Tulsi Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Science

Ayurveda

Tulsi is a well-known immune-modulatory herb that enhances immunity and boosts the fight against the common cold. Tulsi's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties prevent nasal mucosal membrane swelling. Tulsi is also shown effective against cough. The use of Tulsi can prevent regular recurrence of the common cold.

Ayurvedically common cold is caused due to aggravation of Kapha dosha and weak digestion. A weak digestive system leads to the accumulation of undigested toxic food remains of Ama. This Ama can cause cold or cough by reaching the respiratory system in the form of sputum. Tulsi is a very potent Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestive fire), and Kapha balancer. Due to these properties, Tulsi can help to reduce the accumulation of Ama and expel the excessive sputum from the body.

Add 10-12 tulsi leaves in boiling water along with 7-8 kali-mirch (black pepper) and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Boil this for 10 minutes and add a pinch of black salt and ½ lemon squeeze for better taste. Put off the flame and cool this mixture before straining it. Drink it warm to regulate common cold and cough.

Science

Ayurveda

Tulsi is a great immunomodulatory substance, helps to prevent viral infections. Tulsi is antipyretic and also have diaphoretic quality. Together these properties induce sweating and thus normalizes elevated body temperature in Influenza conditions.

Ayurvedically, Influenza is also known as Vata Shleshmika Jwara. According to Ayurveda, influenza occurs due to an imbalance in our body's three main doshas, which are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Tulsi is a great herb that helps manage all three doshas, especially it is very effective against Kapha imbalance. It balances Kapha dosha by its Rasayana or rejuvenating property as a whole; Tulsi gives your immunity a boost and helps to fight influenza.

Add 10-12 tulsi leaves in boiling water along with 7-8 kali-mirch (black pepper) and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Boil this for 10 minutes and add a pinch of black salt and ½ lemon squeeze for better taste. Put off the flame and cool this mixture before straining it. Drink it warm to manage influenza and get relief from its symptoms.

Science

Ayurveda

The immunomodulatory activity of Tulsi helps regulate the regular recurrence of astigmatic symptoms. Its anti-allergy and anti-inflammatory properties also reduce inflammation in the mucus membrane of the bronchial tube. Tulsi not only helps to manage the inflammation but also acts as an expectorant. The expectorant activity expels excess mucus from the lunch, which gets relief from athematic symptoms.

In Ayurveda, asthma is known as Swash Roga. In this disease, the main problem is an imbalance in Vata (body energy) and Kapha dosha. This imbalance in two doshas causes mucus accumulation in the lungs' respiratory passage, causing obstruction, difficulty in respiration, and gasping. Tulsi is a great Vata and Kapha balancer; these two properties of Tulsi help remove the obstruction as it manages to expel the accumulated mucus out of the body and get relief from asthma.

Tulsi leaves juice mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey is a great remedy for asthma. Consume it daily 3-4 times to get effective results.

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Ayurveda

Tulsi is a very potent substance, and its bioactive constituents show an immunomodulatory and antimicrobial property. Consumption of Tulsi enhances the immunity of the body due to these properties. It not only beneficial for immunity, but its antipyretic and diaphoretic activity is beneficial for fever conditions. It induces sweating, which then lowers the body temperature and helps to normalize it.

Fever is nothing but elevated body temperature, which is mainly caused due to imbalance in Vata (body energy). And Tulsi leaves can reduce fever as it is a good Vata balancer and also improves body immunity. Its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property and enhanced immunity help to fight against infection, which manages fever.

In Ayurveda, for the treatment of fever, Tulsi Kadha is used. To prepare Tulsi kadha, 15 – 20 Tulsi leaves are boiled in water with 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and 7 – 8 kali-mirch (black pepper). Boil this mixture for 10 minutes and add a pinch of black salt and ½ lemon squeeze for taste. Let it cool for a minute or two, and then strain it. Drink this Kadha warm; this will help to manage fever.

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Ayurveda

Stress is increasing day by day, and sometimes it gets hard to manage. Adaptogenic herbs are great for managing stress, whether it is physical, chemical, or biological stress. Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb, and the use of Tulsi improves the ability to deal with stress. During a stress response, our body increases the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone or ACTH, increasing the cortisol (stress hormone) secretion. Increased cortisol levels in our body increase stress. Tulsi contains Eugenol and Ursolic acid as bioactive constituents. These reduce the cortisol levels in our body and, as a result, manages stress and other stress-related problems. Tulsi also possesses antioxidant property, and its immunostimulant capacity might also contribute to the adaptogenic activity.

Our body energy or Vata plays an important role in stress control. Usually, an imbalance in Vata induces stress-related problems like insomnia, irritation, and fear. Consumption of Tulsi helps to regulate stress due to its Vata balancing property.

Tulsi kadha is very good for reducing stress. Add 10-12 Tulsi leaves in 2 cups of water and boil it until the volume reduces to half. Cool the mixture up to room temperature and strain it. You can add 1 teaspoon of honey to the mix and drink it fresh to reduce stress.

Science

Ayurveda

Tulsi helps type 1 and type-2 diabetes; it manages the diabetic condition and helps in other diabetes-related problems. In type 1 diabetes, your body produces little to no insulin, and in type 2 diabetes body does not respond to insulin. Both of these conditions can lead to high blood sugar levels. Tulsi is hypoglycemic, which means it decreases the high blood glucose levels. Tulsi achieves this by increasing the secretion of insulin and also insulin sensitivity. Enhanced insulin function processes the blood glucose more efficiently and manages blood glucose levels. Tulsi's antioxidant property also protects the pancreatic beta cells (which produce insulin) from free radical damage; this reduces the risk of diabetes and other related complications like liver, kidney, and cardiac dysfunction.

In Ayurveda, diabetes is known as Madhumeha. It occurs due to aggravated Vata dosha and a weak digestive system. A weak digestive system leads to improper digestion, and that causes accumulation of Ama (undigested toxic food remains). The accumulation of Ama in the pancreatic cells disrupts its normal functionality and impairs the function of insulin. Tulsi not only controls Vata but also possesses Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) property, which makes the digestive system strong and removes Ama. This action helps to reduce and control high blood sugar/ glucose levels and manages the diabetic condition.

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Ayurveda

Tulsi is a hepatoprotective agent. It helps in viral hepatitis due to its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Tulsi protects the liver from virus attack, and the antioxidant activity prevents free radical damage of liver cells. Thus, Tulsi protects the liver and its functionality and restores the condition of the damaged liver.

 According to Ayurveda, liver disorders are due to poor Pachak Agni (digestive fire) and Vata and Pitta dosha's aggravation. Tulsi not only balances Vata and Pitta dosha, but it also improves Pachak Agni due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) property. Proper digestion of food does not let any accumulation of Ama and prevent toxic degradation of liver cells. The Rasayana (rejuvenating) nature of Tulsi also contributes to liver-protective action.

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Ayurveda

As Tulsi is a good stress modulator, it might prevent stress-related heart disease. Increased stress levels can wear out heart muscle and induce strain, leading to several heart problems. Tulsi's bioactive components like eugenol and ursolic acid reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which eventually reduces stress and stress-related heart problems. The human body is prone to oxidative free radical damage, but Tulsi's antioxidant property prevents free radical-mediated cardiac lipid peroxidation. All of these together lowers the risk of heart diseases and maintains a healthy and properly functioning heart.

In this stressful lifestyle with unhealthy food habits, an increase in blood cholesterol level and blood pressure is very common. And these problems ultimately lead to different types of heart diseases. Tulsi reduces stress levels due to its Vata balancing property; it also improves Pachak Agni and improves digestion, which controls high blood cholesterol levels. So Tulsi is beneficial for the heart; it reduces the risk of heart disease.

Science

Ayurveda

There is not enough scientific evidence to support the fact that Tulsi can be useful in diarrhea.

Tulsi possesses Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) property which are beneficial for diarrhea. Tulsi helps to improve digestive fire and promotes proper digestion, which helps manage diarrhea and relieve frequent bowel movement.

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Ayurveda

There is not enough scientific evidence to support the fact that Tulsi can be useful in insomnia.

Ayurveda says aggravated Vata dosha makes the nervous system hypersensitive, which leads to Anidra (insomnia). Tulsi being a relaxing herb  induces good sleep due to its Vata balancing property.

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Ayurveda

Tulsi is antimicrobial, so the local application of it may help in the ringworm problem.

In Ayurveda, ringworm is known as Dadru, and the itching and burning sensation which is caused by ringworm is due to an imbalance in Kapha and pitta dosha. The application of Tulsi externally manages aggravated Kapha, and its Ruksha (dry) property helps control ringworm and relieve symptoms.

Tulsi juice can be applied to the affected area regularly to control ringworm infection. Or you can make a paste out of 2 – 3 Tulsi leaves and mix it with coconut oil. Application of this paste to the infected area reduces the itching and burning sensation. Children can also use this paste safely.

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Ayurveda

Tulsi might be useful in Headache, but there is no scientific evidence to prove this fact.

Headache due to sinusitis can be managed with the use of Tulsi. This basically occurs due to an imbalance in Vata and Kapha dosha; Tulsi helps to manage both. Tulsi not only balances Vata and Kapha; it also reduces the heaviness and congestion in sinusitis.

Add Tulsi leaves to a large pot of hot and steamy water. Inhale the steam from the pot while covering your head with a towel. Do this for 10-15 minutes, and this will reduce the headache.

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Ayurveda

Tulsi might be useful in snake and scorpion bites. Its anti-inflammatory property reduces swelling, and the analgesic effect reduces pain. Tulsi also possesses antihistamine property which prevents possible side effects.

External application of Tulsi can provide a beneficial effect in the case of an animal bite. Tulsi's Ropan (healing) property helps to cure animal bite wounds.

It is recommended to apply Tulsi paste or oil to the affected area for healing and to prevent any infection.

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Ayurveda

 You can say basil and Tulsi are from the same family, but they are quite different. Basil leaves are flavoring agents used for culinary purposes, and Tulsi is a religious herb which is used for its medicinal properties since ancient times.

 In Ayurveda, many Ayurvedic practitioners use Tulsi because it has a lot of healing characteristics. In the Hindu religion, Tulsi is considered sacred, and it carries a lot of importance. Whereas basil has no such religious significance and is generally used as a flavoring agent in recipes.

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Ayurveda

Tulsi drops are very potent and are present in a very concentrated form; the taste is very strong and pungent, and that's why taking it raw can cause acidity problems. That's why it is always recommended to take Tulsi drops with water.

Tulsi drops due to its Ushna (hot) and potency should always be taken with water.

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Ayurveda

Yes, Tulsi enhances memory and increases memory retention power. Too much stress can cause poor memory. Tulsi has bioactive constituents like Eugenol and ursolic acid, which reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels in our body by preventing ACTH's action, which helps to manage stress and ultimately improves memory. Tulsi is a relaxing herb that calms the mind and positively affects memory and cognitive thinking. Regular consumption of Tulsi can also help in aging-induced memory deficits as it has antioxidant activity and protects neurons from damage.

 Taking too much stress, not sleeping properly, and a weak nervous system causes poor memory and other memory disorders. Tulsi is great for reducing stress levels and its Vata balancing property gives sound sleep, thus improves memory. Tulsi's Rasayana (rejuvenating) property protects the nerves and improves the nervous system. That's why Ayurveda says regular consumption of Tulsi can affect memory positively and also manages other memory-related disorders.

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Ayurveda

We cannot say surely if consumption of Tulsi causes hyperacidity or not as there is not enough scientific data to prove this fact.

Yes, excess consumption of Tulsi can cause acidity due to its Ushna (hot) potency. It can also create some problem in persons who already has some kind of digestive problems.

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Ayurveda

Regular consumption of Tulsi can help in numerous health problems. As Tulsi has so many medicinal properties, it helps in common cold and cough, asthma, lung disorders, stomach and heart problems, infections (bacterial, viral, fungal). Tulsi also reduces stress levels and improves memory. Scientific studies have also shown that Tulsi can help in cancer due to its healing and antioxidant property. Tulsi is rich in vitamins like vitamin C, K, A, and other antioxidants, which promote overall health and longevity.

Tulsi is used in Ayurveda since ancient times due to its medicinal properties. It is a great remedy for common cough and cold; it also acts as an expectorant and gives relief from congestion. Tulsi improves overall immunity and helps in asthma, bronchitis. It's Vata and Kapha balancing property helps to prevent infectious diseases. Tulsi improves digestion and reduces gastric problems (like bloating and flatulence) due to its Vata balancing, deepen, pachan properties.

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Ayurveda

Tulsi contains glutathione, vitamin C, and other antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress and relax and calming effect on the mind. The potassium content of Tulsi reduces blood pressure and give relief by lessening the tension of blood vessels. Unlike other synthetic drugs, Tulsi does not cause any side effects and is very beneficial for mental health, thus help with depression.

According to Ayurveda, depression is a product of imbalance in Vata dosha (body energy). And as Tulsi manages Vata imbalance, it manages depression and reduces its symptoms to some extent.

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Ayurveda

Consuming Tulsi seeds can prevent hunger for a certain period of time as Tulsi seeds are rich in fibers, and it takes time for our stomach to process it. They are great dietary supplements as Tulsi seeds can expand up to 30 times after absorbing water. Not only do they give a feeling of fullness, but a teaspoon of Tulsi seeds has so many essential vitamins and minerals (like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron and vitamins like A, B-complex, E, and K) while having very low calories. This helps in managing and reducing weight. 

Tulsi seeds are a very good food supplement for reducing body weight. They are good Kapha balancers and have Shodhana (detoxifying) property; regular consumption of them flush the waste product out from the body and detoxifies it. This gives an overall lightness to the body and also reduces weight.

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Ayurveda

Tulsi water is good for the body, mind, and spirit; it nurtures and nourishes while giving relaxation as it is a relaxing herb. Tulsi water is good for oral and eye health and clears any congestion in the head or respiratory tract. It is immunomodulatory, so it boosts the immune system. Tulsi is hepatoprotective, so it is good for kidney health and its functionality. Tulsi kadha is a great detoxifier, better than tea or coffee, as it does not cause any physical dependency or addiction.

According to Ayurveda, Tulsi has Shodhana (detoxification) property, detoxifying our body and purifying the blood. It is beneficial for sore throat and is a great remedy for common cold and cough. It is beneficial for cough because Tulsi has Kapha balancing property, and cough generally occurs due to an imbalance in Kapha.

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Ayurveda

Yes, Tulsi is a great herb for acne as it gives a cooling effect to acne and reduces it. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties prevent any microbial growth and formation of pus. The topical application of Tulsi leaves reduces swelling of acne and gives relief from the pain.

In Ayurveda, acne occurs due to imbalance in all three doshas, i.e., Vata, pitta, and Kapha, among which aggravation of pitta dosha is the main cause. Tulsi helps to manage these doshas. Yes, Tulsi is using (hot), and potent but external application of Tulsi induces healing and controls acne due to its Ropan (healing) property.

Science

Ayurveda

Yes, Tulsi promotes the healing of the wound. It does that by contracting the skin around the wound and promoting new skin formation, thus closing wound opening and healing.

Tulsi possesses Ropan (healing) property, which naturally helps in wound healing.

For wound healing, application of Tulsi paste to the wounded region is recommended.