Holy Basil or Tulsi Leaves health benefits includes maintaining oral health, regulating sugar level, fighting cancerous cells, lowering stress and anxiety, treating acne, treating cough and cold, reducing bad cholesterol levels, fighting inflammation, supporting respiratory health, dissolving kidney stones, preventing hair fall, strengthening immune system, and prevent early aging.
Holy basil was widely used in traditional recipes to add flavor to the food until its health benefits got famous. The leaves became part of the herbal medicine and considered effective to treat various health problems.
Holy basil contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties as well, and this is why its leaves are known to cure wounds and buries. Apart from this, it is also a safe and natural source to combat oral problems.
What is Holy Basil?
Herbalists regarded holy basil as a “Queen of herbs.” It belongs to Southeast Asia and is a significant part of Indian culture and cuisine. Holy basil is scientifically categorized as Ocimum sanctum.
It possesses pleasant smell and color. You can incorporate the edible leaves into your foods or can add it to various home remedies. It will benefit your health either way.
Nutritional Value of Holy Basil
- Calcium 75 mg
- Copper 163 mcg
- Iron 3 mg
- Magnesium 27 mg
- Manganese 487 mcg
- Phosphorus 24 mg
- Potassium 125 mg
- Selenium 13 mcg
- Sodium 7 mg
- Vitamin A 2237 IU
- Vitamin C 6 mg
- Vitamin E 339 mcg
- Vitamin K 176 mcg
- Zinc 343 mcg
13 Amazing Health Benefits of Holy Basil
1. Maintains Oral Health
Holy basil contains antibacterial properties that function to ward off bacteria and germs in your mouth. These factors contribute to various oral problems such as bleeding gums and constant pain. If not treated on time, this debilitating condition can lead to tooth decay as well. You can incorporate holy basil into your daily routine to steer clear of painful oral issues.
Moreover, bad breath is another common and unpleasant factor that occur due to the presence of bacteria in your mouth; antibacterial components found in the basil leaves can do the job in this context as well.
2. Regulates Sugar Levels
Nutritionists suggest that holy basil could help maintain glucose levels in your bloodstream. That is why it is considered an ideal natural source for people with diabetes. The leaves are potent enough to regulate sudden sugar spikes in your blood triggering insulin activity. However, you should consult with your endocrinologist before opting for a home remedy in case of diabetes.
3. Fights Cancerous Cells
Enriched with vitamin C, basil leaves could become a natural source to reap plenty of antioxidants. The latter is necessary when it comes to preventing your body from daunting factors like infectious bacteria, free radicals, and cancerous cells.
Nutritionists have suggested that consuming basil leaves or its oil can effectively impede the further spread of cancerous cells in your body. However, more evidence is required to prove the claim, and more studies are underway in this regard.
4. Lowers Stress and Anxiety
Holy basil is said to be useful in case of high levels of stress and anxiety. It possesses sedative properties that are known to relax tensed nerves. Apart from this, the leaves have potential to improve concentration as well. You can incorporate it into your diet in any form, and it will help maintain your psychological state without hurting your health.
5. Treats Acne
In most cases, bacteria contribute to acne occurrence on your face. The condition is irritating and painful at the same time. You should opt for holy basil to treat prolonged acne as it contains antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. It has been a part of traditional home remedies for centuries due to these properties.
You can apply a paste made with fresh basil leaves twice a week for satisfying results. It is said to combat swelling and redness that acne brings. Although natural sources do not contain adverse effects, you could still consult with your dermatologist in this context.
6. Treats Cough and Cold
Nutritionists suggest that holy basil is highly beneficial to providing relief during a cough and cold. In most cases, they bring fever too, and your condition gets debilitating. You can opt for a warm cup of tea made with the basil leaves to combat factors that contribute to it. Moreover, it could become a natural source to relax your body and reduce high-temperature fever. However, consult with your primary care physician in case of constant fever and avoid self-medication.
7. Reduces Bad Cholesterol Levels
Basil leaves do not contain calories or cholesterol. Hence, they could become a safe source to alleviate LDL or bad cholesterol in your body. You can consume it to eliminate plague in your arteries and blood vessels to ward off risks of blood clotting as well.
8. An Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Enriched with components like linalool, citronellol, terpineol, and limonene, holy basil could be used as an anti-inflammatory agent. Nutritionists recommend incorporating it into your diet to combat factors associated with various body inflammations such as joint and muscle inflammation.
9. For Respiratory Health
Studies have concluded that bacterial, fungal, and viral infections contribute to respiratory disorders. Basil leaves contain compounds like cineole that are essential to ward off respiratory problems like relieving congestion, chronic and acute bronchitis.
10. Dissolves Kidney Stones
Basil leaves could function to maintaining your kidney health. It possesses diuretic properties. Therefore, you can consume basil tea to alleviate levels of uric acid in your body.
Nutritionists even state that incorporating the tea into your daily routine can prevent the onset of kidney stones. It is a natural source that helps clean your kidneys as well. It is still suggested to seek professional help in this regard and refrain from self-medication.
11. Prevents Hair Fall
You can apply basil essential oil mixed with a carrier oil to improve the condition of your scalp. Dandruff and dryness often contribute to constant hair fall. The condition is surely stressing that basil essential oil can treat efficiently. However, in case of scalp infections, refrain from home remedies and consult with your dermatologist to avoid further damage.
12. Strengthens Immune System
Enriched with vitamin C and various minerals, basil oil is useful when it comes to boosting your immune system. The strong immunity is said to ward off internal and external health-damaging factors preventing your body falling prey to chronic diseases such as cancer, dementia, and macular degeneration.
13. Prevents Early Aging
Holy basil possesses the adequate levels of antioxidants. The latter is said to function to alleviate factors that dismantle skin cells and tissues. Therefore, your skin rejuvenates damaged cells preventing the onset of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Bottom Line
Holy basil is indeed a powerhouse of plenty of nutrients that can improve the condition of your overall health. Hence, incorporate it, make the most of it, but in moderation.
