The tulsi plant is also known as holy basil is native to tropical Asia. For thousands of years’ people have used this plant for its special medicinal properties. Highly appreciated in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine uses Tulsi to support immunity, eliminate stress, cure many diseases, and increase longevity.
The Tulsi Plant/Holy Basil
The Tulsi plant was named the Queen of medicinal plants because of its healing powers. Find out below what are the benefits of Tulsi tea.
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Tulsi, the sacred plant of India
What is tulsi or holy basil? – The Tulsi plant has the scientific name Ocimum sanctum and is part of the Lamiaceae family. It is an aromatic plant highly appreciated for its healing properties. From the same family – Lamiaceae – other aromatic plants are included: thyme, sage, mint, lavender, and rosemary.
The meaning of the term Tulsi is an incomparable, unique plant, sacred plant. Due to its religion and spiritual importance, the Tulsi plant is called Holy, Sacred, Thulasi, Tulsi. In India, Tulsi is a sacred plant. It is said that Indians use the root of the plant to carve the bush for prayer, they use the plant in religious ceremonies.
The Tulsi plant is widespread in India but is currently cultivated in Europe. In Asia, this plant is traditionally grown in pots or in the garden of the house. In India, the plant is grown around temples. Also, the leaves of sacred basil are used for weddings. The parents of the girl make a bouquet of Tulsi leaves and consider it a gift for the bride and groom.
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What are the benefits of Tulsi for health?
Researchers have studied this variety of basil that grows in India and is often called sacred basil. Very interesting is that although there are more than 25-30 varieties of basil, the results of studies have shown that they all contain substances that maintain health – unique phytonutrients, active compounds, volatile oils, and antioxidants. The smell of the plant is distinct and is given by the concentrated compounds – the volatile oils.
The Holy Basil contains:
- Vitamins A, C and K, manganese, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, copper, zinc, folate.
- Chlorophyll, carbohydrates, proteins, phytonutrients and other important nutrients.
- It does not contain cholesterol at all.
- The leaves have active compounds: eugenol, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid.
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Therapeutic Properties
- Tea is an excellent sedative, good for combating headaches and removing tension caused by colds or sinus inflammation.
- It has properties to strengthen the body’s immune system.
- It can improve stress resistance and provide well-being.
- It has gastroprotective, hypoglycemic and hepatoprotective properties.
- Improves liver function.
- It has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
- Improves the absorption of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients in the body.
- It has a good effect on the blood.
- It helps to lose weight.
- It clears the mind and calms the states of nerves.
- It helps to recover the body during convalescence.
- It combats anxiety disorders.
- It improves the power of concentration.
- It has an analgesic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.