Basically, a native of India but Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) is known worldwide for its aromatics and a large number of health benefits. In India, Holy Basil is considered to be one of the most important Hindu religious symbols. In India, Holy Basil is popularly known as Tulsi. Besides religious and mythological importance Holy Basil also has antioxidant properties. It is not only a potent antioxidant but also has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, carminative, anti-stress and anti-microbial properties.
Holy Basil is popular as a culinary herb. Its essential oil has been made use of in several food products as well as those of dental, perfumery and oral products. It has a mild peppery flavor with a tinge of mint. Although there are dozens of varieties of basil, the most popular one is the ocimum basilicum or also known as sweet basil. Basil is native to Asia and India and has been cultivated there for over 5000years. It is popular for its medicinal value.
Egypt happens to be the principal source of sweet basil and then followed by the United States. It is a member of the mint family.
Some of the major health benefits of holy basil are listed below:
- Healing Power: Holy Basil is considered to be a treasure of healing powers as it has a number of medicinal properties. The leaves of holy basil are a potent nerve tonic and improve memory power. It is observed that leaves of holy basil enhance the removal of phlegm and catarrhal matter from the bronchial tube. Holy basil leaves strengthen the digestive system and induce copious perspiration
- Common Cold and Fever: Holy Basil leaves are highly effective in number of specific fevers. Tender holy basil leaves when boiled with tea acts as a preventive measure against fevers like dengue and malaria. To cure acute fever decoction of tender holy basil leaves and cardamom should be consumed with milk and sugar. Even the juice of holy basil is highly beneficial in bringing down the temperature
- Respiratory Disorder: This herb is highly beneficial in treating respiratory disorders. A decoction of holy basil leaves along with ginger and honey is effective in curing cough, cold, asthma, influenza, and bronchitis. In case of immediate relief from influenza a decoction of holy basil leaves, common salt and cloves should be consumed
- Coughs: In many Ayurvedic cough syrups, holy basil is one of the major ingredients. Basically, it helps in the easy mobilization of mucus in case of asthma and bronchitis. Even chewing tender leaves of holy basil can give relief from cold and flu
- Sore Throat: A warm gargle with water boiled with holy basil leaves can give immense relief from the problem of a soar throat. This water can also be drunk
- Kidney Stone: Holy Basil enhances the strength of kidney. If holy basil leaves juice with honey is consumed regularly for 6 months can cure the problem of renal stone
- Skin Disorder: When applied locally the juice of holy basil leaves is effective in curing skin disorders like ringworm, etc. Some of the naturopaths believe that juice of holy basil leaves is beneficial in treating leucoderma
- Teeth Disorders: Even in case of teeth, holy basil is highly effective. Powder of sun-dried holy basil leaves can be used as a brushing powder. When this power is mixed with mustard oil it acts as toothpaste. This mixture is highly helpful for maintaining good dental health as it counteracts bad breathe. It is even effective in pyorrhea and other teeth related disorders
- Stress: According to various research studies daily consumption of holy basil leaves prevent symptoms of stress. It acts as a potent anti-stress agent. Besides that, it also purifies the blood and prevents various other common ailments
- Headaches: Holy basil is considered to be one of the best home remedies for headaches. Consumption of decoction of leaves can give relief from severe headaches. When pounded holy basil leaves are mixed with sandalwood paste is applied to the forehead it gives instant relief from headache, heat and has a cooling effect
- Eye Disorder: Juice of holy basil leaves is a highly effective remedy for night blindness and sore eyes. To get relief from the above conditions caused due to Vitamin A deficiency 2 drops of black basil juice at bedtime is highly beneficial
- Mouth Infection: Holy basil leaves are highly effective for mouth infections and ulcers. Chewing few basil leaves can give immediate relief from the condition
- Insect Bites: Basil is considered to be potent prophylactic agent. It is effective in protecting and curing insect bites or stings. Freshly extracted juice of basil leaves should be applied to the affected area. In case of leech or other insect bite paste of fresh root should be applied on the affected area
- Heart Disorders: Basil is highly effective in cardiac disorders and the weakness associated with them. It also reduces blood cholesterol level
- Children’s Aliment: Fresh juice of basil leaves can solve many common pediatric problems like fever, diarrhea, cough and vomiting. Basil leaves when consumed with saffron can speed up the appearance of delayed chickenpox pustules