Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is considered as the “queen of herbs.” This green leafy plant is native to Southeast Asia and is widely used in culinary practices. The word tulsi means “incomparable” plant. In Indian medicine, it is used as a treatment for many health conditions. It contains a variety of natural antioxidants that helps protect the body tissues by fighting against free-radical damage that is responsible for causing various chronic degenerative diseases.
Different parts of the plant – from leaves to seeds – are recommended for treating various conditions. Its health benefits are mainly due to its active ingredient eugenol which is present in the leaves. Furthermore, it also contains ursolic acid and carvacrol, which both have anti-microbial properties.
Tulsi can be consumed it its fresh, dried and powdered form. You can even chew its leaves regularly to reap more of its benefits. But did you know that aside from this, sipping tulsi tea is even better?
Here Are A Few Of The Many Health Benefits Of Tulsi Tea
Protect The Stomach
The tea counteracts the effect of stress induced-ulcers. It increases your stomach’s defense by increasing mucus secretion, decreasing stomach acid, increasing mucus cells, and extending the life of mucous cells.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
It was revealed by several studies that regular intake of tulsi tea can significantly lower the blood sugar levels. Daily consumption helps facilitate the metabolism of carbs and fats, thereby ensuring that the sugar in the blood is utilized for energy.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Magnesium, which is abundantly found in tulsi tea, is an important nutrient needed for the prevention of heart disease. Additionally, magnesium also promotes free blood flow, reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, helps blood vessels work properly, and prevents deposition of cholesterol. With regular intake, you’ll experience a decrease in your cholesterol levels and a significantly lower blood pressure.
Prevents Respiratory Disorders
Prevent various respiratory illnesses such as cold, cough, asthma and bronchitis, by drinking tulsi tea. It has expectorant (helps in expelling out the phlegm), immunomodulatory (helps to enhance the immune system), and antitussive (suppression of cough) properties that provide relief in the respiratory system.
Maintains Dental and Oral Health
Tulsi tea has antimicrobial properties that help fight germs and bacteria in the oral cavity. It also prevents bad breath, act as a mouth freshener, and is useful in other dental and oral conditions such as pyorrhea, oral cancer, and mouth ulcers.
May Prove To Be Great For Patients With Arthritis
Tulsi tea has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that help in relieving the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Reduces Fever
The tea’s anti-microbial properties can help treat mild fever conditions. Plus, it also helps in speeding recovery from major infectious fevers like dengue and malaria.
Dissolves Kidney Stones
Being a great detoxifier and diuretic, tulsi tea is great for kidneys. It contains essential oils that help break down kidney stones.
Beats Stress
Studies have found that tulsi tea helps maintain the normal levels of a stress hormone called cortisol. You are stress-free if you have low levels of cortisol.
Calm The Nervous System
Tulsi tea can help in calming the nervous system and improving the motor-sensory coordination thereby making it a very good remedy for epilepsy and other nervous system disorder.
How To Make The Perfect Tulsi Tea?
It’s easy to make a tulsi tea. All you have to do is to take a cup of water in a pan and add 2-3 basil leaves in it and bring it a boil. Optionally, you can add cardamom and ginger in it. The color and flavor of Tulsi should be absorbed by the water. Strain the tea in a glass after about three minutes. You can drink this tea as it is or you may add a teaspoon of honey and a half teaspoon of lemon juice in it for extra flavor and benefits.