The “Queen of Herbs,” also known as Holy Basil (Tulsi) is the most sacred herb of India. It is cultivated in Southern Asia, in places like Thailand, India and other Hindu influenced countries. The tulsi plant was discovered over 5000 years ago. Tulsi-tea is considered as an important icon in Hindu culture, and worshipped in mornings and evenings by the people. Because of the significant benefits of tulsi-tea, it is now widely known not only in India but also in the Western World. Several studies and various amounts of research have been done to find out the therapeutic effects of this super herb.

What is Tulsi?

The scientific name of tulsi is Ocimum Tenuiflorum.

The word tulsi means ‘the incomparable plant’. The plant can grow up to a height of 60 centimeters. It is an entirely different plant from the pesto variety of Basil, Ocimum Basillicum. There are two main varieties of tulsi- the one with the green leaves known as Rama tulsi, and the one with the reddish leaves known as Krishna or Shyama tulsi. The holy basil plant, in all of its forms- dried, fresh, and powdered- have several healing properties that can be used to treat a variety of conditions. It is an adaptogenic herb which means its non-toxic and has a normalizing effect on the body. Typically this refers to its ability to help the body adapt to stress.

Health Benefits of Tulsi tea:

The health benefits of tulsi are due to the active ingredient, Eugenol present in the leaves. It also contains ursolic acid and carvacrol, both of which have anti-microbial properties. Tulsi tea is rich in anti-oxidants, which help the body fight free radicals that are responsible for causing various chronic degenerative diseases.

Respiratory benefits-

Tulsi tea does wonders in several respiratory illnesses ranging from things as simple as mild colds and coughs to bronchitis and asthma. Tulsi has immunomodulatory (helps to enhance the immune system), antitussive (suppression of cough) and expectorant (helps in expelling out the phlegm) properties that provide relief in colds, coughs and other respiratory illnesses. Tulsi contains essential oils such as camphene, eugenol and cineole that help in relieving congestion. This herbal tea is loaded with anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help in fighting infections as well as inflammations and allergies of respiratory tract.

Cardiovascular benefits-

Tulsi extract found in the herbal tea is abundant in magnesium, which is a vital nutrient required for the prevention of heart disease. The magnesium in holy basil helps our blood vessels work properly. It prevents deposition of cholesterol and promotes free flow of blood, and also reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Other antioxidants found in this herb protect the heart from free radical damage. Regular intake of holy basil tea has been known to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

Reduce Fevers-

Due to its anti-micorbial properties, tulsi tea can be used in treating mild fever conditions, and helps speed up recovery from major infectious fevers like dengue and malaria. As we all know that fever itself is not a disease, and is the result of any infection caused by bacteria, fungus and protozoa, treating the infection will quickly bring down the fever. That is why this wonder herb can be used in treating a variety of fever-like conditions.

Beat stress-

According to studies, tulsi helps in maintaining the normal levels of cortisol hormone in the body, which is also known as the stress hormone. High levels of cortisol make you feel stressed out and anxious. Therefore, by lowering cortisol levels, tulsi acts a natural anti-stress herb.

Moreover, being an adaptogenic herb, tulsi contains anti-stress agents that help in soothing the nerves, fighting free radicals and regulating blood flow in the body.

Dental and oral health-

This aromatic herb has excellent benefits in promoting dental and oral health. As it contains antimicrobial properties, the compounds in holy basil tea help fight germs and bacteria in the oral cavity. It also prevents bad breath and acts as a mouth freshner. It is also found to be useful in other dental and oral conditions such as pyorrhea, mouth ulcers and oral cancer.

Skin and hair benefits-

Loaded with anti-oxidants and other nutrients, tulsi tea is also beneficial for maintaining beautiful and healthy skin. With age, our body’s ability to fight free radicals decreases, and as a result, we start noticing various age related signs on our skin. However, the antioxidants or polyphenols present in herbal tea help in fighting these radicals and delaying the signs of aging. So, just one cup of holy basil tea can help you stay young and beautiful for years to come.

Apart from that, it also helps in reducing itchiness of the scalp and helps to reduce hairfall. Daily intake of tulsi tea helps in curing skin and hair conditions.

Get Rid of Headaches-

Headache is one of the most common symtpoms of Americans. Whether it is due to improper sleep, stress or a long hectic schedule, pain in the head can be frustrating. It affects more than your physical stamina but also makes you feel mentally exhausted. Tulsi tea can be beneficial in treating headaches. This aromatic perennial shrub helps in relieving migraine and other stress related headaches. Sip a cup of tulsi tea, and rejuvenate your senses.

Lose Weight-

You must have tried several weight loss products and supplements to shed those extra calories and achieve a healthy and slimmer body. Some of those supplements work, but most are just a scam! If you are tired of trying several diet pills without any successful results, try tulsi tea for effective and safe weight loss results. This herbal brew works by increasing your metabolism, which in turn helps in accelerating fat burning process. It provides a healthy and natural way to lose weight.

Digestive system benefits-

One of the main benefits of this flavorful drink is through improved digestion. Holy basil tea facilitates healthy liver function, which is a must for improving digestive health. It also helps in proper metabolism, absorption and assimilation of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins.

Dissolve kidney stones-

The tulsi plant is a great diuretic and detoxifier, which is great for the kidneys. Uric acid is the major component of kidney stones. Uric is the by product of various metabolic processes. Excess uric acid is excreted from the body by the kidneys. It helps in reducing the uric acid levels in the body by improving the functioning of kidney cells. Tulsi tea contains essential oils that help in breaking down kidney stones. These essential oils also help to dull down the pain of kidney stones.

Diabetes-

According to a study done in India, the leaf extracts from holy basil help in lowering blood sugar levels, by as much as 17 percent in fasting glucose and 7 percent in glucose readings immediately following a meal. Daily intake of tulsi tea facilitates metabolism of carbs and fats, and ensures that the sugar in the blood is utilized for energy. By keeping the blood sugar levels under check, tulsi tea reduces the risk of diabetes.

Cancer-

According to research and clinical studies, it has been found that tulsi-tea may offer protection against various types of cancers. It neutralizes dangerous chemicals that lead to the formation of cancerous cells. With strong anti-carcinogenic and anti-oxidant properties, tulsi has been found to stop the progression of breast cancer and oral cancer.

It also reduces cell and tissue damage from sun rays, radiation therapy and other radiation sources.

Quit Smoking-

Ask a cigarette smoke, trying to quit smoking is not an easy task. Apart from developing physical dependency, cigarettes also create psychological dependency that forces the smoker to smoke. One of the major reasons for smoking is stress. It has been found that tulsi tea contains various anti-stress compounds that help one to quit smoking.

Ayurveda (Indian system of traditional medicine) relies heavily on using tulsi tea for the cessation of smoking. Try drinking a cup of herbal tulsi tea in replace of your daily smoking habit.

Nervous system-

Tulsi tea has been discovered a very good remedy for epilepsy and other nervous system disorders. It helps in calming the nervous and improving the motor-sensory coordination. According to a study done in Punjab University in India, tulsi has the same effect on convulsions and seizures as that of phenytoin (anti-epileptic medicine).

Arthritis-

Arthritis is a degenerative chronic disorder caused by slow inflammation and wear and tear of the joints. Characterized by inflammation and swelling of the joint, this painful condition affects daily routine activities. Studies have found that tulsi can be effective in treating arthritis and other joint related disorders. It contains anti-inflammatory as well as anti-oxidant properties that help in relieving the pain and inflammation associated with  joint disorders. The anti-oxidants help fight free radicals, which are responsible for degeneration of the joint and the surrounding tissues.

In a nutshell, tulsi tea provides you potential health benefits that are helpful in promoting physical as well as mental well-being. It helps the mind and body adapt, and effectively cope with infectious diseases, emotional stresses and mental problems.

Tulsi tea is made from the leaves and blossoms of the revered tulsi or holy basil plant. It is brewed in the same way you would prepare a cup of black, white, green or oolong tea.