps to improve digestive fire and prevents toxin induced damage of liver cells due to its rejuvenating properties. Consume tulsi tea daily for the same.

Cough, asthma, allergic rhinitis, bronchitis and eosinophilia : Take one teaspoon juice of tulsi leaves and honey. Consume it 2-3 times a day.

Urticaria, itching: For itching rashes, tulsi leaves are made into paste and applied over the skin.

Sinusitis and headache: Basil’s fresh leaves are crushed to extract juice. Two drops of this juice is put into both nostrils on empty stomach. This helps to relieve sinusitis related headache.

Bad breath problem: Chewing one or two holy basil leaves daily helps to relieve bad breath issue improves digestion. Low digestion is a strong cause for bad breath.

Improving the voice quality and against laryngitis: Crush 8-10 tulsi leaves and extract their juice. Mix it with 1 teaspoon honey and take it two times a day.

Anti-fungal like ring worm: Take 10 tulsi leaves and extract their juice. Mix it with turmeric or neem powder and apply on affected skin area.

Common cold and cough: Tulsi kadha:Take 10-12 Tulsi leaves, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and 7-8 black peppers. Boil water in a pan, add Tulsi, grated ginger and pepper and boil for 10 minutes. Add a pinch of black salt and squeeze ½ lemon to it. Let it stand for 1 minute. Strain and drink warm to control common cold and cough.

Digestion: Chewing one or two holy basil leaves daily or drinking tulsi tea improves digestion. Tulsi controls gas and bloating due to its Vata balancing properties, it is also deepan (appetizing) and pachan (digestive) as it improves Pitta.

Note: Use of tulsi should be discrete. Any preparation should not be taken for more than 3 months in case of chronic condition and for 3 weeks in case of acute condition.