Basil a medicinal plant

The benefits of tulsi or basil a medicinal plant are due to its therapeutic effect to human and the environment. Many people get rid of their cold and sore throat with drinking cup of tea of basil leaves. What a relief basil  gives and from a gift of nature.

The Plant type of Basil a medicinal plant

Scientifically known as Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum, this Holy basil originated in the Indian subcontinent and cultivated throughout Southeast Asia. The Holy tulsi otherwise called tulsia belongs to the family Lamiaceae. An erect subshrub, it has an erect plant with branches. It usually reaches to a height of 30 to 60 cm having hairy stems. The striking feature of basil is green or purple color of leaves, typically ovate shaped with serrated margins. The flowers are also purplish in color. But the wonder of basil is the unique aroma or scent produced in the leaves. The oil glands of leaves producing volatile oil are that which makes it widely known as “the mother medicine of nature”.

Why is Basil a medicinal plant?

Basil is well recognized for its innumerable medicinal qualities. It possesses antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, antipyretic, antioxidant and anticancer properties. A team of nearly 30 scientists at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) created in Bengaluru, India has discovered Basil to contain at least 40 secondary metabolites. Fourteen of the genes mapped shows that 8 genes have anticancer properties, and 6 have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-cancer, antioxidant and cardiovascular protective properties.

Besides the finest sources of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, it is low in calories with no cholesterol. Basil contains a worthy volume of minerals such as potassium, manganese, magnesium, and copper. The iron content is as high as 3.17 mg/100 that fulfills about 26% of RDA. These nutrients are in balance and maintain the body fluid, enzyme activity that eventually controls blood pressure.

The rich content of phenylpropanoids, terpenoids and their derivatives, known for their therapeutic effect make Basil a medicinal plant. Basil is high in Vitamin a (5275 IU=RDA of 175%) in 100 g of a leaf. As basil many herbal phytonutrients it is identified as the “Queen of Herbs”.

12 Amazing Benefits of Basil a medicinal plant

Besides Basil considered as a Holy plant in the Hindu mythology, it is a wonderful in the Asian societies due to therapeutic ingredients regardless of religion. The Western society is adopting basil flavored tea as an anti-stress drink. The miraculous value extensive the major ones will encourage one to take it as an additive to lead a healthy life. Some 10 benefits are outlined below:

1. Beats Stress: Basil regulates the cortisol hormone in the body that  causes stress. Basil lower this hormone and acts as an anti-stress agent. It also soothes nerves, combat free radicals and regulates blood flow.
2. Cardiovascular diseases: Basil contains magnesium that acts as an antioxidant, prevents cholesterol deposition and make atherosclerosis risk free. It is vital for control of heart ailments.
3. Respiratory aid: Basil a medicinal plant is a cold reliever. The extract of the leaves has an immediate effect on coughs, colds, and respiratory illnesses.
4. Strengthens immune system: Basil contains camphene and eugenol that gives immunomodulatory properties. It helps prevent inflammatory ailments.
5. Control of Fever: The anti-microbial nutrients of tulsi tea helps recover from dengue and malarial fever. This is because of its medicinal property of controlling infections.
6. Oral health: Basil a wonder herb fights bacteria and fungus in oral cavities. It is used to cure oral cancer and ulcers of the mouth. The leaves seeds of basil a medicinal plant is used in mixtures of spices as a mouth freshener. The aroma removes bad breath.
7. Relieves arthritis: Arthritis causes joint disorders through slow inflammation. The anti-oxidant effect prevents decay of bones. Tulsi juice relieves arthritis due to antioxidant properties.
8. Help remove nervous disorders: A wonder herb basil calms the nerves and relieves stress. It is a remedy for epilepsy and makes basil a medicinal plant with multiple uses.
9. Removes kidney stones: As basil has diuretic properties, it removes uric acid and prevents kidney stone formation. It is wonderful to know the oils of basil break the kidney stones and helps alleviate kidney functions.
10. Digestion: Tea made fro holy basil improves digestion through liver functioning. It has metabolites that assist help in absorption of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.
11. Tulsi for Cancer treatment: Physicists have found basil tea protects from many types of cancer. Basil a medicinal plant has anti-carcinogenic properties including progression oh oral and breast cancer.
12. Helps quit smoking: The anti-stress compounds of basil helps smoking habit. Regular drinking of tulsi tea helps quit smoking.

How to make Basil-ginger-honey tea

Basil ginger honey tea is a great way of keeping fit from coughs and colds. Here is how you can make a simple one.

Peel off the skin of a piece of ginger and cut into pieces. Add this to 2 cups of water. Add thoroughly washed 5 to 6 leaves of basil. Boil over a slow heat to make it almost half. Sieve the juice and preserve in a glass bottle. You may also refrigerate and drink it when you desire.

Take 2 tablespoons and add honey to taste. Mix with warm water and drink it. Use this herbal drink 2 to 3 times a day. You will be relieved of your cold. Additionally, basil a medicinal plant strengthens your immune system. Enjoy a healthy and happy life with nature’s gift!