Medicinal plants: Way to wellness! Tulasi

Tulasi: "The incomparable one"

Tulasi(Ocimum sanctum L. also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum, Tulsi)  has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda. With possesing diverse healing properties this devine plant proves its name Tulasi, which means, the "incomparable one" .

In the Charaka Samhita; an Ayurvedic text. Tulasi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress.

Tulasi leaves/ extracts are used in Ayurvedic medicine  to treat various of diseases right from common colds- coughs to cancers. Tulsi is believed as a elixir  of life and believed to promote longevity.

Some of the benefits of tulasi -

1.Boosts immune system-
Tulasi is an Imuunomodulator. Hence it is useful in defferent immune disorders  including allergic bronchitis and allergic skin conditions.

2.Helps to cure infections-
Tulasi leaf  also has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,  antiviral and antiseptic properties that help to beat the infections.

3.Helps Cure respiratory conditions -
Tulasi has immunomodulatory (helps to modulate the immune system), antitussive (suppresses the cough center) and expectorant properties (helps expel phlegm from the chest), therefore it relieves  cough and helps in respiratory disorders including chronic and acute bronchitis.

Because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties tulsi help to beat the infection causing the respiratory problem.

It also relieves congestion since it contains potent components like camphene, eugenol and cineole in its essential oils. Its anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties also help to treat allergic respiratory disorders.

4.Relieves headache:
Tulasi, relieves pain and is decongestants. Hence fumes or steam with tulsi leaves or extract relieves congestion and relieves head aches of different etiology including sinusitis, migraine, cold etc.

5.Potent Anantioxidant-
Powerful anti-oxidants like eugenol,  are present in tulasi leaves which  help beat the ill effects of oxidative stress.

6.Cardioprotective- anti oxidants in tulasi also protect heart by keeping blood pressure under control and by reducing total cholesterol level and bad cholesterol level. You can protect your heart by chewing 8-10 tulsi leaves early in the morning and stay away from heart trouble.

7.Reduces blood glucose level and  insulin resistance-Tulasi significantly decreases blood glucose level and glycosylated haemoglobin by stimulating insulin release from pancreatic cells. It also lowers serum cortisol level. Additional antioxidant effect of tulsi reduces ill effects of oxidative stress.

8.Stress buster-Tulasi is an excellent stress buster. It keeps your cortisol level normal. It is also a nervine tonic. Munching 10-12 leaves of tulsi help you to combat stress.

9. Cures skin diseases- tulasi is proves to be useful in acute and chronic skin disorders because of its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and anti allergic properties. It is an excellent blood purifier and helps to reduce itching. Its  internal and external use cures difficult to treat skin conditions like leucoderma, ringworm and eczema.

10. Cosmetic use-
It is also useful in the treatment of acne. Application of tulasi swarasa (extract) along with internal use( just 8- 10 tulasi leaves every day)cures acne and reduces pigmentation and blemishes.

Its extract can be used as skin toner and beutifies skin.

Regular application of oil made up of tulasi leaves serves as an excellent hair tonic, cures dandruff and prevents hair fall.