The Holy Basil
Holy basil is one of the oldest herbs known to mankind. It has an aromatic clove-like smell which is extremely engaging. Since the beginning the holy basil has been a native of tropical Asia. But over the years, the cultivation of this herb has been dispersed to other tropical parts of the world, owing to its astonishing medicinal properties and its significance in the Hindu religion. It is known as Tulsi or Tulasi in India while its biological name is Ocimum tenuiflorum. Holy basil has a long term use in Ayurveda where it has been used for thousands of years for its diverse healing properties. It is a sacred plant in Hindu religion, and has been cultivated in India for about 5000 years.

This herb has been termed as an adaptogen in the recent times, although it has been used for thousand of years by people who knew of its health benefits. The term adaptogen is used by herbalists to refer to natural herb products which, they believe, increases the body’s resistance to stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. In the past, adaptogens have been called rejuvenating herbs. The holy basil is a renowned herb that nourishes a persons growth and health, thereby promoting healthy living. The name Tulsi refers to the one that is incomparable. Where most herbs are used for healing, curing or preventing the occurrence of two or three diseases, holy basil is recommended for preventing hundreds of serious health maladies. In the western countries of the world, the holy basil is famous as the elixir of life and rightly so.

Herbalists believe that some very prominent diseases may be prevented and subsequently cured if holy basil is consumed as a daily prophylactic. It is believed that the herb has benefits for each of the bodys important systems and functions, including:

Heart and blood circulation system: The holy basil is recommended by doctors and naturopaths across the world; it prevents heart attacks, normalizes blood pressure, lowers stress-related high blood pressure, and reduces the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood, etc. It exhibits blood-thinning properties, and thereby decreases the likelihood of the occurrence of a stroke. The most conventional way of consuming holy basil is by drinking Tulsi-leaf tea. This keeps the blood pressure even and reduces the risk of coronary disorders.

Digestive system: Holy basil generally contributes to the healthy liver function, and thereby counteracts various liver diseases. It improves metabolic breakdown and aids in elimination of dangerous chemicals and toxins in the blood. It acts as a natural detox for the body, but only if it is consumed on a regular basis. It also acts as an anti-diabetic, wherein it normalizes the insulin and glucose level in the blood. Consuming holy basil on a regular basis in one form or another will enliven our digestive system by reducing indigestion, heartburn, vomiting, intestinal gas, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal worms and also by inducing appetite. This is because it eliminates the toxins from our body in a natural way, unlike any detox diet.

Respiratory and urinary system: Holy basil is helpful for the respiratory health by supporting healthy pulmonary function and providing lung and bronchial support. It is helpful in the treatment of a variety of serious allergic, inflammatory and infectious disorders affecting the lungs and related tissues. It is also used to treat bronchial asthma and tuberculosis. The seeds of the holy basil are used in curing urinary problems and strengthening the kidney functions.

The use of holy basil leaves is incomparable to any herb known to mankind and the use of these leaves needs to be taken seriously. The knowledge of the holy basil needs to spread for the benefit of everyone. With so many health benefits and curative properties, do you still need to think twice before making it a part of your daily nutritious diet?