Health Benefits Of Basil

Health Benefits Of Basil

Basil is one of the most aromatic herbs. It is used for garnishing and adding flavor to a variety of dishes. Research has indicated that Basil has immense medicinal, healing and immunity building properties.In India, it is called as holy basil or tulsi and so it is considered as a sacred herb. In this article, we will talk about the Health Benefits Of Basil.

It is rich in antioxidant essential oils which do not dissolve in water and are also light enough to travel through the pores of the skin through the air. Basil has got a distinct smell and taste. Basil consist of lots of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals like magnesium etc. Its high antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help in fighting germs and bacteria.

There are more than 35 different types of basil like sweet basil, lemon basil, Italian basil, Thai basil etc.  Basil contains various different types of oils like cinnamate, citronellol, geraniol, linalool, pinene etc.

Basil also is known as tulsi, is called the queen of herbs in India. Its essential oils help in relieving headaches, low energy levels, stress and lots of other diseases. Today basil is one of the important herbs used in Indian, Thai, Vietnamese and many other South Asian cuisines. Pesto sauce, basil rice etc., are some of the dishes inspired by this herb. Fresh basil, dried basil and other basil oils are used in many dishes.

Let’s look at some of the health benefits of tulsi leaves or basil leaves.

Health Benefits Of Basil – 

1. Basil is high in antioxidants.  

Basil or Tulsi is rich in antioxidant properties, which help in fighting free radical damages. It consists of two important flavonoids like viceninare and orientin which are water soluble. They help in protecting the white blood cells which are responsible for immune functions and also restore the cellular structures. It also helps in fighting oxidation in the body which slows down the ageing process.

2. Basil has high antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Research has indicated that the essential oils present in basil help in acting against the bacteria strain, thereby inhibiting their growth. Therefore basil has got antibacterial oils which help in fighting antibiotic-resistant illnesses and infections.

Basil or tulsi oil is also found effective in antimicrobial activity and so can add protection against the candida virus and other forms of skin irritations.

3. Basil or Tulsi acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Basil is high in essential oils like eugenol, citronellol etc., which helps in lowering inflammation which is the root cause of many heart diseases like arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

4. Basil and Tulsi help in heart health.

Basil or Tulsi helps in controlling blood vessel functions to contract and relax, thereby promoting healthy blood pressure. It reduces the formation of blood clots thereby reducing cardiac stroke.

Normally the inflammation in the body slows down the blood circulation and cognitive processes. In case of the heart, the inflammation builds up fatty, cholesterol-rich plaque in the blood vessels which raises the risk of a heart attack. Basil is found to be a very effective anti-inflammatory herb.

5. Basil or Tulsi helps in improving digestion.

Basil helps in balancing the acid in the body thereby improving digestion. Basil helps in reducing bloating, water retention, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, worms etc. It helps to alkalize the body and improve digestion.

6. Basil helps to improve liver functions and detoxify the body.

Basil helps in detoxifying the body by antioxidant defences and in reducing the fats in the liver.

7. Basil helps in healing common Cold and Fever.

Boiled tulsi leaves in water are good for preventing malaria and dengue fever. Eating a couple of plain tulsi leaves also helps as a disinfectant and protects the body against all types of viral infections.

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8. Basil or Tulsi leaves are good for a cough, sore throat and other respiratory problems.

We have heard our elders advise us to chew tulsi leaves in order to cure a cough and flu. A decoction of tulsi leaves or basil leaves with honey and ginger is a good remedy for a sore throat.

Water boiled with basil leaves is good for a sore throat. 

9. Basil or Tulsi is good for healing of cuts and wounds.

Tulsi or basil leaves have antiseptic properties and are used for the treatment of ulcers, cuts and wounds. A mixture of basil leaves juice with coconut oil gives good relief for cuts and wounds. It also gives relief for insect bites etc.

10. Basil or Tulsi acts a relief for kidney stones.

It is said that the consumption of basil or tulsi leaves juice along with honey will help remove these stones through the urinary tract. Tulsi or basil is also a detoxifying agent which helps to reduce the uric acid level.

11. Basil or Tulsi leaves are good for skin benefits.

Basil and tulsi are very good for skin benefits. Some of the benefits of tulsi or basil on the skin are as follows:

  • It helps in prevention of acne and pimples as it helps in purifying blood by removing toxins.The antibacterial and antifungal agents help in the prevention of the inflammation of the skin.
  • It prevents blackheads and lightens the scars and the marks on the skin.
  • It adds glow and makes the skin look fresh and young.
  • It tightens the skin pores and relieves skin irritation.
  • It soothes itching due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

12. Basil or Tulsi leaves are good for hair.

Tulsi or basil is one of the main ingredients of herbal or natural shampoos due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some of the important benefits tulsi or basil for hair care are listed below –

  • Hair loss is a common problem due to itchiness and sweatiness of the scalp.
  • It helps to treat dandruff and dry scalp by improving the blood circulation. It keeps the hair roots clean and keeps dandruff at bay.
  • It helps to treat grey hair.
  • It strengthens the hair follicles and rejuvenates the hair.

These are some of the health benefits of Basil or tulsi leaves.

Hope you have enjoyed our article Health Benefits of Basil.  Please like and comment below.

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