Benefits of Tulsi as Tonic to Body, Mind and Spirit
Indian ancient medicine system “Ayurveda” has a lifestyle medicine and in every household too. Yes we are talking about Tulsi that is known as “The Incomparable One”, “Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs”. Tulsi is revered as an “elixir of life” that has both medicinal and spiritual properties. Ayurvedic wisdom suggests that tulsi is a tonic for the body, mind and spirit that offers solutions to many modern day health problems. According to an article published in “Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine” Tulsi has solutions to many health problems that we deal everyday.
Tulsi Builds Immunity: TulsI tastes hot and bitter and penetrate the deep tissues, dry tissue secretions and normalize kapha and vata. Daily consumption of tulsi is said to prevent disease, promote general health, wellbeing and longevity and assist in dealing with the stresses of daily life. In addition to these health-promoting properties, tulsi is recommended as a treatment for a range of conditions including anxiety, cough, asthma, diarrhoea, fever, dysentery, arthritis, eye diseases, indigestion, hiccups, vomiting, gastric, cardiac and genitourinary disorders, back pain, skin diseases, ringworm, insects etc.
Tulsi Detoxify Body : Many of the physiological benefits of tulsi can be attributed to its ability to assist with the body’s internal housekeeping and protection of the body from toxin-induced damage. These functions are often attributed to tulsi’s high content of phenolic compounds and anti-oxidant properties, with Krishna tulsi (black/purple variety) having a higher phenolic content and anti-oxidant capacity than white Vana (wild) tulsi.
Tulsi Protects from Toxicants: The ability of tulsi to protect against the damaging effects of various toxicants has been documented in numerous experimental studies. These studies attest to the ability of tulsi to prevent liver, kidney and brain injury by protecting against the genetic, immune and cellular damage caused by pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. Tulsi has been shown to protect against the toxic effects of heavy metals like lead and Radiation.
Tulsi Protects from Physical Stress: Prolonged physical exertion, physical restraint, exposure to cold and excessive noise disturb homeostasis by inducing physiological and metabolic stress. Tulsi enhances aerobic metabolism and reduces oxidative tissue damage and normalizes many physiological and biochemical parameters caused by physical stressors. Experimental studies have also shown that tulsi helps reduce the effects of acute and chronic noise-induced stress also.
Tulsi Protects from Metabolic Stress: Many human clinical trials have shown that tulsi has anti-diabetic activity tulsi can reduce blood glucose, correct abnormal lipid profiles and protect the liver and kidneys from the metabolic damage caused by high glucose levels. Tulsi has also been shown to improve lipid profiles, prevent weight gain and improve blood pressure.
Tulsi Protects from Phychological Stress: While the reality of daily chemical exposure cannot be denied, regular consumption of tulsi helps in protecting and detoxifying the body’s cells and organs. It can also help reduce toxic stress by relaxing and calming the mind and offering many psychological benefits including anti-depressant activity and positive effects on memory and cognitive function.
Tulsi Protects from Virus and Bacteria: According to scientific research Tulsi has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activity that includes activity against many pathogens responsible for human infections. Tulsi’s activity against water-borne and food-borne pathogens further suggests that it can be used in the preservation of food stuffs and herbal raw materials as well as for water purification and as a hand sanitizer. Tulsi’s unique combination of antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities also makes it useful in wound healing.
Drink Tulsi Tea: Regular consumption of tulsi tea may be compared with the regular practice of yoga, which can be considered “adaptogenic” through nurturing and nourishing the body,mind and spirit while fostering a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. Tulsi is also credited with giving luster to the complexion, sweetness to the voice and fostering beauty, intelligence, stamina and a calm emotional disposition.
Tulsi is one of the best examples of Ayurveda’s holistic lifestyle approach to health, so start consuming Tulsi tea everyday and regain your good health and optimistic attitude.
