Tulsi or holy basil is an important
symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and
evening by Hindus at large. The holy Tulsi is a herbal remedy for a lot of
common ailments.
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Healing Power : The Tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves
are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the
catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the
stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are
mucilaginous.
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Fever & Common Cold : The leaves of Tulsi are specific for many
fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely
prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses
diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with
powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings
down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down
fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3
hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is
every effective in bringing down the temperature.
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Coughs : Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough
syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma.
Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.
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Sore Throat : Water boiled with Tulsi leaves can be taken as drink in
case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.
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Respiratory Disorder : The herb is useful in the treatment of
respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger
is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A
decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in
case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only
half the water is left and add then taken.
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Kidney Stone : Tulsi has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal
stone the juice of Tulsi leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it
will expel them via the urinary tract.
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Heart Disorder : Tulsi has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and
the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.
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Children's Ailments : Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever,
diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of Tulsi leaves. If
pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, Tulsi leaves taken with saffron
will hasten them.
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Stress : Tulsi leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress
agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection
against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of Tulsi, twice a day,
to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.
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Mouth Infections : The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and
infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
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Insect Bites : The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for
insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and
is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected
parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and
leeches.
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Skin Disorders : Applied locally, Tulsi juice is beneficial in the
treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried
successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.
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Teeth Disorder : The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves,
dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be
mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very
good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging
the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.
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Headaches : Tulsi makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of
the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood
paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat,
headache, and for providing coolness in general.
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Eye Disorders : Tulsi juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and
night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two
drops of black Tulsi juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.