Scientific Name : Ocimum Sanctum.

Common Name : Sweet Basil, Holy Basil, Sacred Basil

Arabic Name : Al-Raihan, الريحان

Plant Family : Labiatae / Lamiaceae.

Tulsi, Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) another name for Holy Basil, has a rich history of uses dating back to ancient eastern 3,000 years ago.  Mentioned in the “Rig Veda: the oldest book in Sanskrit or any Indo-European language.” around 1500 B.C., the sacredness of Holy Basil was celebrated in the Purana and is highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine. Basil plants come in a range of variety and sizes, but Holy Basil is the most researched type of basil thus far. Holy basil is the species of basil most known for its powerful healing qualities. To date, at least six different essential oils have been identified in Holy Basil within its seeds, roots, leaves and stem. Holy Basil, which has the scientific name Ocimum sanctum L. or Ocimum tenuiflorum L., is known to be an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and powerful adaptogen - meaning it helps the body to respond to stress and fight disease.

Reduces Fever

The miraculous healing properties of holy basil come mainly from its essential oils and the phytonutrients in it. Holy basil has antibiotic, germicidal, fungicidal, and disinfectant properties. It is very effective in protecting our body from all sorts of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Severe fever is mainly caused due to infections from protozoa (malaria), bacteria (typhoid), viruses (flu), and even allergic substances and fungus. Fever is not an ailment in itself. It is just a symptom that shows that our body is fighting against less visible infections. The disinfectant, germicidal, and fungicidal properties present in tulsi can help in fighting the pathogens discussed above and heal the resulting fever. It is an old practice in India to have a decoction of tulsi leaves and flowers in case anyone is suffering from a fever.

Relieves Symptoms of Respiratory Disorders

Tulsi, along with curing viral, bacterial, and fungal infections of the respiratory system, gives miraculous relief from congestion due to the presence of components like camphene, eugenol, and cineole in its essential oils. It is very effective in curing almost all respiratory disorders including bronchitis, both chronic and acute.

Helps with Treatment of Asthma

Tulsi is very beneficial in the treatment of asthma since it relieves congestion and facilitates smoother breathing. The phytonutrients and essential oils, along with the other minerals in it, help cure some of the underlying causes of asthma as well.

Prevents Lung Disorders

The compounds like vitamin C, camphene, eugenol, and cineole present in the essential oils of tulsi not only provide relief from the infections in the lungs but also help clear the lung congestion. Furthermore, they can help in healing the damages caused to the lungs due to damaging effects like smoking.

Prevents Heart Diseases

A 2017 review published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal throws light on the use of tulsi for chronic cardiovascular diseases. Holy basil contains vitamin C and other antioxidants such as eugenol, which protect the heart from the harmful effects of free radicals. Additionally, eugenol is very beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.

Reduces Stress

Vitamin C and other antioxidants in holy basil, apart from repairing damages done by free radicals, also minimize the stress caused by these oxidants. A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine says that tulsi soothes the nerves, lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and thus reduces stress. Potassium, in Tulsi, also reduces blood pressure-related stress by replacing sodium and loosening the tensed blood vessels.

Mouth Freshener

Tulsi is an excellent mouth freshener and an oral disinfectant. Holy basil destroys more than 99% of germs and bacteria in the mouth and this effect can last all day. It also aids in providing relief from mouth ulcers. A study shows that chewing on tulsi leaves is an effective, safe, and economical option for maintaining good oral health.

Chemopreventive Properties

According to a review published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, tulsi contains phytochemicals like apigenin, eugenol, rosmarinic acid, β-sitosterol, myretenal, luteolin, and carnosic acid that can help in inhibiting the growth of cancer in the body. Other studies also support that it may have anticancer potential. 

Dental Care

Holy basil destroys the bacteria that are responsible for dental cavities, plaque, tartar, and bad breath. It also protects the teeth. It has astringent properties which make the gums hold the teeth tighter, thereby keeping them from falling. However, tulsi also has certain compounds like mercury, which has rich germicidal properties. It can harm the teeth if kept in direct contact for too long. Therefore, it is advised to avoid chewing these leaves. According to the Ayurveda, chewing tulsi leaves robs them of their holiness. It is better to consume as a decoction.

Reduces Risk of Kidney Stones

Tulsi, being a detoxifier and a mild diuretic, helps to reduce the uric acid level in the body, which is the main culprit as far as kidney stones are concerned. It also helps clean out the kidneys through increased frequency of urination. Acetic acid and certain components in Tulsi essential oil facilitate the dissolution of the stones. The analgesic properties of tulsi also help in bearing the pain of kidney stones passing the body.

Skincare

You can build a skincare regime centered around tulsi. You can create a bath with a decoction of holy basil mixed with your bath water or washing your face with the same mix. Apply the paste of its leaves on an infected area of the skin in case of skin diseases. You can just consume tulsi leaves and still manage to keep your skin free from all infections. Rubbing holy basil leaves or its extracted oil on the body keeps mosquitoes and other insects away. It helps cure skin disorders both internally and externally, without any side effects. This property mainly comes from its essential oils, which are highly antibiotic, disinfectant, antibacterial, and antifungal in nature. External application on the skin also removes extra oil from the surface of the skin. The camphene component in the oil gives it a soothing and a cooling effect.

Relieves Headache

A headache caused due to a migraine, sinus pressure, cough, and cold or high blood pressure can be effectively controlled by the use of a single tulsi serving. Camphene, eugenol, cineol, carvacrol, and methyl-chavicol, in holy basil, have excellent analgesic, sedative, anti-congestive, and disinfectant properties.

Prevents Premature Aging

Vitamin C and A, phytonutrients, and the essential oils in holy basil are excellent antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from damages caused by free radicals in the body. Free radicals are hazardous byproducts of cellular metabolism that are responsible for a wide swath of diseases, including cancer. In Ayurveda, tulsi is considered a tonic to retain youthful vigor and avoid premature aging.

Boosts Immunity

Holy basil is one of the most powerful natural sources for building immunity. It protects against nearly all infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.

Eye Care

Tulsi is very effective in providing relief for eye infections like conjunctivitis, boils, and other disorders. It is especially effective viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. To use, soak some basil leaves in water for about a couple of hours and then use this water to wash your eyes. It also soothes eye inflammation and reduces stress. Regular consumption can protect your eyes from the damage done by free radicals, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, vision defects, and ophthalmia. These protective properties are due to the high antioxidant content of its essential oils, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Other Benefits

It can protect your body from radiation poisoning, helping in healing the damages. It can be administered post-surgery to help heal wounds prevent infections. Holy basil is perhaps best known as an expectorant. It is used most frequently in treating cough and cold. It is beneficial in reducing labor pain, treating gastroenteritis, nausea, and different infections. Furthermore, the dried leaves can be mixed with food grains as an insect repellent.