Is holy basil good for you?

Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is a plant native to India with numerous health benefits. But is it really good for you or just another fad? Well, look no further because we’ve got the answers! In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of holy basil in detail.

What is Holy Basil?

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) belongs to the mint family and has a strong aroma similar to that of cloves. It’s often used in Ayurvedic medicine as a natural remedy for various ailments. The leaves are either eaten fresh or dried and made into tea supplements or essential oil.

Besides being an important religious symbol in India, holy basil offers several medicinal properties that make it beneficial to your health.

Nutritional Information

Before we delve deeper into its health benefits, let’s take a quick look at its nutritional aspect:

  • One serving (100g) contains:
    • 0.6g Fat
    • 1mg Cholesterol
    • 18mg Sodium
    • 385 mg Potassium
    • 3g Carbohydrates

      A | B | C | D
      –|—|–|–
        X   |   Y   | Z|
          R  | T            | S |

Not only does holy basil contain vitamins A and C, but it’s also rich in antioxidants such as eugenol, rosmarinic acid and methyl chavicol which have all been linked with multiple physical benefits.

Health Benefits

Aside from its unique taste profile, studies suggest that Holy Basil has possible medical advantages including:

Reducing Stress

Stress can lead to both physical and mental damage if ignored over time. By consuming Tulsi leaves or Holy Basil tea, you can reduce your cortisol levels and improve your emotional well-being.

Anti-Aging Properties

Thanks to its high level of antioxidants, holy basil has excellent anti-aging properties which protect the skin from pollutants and skin-damaging UV rays by neutralizing free radicals in the body.

Reducing Inflammation

Holy Basel Oil is great for massaging joints due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties. According to research, it could also help alleviate bruising and injuries when applied directly

Improving Respiratory Functions

Dry coughs tend to irritate the throat resulting in inflammation, making breathing harder. Holy Basil’s natural antihistamine feature reduces mucus formation thereby promoting better respiratory health

Muscle Relaxant

The eugenol found within holy basil has been said to be useful as a muscle relaxer. Athletes often consume this herb or oil after an intense workout as a way of reducing soreness felt afterward and improving muscle recovery time considerably.

Possible Drawbacks:

Apart from all these fantastic benefits we’ve mentioned, there are few drawbacks that one should consider before consuming holy basil such as;

  • Antibiotic Interaction: Consuming Tulsi along with antibiotics may lead fever-like symptoms
  • Nausea & Vomiting: Overconsumption of tulsi cause stomach upset which leads vomiting.

Despite these minor shortcomings, this underrated herb is an excellent alternative treatment today—gaining more popularity day-by-day for some great reasons! 
Here’s how you can try adding Holy Basil into your life:

As Tea:

Doing yoga or meditating? Add some extra focus-supportive power-up benefits by having hot tea made with dried leaves into favorably filtered water!

Herbal Liquid Drops:

Try incorporating Tulsi “Elixir” drops into your daily routine whether blended into smoothies or enjoyed freestyle under tongue doses–helpful when any cold-like symptoms arise.

As Essential oil:

For treating external ailments such as minor burns, small cuts or abrasions apply a few drops of the essential oils to your choice of carrier oil like avocado, lavender or rosehip and then gently massage over affected areas.

In Conclusion

Now that you know about all these fantastic benefits― from reducing stress and healing wounds to alleviating respiratory illnesses ―begin incorporating Holy Basil in your diet today for some life-changing positive effects! Remember to always consult with a doctor before committing yourself fully to any long-term exercise routine, new supplement changes or overall major lifestyle modifications. Good luck on this journey towards wellness! 🌿🌱💚

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