The word “Tulsi” in Sanskrit literally means the incomparable one. "The Charaka Samhita," a nodal Ayurvedic script, and the Rig Veda both mention tulsi as a lifesaving herb, often referred to as the ‘elixir of life’. Basil comes packed with a range of health benefits that include oral care, relief from respiratory disorders, treatment of fever, cold, cough, asthma, lung disorders, heart diseases, and stress.

Basil, scientifically known as Ocimumbasilicum, is a leafy herb belonging to the mint family. It has been widely cultivated for over 5,000 years and holds a special place in Ayurvedic medicine. Basil comes in different varieties known as western sweet basil, Thai sweet basil, holy basil, lemon basil, cinnamon basil, and purple basil.

What makes Tulsi a potent weapon against human ailments is the presence of bioactive constituents like camphene, cineole, and eugenol, which help the human body fight against a plethora of serious ailments like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These compounds have well-established properties against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. It is also quite well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

From sacred Indian texts to Bollywood movies, basil finds reverence everywhere.
Helps in many ailments from a cough and cold to cancer.
All parts are useful – leaves, stems, and seeds.

Further, basil is rich in vitamins like folates, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, as well as minerals such as sodium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and zinc. There are different phytochemicals present in basil that have the potential to prevent various types of cancer.

Now we know why Tulsi has held sacred ground rightly since ancient times in Indian Vedic culture. It also works as a repellent for mosquitoes, flies, and other harmful insects.

Health Benefits of Basil

Cures Respiratory Disorders

Basil comprises essential oils like camphene, eugenol, and cineole, which help in providing relief from congestion. It is most prominent in curing almost all respiratory disorders, including both chronic and acute bronchitis, as well as viral, fungal, and bacterial infections of the respiratory system.

Prevents Lung Disorders

Compounds like vitamin C and essential oils not only cure lung infections but also heal the damage caused to the lungs by smoking and tuberculosis. The active ingredients present in tulsi oils can also help treat lung damage as a result of smoking, cancer, and tuberculosis.

Improves Heart Health

Basil contains flavonoids which help in preventing coronary heart disease and heart attacks. Eugenol present in basil helps in lowering the level of bad cholesterol.

Protects Against Cancer

The phytochemicals in basil have the potential to prevent various types of cancer. They can reduce tumorigenicity (a tumor-causing tendency) and metastasis (the transfer of cancerous cells to other parts of the body by way of the blood, lymphatic vessels, or membranous surfaces) of human cancer cells. Researchers have found that basil leaves also inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis (death) of cancerous cells.

Fights Inflammation

One of the main ingredients of basil, eucalyptol, helps fight inflammation and reduces associated pain by enhancing blood circulation around the wounded area. It also helps to relieve joint pains caused by inflammation. Furthermore, basil has antioxidant properties that help remove plaque from blood vessels.

Relieves Stress

Vitamin C and other antioxidants present in basil soothe the nerves and lower blood pressure, thereby reducing stress. Basil can also regulate cortisol levels in the body. Lower levels of cortisol result in reduced anxiety and stress. Hence, basil acts as a potent adaptogen (anti-stress agent).

Increases Diuretic Activity

Basil acts as a mild diuretic and detoxifier, and it helps reduce the uric acid level in the body. Acetic acid and certain essential oils of basil facilitate the dissolution of the stones and help to clean out the kidneys through increased frequency of urination. Thus, basil can also cure the cause of kidney stones.

Boosts Immunity

Numerous reports have proven that basil possesses immunomodulatory effects. Basil liquefies the phlegm and is effective for the treatment of allergic bronchitis, asthma, and eosinophilic lung disease. As a part of an ancient Ayurvedic tradition, basil is also used for the treatment of fever and the associated common cold. Basil leaf extracts can also heal wounds, cuts, and burns quickly and can even protect against any potential infection.

How can you Use Basil?

• Want relief from fever and flu or want to shed off those extra calories?
• Chew a few basil leaves to get relief from the symptoms of the cold and flu.
• Additionally, you can boil some leaves in water and drink them to lose weight.
• If you are suffering from severe fever, a mixture of basil leaves and a pinch of powdered cardamom can provide you with relief.

Its benefits are as holy as its name. Now you know why holy basil is worshipped in India and rightfully so due to its ever-enriching health-enhancing properties.

Let us know the ways to incorporate basil into your daily life in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Though safe in normal amounts, basil might cause an issue in pregnant and breastfeeding women if taken in large amounts. Individuals taking basil supplements might experience some adverse effects on the liver. Basil might lower blood pressure too much; hence, consult your doctor if you are on medication before using it.