There are many healing benefits of Tulsi or Holy Basil – a herb also known by its formal name Ocimum Tenuiflorum – and all are backed up by extensive scientific research and Ayurvedic knowledge. So what exactly are holy Basil Tea or Tulsi Tea health benefits and where is the evidence that it actually works?
Ayurvedic Herb
Ayurveda, a system of alternative medicine with roots in the Indian subcontinent, has given us a rich heritage of knowledge on preventive and curative medicines. Tulsi or Holy Basil is one such medicinal herb, often referred to as ‘The Queen of herbs’ and has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Such historic claims and affirmations have a lot of substance and hold a lot of weight. However, the evidence doesn’t stop there.
Tulsi Tea Health Benefits
Tulsi or Holy Basil is high in beneficial nutrients such as vitamin A and C, calcium, zinc, iron and chlorophyll. It’s also considered to have pharmacological properties to help your mind cope with many types of stress, such as chemical, physical, infectious and emotional stress.
An Adaptogen
Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen: herbs which are often claimed to increase longevity, libido and well-being. Claims have even been made that adaptogens help to fight fatigue, cancer, arthritis and fibromyalgia as they are anti-inflamatory. They are defined as ‘new class of metabolic regulators (of a natural origin) which increase the ability of an organism to adapt to environmental factors and to avoid damage from such factors.’
Helps Reduce Stress And Depression
Studies on the use of Tulsi tea or Holy Basil tea witnessed a reduction in stress, sexual problems, sleep problems, forgetfulness and exhaustion. Another study showed the Holy Basil herb also have antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties comparable to diazepam and antidepressant drugs. In a controlled study, people who took 500 milligrams (mg) of holy basil extract each day felt less anxious, stressed, and depressed, while also feeling more social. It seems that Tulsi Tea health benefits are in fact quite extensive.
High In Anti Oxidants
Tulsi is high in anti-oxidants and helps your body deal with and expel toxins. Studies show that holy basil can protect your body against toxic chemicals. Two more reasons why we should all be drinking Tulsi tea or Holy Basil tea every day.
The Queen of herbs: Tulsi, also known as the sacred basil, is India’s ‘Queen of Herbs’, ‘The Incomparable One’, and ‘Mother Medicine of Nature’. Many refer to it as the ‘elixir of life’ because it’s said to promote such high levels of wellbeing and longevity.
Cancer Prevention
Studies also show it may also prevent cancer by reducing the growth of cancerous cells by reducing DNA damage and inducing apoptosis in precancerous and cancerous cells, thereby reducing the growth of experimental tumors and enhancing survival.
Wound Treatment And Infection Protector
More Holy Basil and Tulsi Tea health benefits are that it’s an antibacterial, is antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and also a painkiller. As such, extracts made from its leaves are thought to boost wound healing speed and strength and also help with scars, acne and mouth ulcers.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels
Studies show that holy basil extract can help prevent symptoms of irregular blood sugar levels, such as weight gain, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, hypertension and having excess insulin in the blood.
Tulsi Tea of Holy Basil Tea
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend drinking Tulsi or Holy Basil as tea, and adding a few drops of lemon and honey can make it really tasty. Making the act of drinking this tea a special ritual can also have further calming benefits.
As with everything of this nature you should always make sure you speak to your doctor before using holy basil or any other supplement, especially if you are pregnant or have existing health issues. It is also worth noting that you should always buy the holy basil herb from a good source and make sure it’s grown organically in an unpolluted environment to remove any potential toxicity.
