What Are The Benefits Of A Tulsi Plant​ and Why Do You Need One?

Roots matter, and a holistic approach of Ayurvedic medicine justifies this so well.  

Any mention of Ayurveda is incomplete without the Tulsi plant. Its importance is such that it is named as the elixir of life and the queen of herbs. It is a foundational herb that has been used for a thousand years in dealing with digestive, respiratory, and stress-related conditions.

However, it is always better to learn a concept from its core before concluding it. At least the wise, ancient people say so. ​

Let us start by answering the most commonly searched question: What are the benefits of a Tulsi plant, and why do you need one?

We will dedicate this post to understanding the concept of the Tulsi plant. From medicinal aspects to usage, let us discuss everything here.

A Brief Overview of the Tulsi Plant

Let us start with the botanical name of the Tulsi plant! It is called Ocimum sanctum. It is also known by the name of holy basil. Just like it is prime to the world of Ayurveda, its traces in the Hindu culture are also deeply rooted. That’s exactly why it is so easily found in many Hindu courtyards.

Tulsi plant is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties. Several studies and research support its role in handling metabolic syndrome and stress-reducing agents.

There are three varieties of the Tulsi plant:

• Vana Tulsi

It can be presented with light green and aromatic essence. It features a woody growth that goes up to 2m. It is commonly used for infusions, tea, and medicinal purposes. Its dried leaves boast immunity-boosting properties.

• Krishna Tulsi

It can be identified by its dark leaves in a purple-green hue. It holds a notable spiritual significance. It can help in treating throat and digestive issues, due to its protective and purifying properties.

• Rama Tulsi

The medicinal values of tulsi plants encompasses fairly in its multiple forms. Rama Tulsi, to be specific, can help with stress management, digestion and respiratory issues.

What Are the Benefits of the Tulsi Plant?

The queen of herbs has medicinal value. In this section, let us talk about the benefits of Tulsi plants to get a clearer and closer picture:

Immunity Boosting

The Tulsi plant boasts antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and that is exactly what makes it a strong immunity booster. It supports immune cells, which can help fight infections. It increases natural killer cells and T-shaped cells.

It’s the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the Tulsi plant that protect the body against fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Its adaptogenic properties help lower cortisol levels, eventually managing the stress.

Heart Health

The list of benefits of the Tulsi plant can be incomplete without mentioning its role in improving heart health. It regulates blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and brings down oxidative levels. This results from the antioxidant properties of the Tulsi plant. The stress-reducing properties, as discussed earlier, can help minimise the related cardiovascular risks.

​The Tulsi plant has anti-inflammatory effects. This can help lower inflammation in the cardiovascular system.

Stress and Management

Stress and management are inseparable from the lifestyle we’re all engaged in today. Fortunately, that’s where we can leverage the benefits of the Tulsi plant. The queen of herbs is well-recognised to reduce the cortisol levels. It is an adaptogenic herb, which helps the body deal with mental and physical stress.

The medicinal property of Tulsi brings a calming effect. It promotes overall wellness and contributes to hormonal balance. The plant also works as an adaptogen, which offers anti-stress benefits.

Dental Health

The combination of anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and astringent properties in Tulsi is well-documented to bring notable health benefits. One of them is its benefit towards oral and dental health. This helps deal with infections and plaque and strengthen the gums.

The Tulsi leaves have eugeneol which can work as a natural anaesthetic and help deal with conditions like toothache. The antimicrobial action can also help fight bad bacteria that cause bad breath.

Respiratory Health

Tulsi benefits respiratory health. It serves as a natural decongestant, anti-inflammatory agent, and expectorant. This can help clear the mucus from your airways and lungs, which can improve breathing and reduce infections.

Tulsi leaves can help with bronchodilator effects. That’s how it can help with bronchitis and asthma. The immune support of the tulsi plant can also protect you from any infections or similarly recurring conditions.  

Other Benefits

The medicinal benefits of the Tulsi plant are a major reason behind its presence in our households. It can support digestion and regular blood sugar. It improves digestion and helps with gastrointestinal issues. Similarly, it helps manage the glucose levels, aiding with insulin sensitivity.

The antibacterial properties of the Tulsi plant can help deal with acne and other infections related to the skin.  Some people use it to revolve around liver function and detoxification of the body.   

How to Use Tulsi in Daily Life?

Did you ever find yourself googling- What are the benefits of chewing Tulsi leaves? If you did, this is the right place to find the answer. Tulsi comprises mercury and iron in immense amounts. Chewing the leaves can help release them. While this may sound beneficial at first, in the long term, chewing them directly can cause discolouration of teeth and harm enamel. Learning the ideal way to consume the tulsi plant becomes necessary.

We’ve discussed the benefits of tulsi plants till now. Let us move straight to the best practices guide on tulsi plant to get its health benefits. Here is a list that will interest you:

Tulsi Tea

Many Indian homes brew Tulsi at home. Guess what? This is clearly a smart way to consume it. Let us walk you through a quick set of steps in preparing the tea correctly. You can put the tulsi leaves directly in your tea and voila! Your tea is prepared.

Tulsi tea can be prepared in multiple ways. You can use the basic method by adding ginger and honey to it. You can also make ginger tulsi tea, which can help with congestion, cough, and cold. Or you can add milky masala tea by adding milk or sugar.

Here are a few tips on the uses of Tulsi leaves in the form of tea:

• Avoid over-boiling tulsi, as that can make the tea taste bitter. You can try soaking them instead.

• Prepare the tea with a lid on top. This can make sure that the minerals and essential elements stay in the tea.

• Pick anything from Krishna and Rama Tulsi leaves.

• Pregnant women should be mindful about consuming the last amount of Tulsi leaves. You may reach out to your medical professional for advice about uses of tulsi in large amounts.

Tulsi Juice

Holy basil or Tulsi juice offers medicinal benefits, and there is no denying that. So let us talk about the next way of consumption, which is in juice form. You can do this by crushing the tea leaves and mixing the liquid with water. You can also stir the tulsi juice with teas as well.

Leverage the uses of tulsi juice by creating pure and concentrated juice. Start by washing the leaves, crushing them, and putting them in water. Squeeze the paste using a muslin cloth, and you can have the fresh juice. This juice can be consumed in 10-30 ml regularly.

You can also crush the Tulsi leaves with ginger and use the extracted juice for its benefits towards cold and cough. Another way to claim the benefits of tulsi leaves is by pre-soaking it a night before. Or, prepare the juice with pineapple and blend all the ingredients together.

Here are a few tips on making the best of Tulsi benefits:

• Consume Tulsi juice in the morning.

• Consume fresh juice within a couple of hours.

• If you want to store the juice, make sure to keep it in 4 degrees and consume it within the next couple of days (48 hours).

• Prepare or store the juice in a stainless steel or glass container.

Tulsi-Infused Ghee or Honey

You can take advantage of the medicinal properties of Tulsi leaves by consuming them with ghee/honey. A simple way of doing that is by extracting the juice with raw honey or blending it with warm ghee.

The benefits of tulsi with ghee or honey are enhanced in many ways. A blend of ghee helps with overall strength and can soothe your throat. Similarly, honey can boost immunity and lower respiratory congestion.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to get the benefits of Tulsi leaves:

• Do not consume tulsi leaves by chewing them directly.

• Wash the leaves before consuming.

• Consume upto 5-6 leaves a day.

How to Grow and Care for a Tulsi Plant at Home?

That’s all we have, guys, to answer your question on what the benefits of tulsi leaves are. Let us move ahead with tips on growing and caring for a Tulsi plant at home.

• Tulsi plant benefits from sunlight, and you must ensure 4-6 hours of its exposure to the sun.

• Provide regular water in the summer. During summers, the schedule may change, depending on the moisture in the soil.

• Prefer an ideally draining pot mix and go for a pot that is 8-10 inches.

• Perform regular pruning to ensure the tulsi plant grows properly. A way to do so is by cutting off a couple of leaves from the top, which can result in ideal growth from the side.

• Look out for harsh winds or cold weather, as that can be harmful for the tulsi plant.

• Be on the lookout for spiders and aphids.

• Make the best use of neem oil spray, as that can help with the pests.
  

Precautions and Possible Side Effects

We have shared all the medicinal benefits of the Tulsi plant. Let us slip the script a bit and talk about the precautions of those leaves:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid high doses of tulsi leaves.

• If you have any surgery scheduled, do not use Tulsi leaves or their products for at least 2 weeks.

• Discuss the consumption of tulsi leaves with your doctor if you are on any anticoagulants or anti-diabetic drugs.

• As discussed earlier, avoid consuming Tulsi leaves by chewing.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of the Tulsi plant?

The holy basil, also known as the Tulsi plant, offers medicinal benefits. It can help boost immunity, fight infections, and manage stress and related conditions. You can expect promising benefits for dental, respiratory, and skin health.

Is it good to keep Tulsi plants at home?

Yes, it is. Whether you’re expecting the spiritual effects or medicinal benefits, Tulsi plants are where they’ll all begin.

What are 5 facts about Tulsi?

Here are 5 benefits of Tulsi:

• It is known as the queen of herbs due to its herbal properties.

• Tulsi leaves offer vitamin K and antioxidants in good amounts.

• It has high mercury and iron consumption.

• It should not be consumed through chewing.

• Boiling Tulsi leaves can offer promising benefits.

Is Tulsi good for the eyes?

Yes, the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant property of the Tulsi plant offer promising benefits for the eyes.

Does the Tulsi plant bring good luck?

According to the beliefs in Hinduism, the Tulsi plant is known to provide good luck.

Can we boil Tulsi leaves in water and drink?

Yes, you can. In fact, this is considered a safe and certified way to consume Tulsi leaves.

Is Tulsi good for hair?

Yes, the anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties of the Tulsi plant make it good for hair.

What are the benefits of eating tulsi leaves daily?

When consumed properly, Tulsi leaves can provide an immunity boost along with respiratory and digestive benefits.

What are the benefits of chewing tulsi leaves?

Do not chew Tulsi leaves. Consume them by presoaking or boiling. This way, you can leverage the anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant benefits. However, chewing can harm instead of benefiting. This happens because chewing lets you access the lead and mercury directly, and this can harm the teeth’s enamel.

Conclusion

This is all you need to uncover the answer to the most common question: What are the benefits of a Tulsi plant?

The Tulsi plant offers many medicinal benefits, and they come from its antiviral, antioxidant, and adaptogenic properties. These are the reasons why it benefits as a natural immunity booster, stress manager, and digestive assistant. It can also benefit by detoxifying and supporting dental health.

Additionally, this post offers information on the uses of the tulsi plant. You can use it in the form of tea, juice or as pre-soaked. You should, however, avoid chewing Tulsi leaves directly. Managing and handling the plant is easy, and this post was your guide for that as well. There are just a few other things you need to remember.  Pregnant women should not consume them in huge amounts and should discuss the ideal consumption with their doctor. You should also avoid boiling it for too long, as that can cause a loss of volatile oils.

The right way, quantity, and process can help you make the best with the Tulsi plants.