The Health Benefits of Holy Basil and How to Use it

Holy basil, also known as tulsi in Hindi or queen of the herbs, is part of the mint family and is a traditional medicinal herb native to tropical Southeast Asia. This aromatic plant has pale green leaves, hairy stems, and small purple or white tubular flowers. It is considered to be a tonic for the body and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is most often consumed as an herbal tea and is considered sacred in Hinduism. It has a strong, pungent flavor and can be used in cooking to intensify some dishes. Holy basil is an adaptogen that can help the body adapt to stress and treat inflammation. It can help the body fight everything from the common cold to fevers and digestive problems.

Is it Healthy?

Holy basil has a whole variety of health benefits. It’s a great source of antioxidants, it is high in vitamins A, K, and C, calcium, zinc, iron, Manganese, and chlorophyll. It has a history of treating disease, reducing stress and anxiety, and is beneficial for digestive Support and brain function!

Holy Basil Good: Benefits and Properties

Source: Dr.Gus/YouTube

In the last few decades, researchers have studied the effects of holy basil on different parts of the human body. They found that it has positive effects on the immune, nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems! Dr. Gus explores the 9 health benefits that this medicinal herb has on our body and why you should consider adding it to your diet, and the best ways to consume it for optimal benefit. Some of these amazing benefits include preventing diabetes, anxiety, and depression; strengthening the immune system; and improving bone health. It can also be used as natural medicine and treatment.

How to Consume

Tea

The most popular way to consume holy basil is to make tea using the leaves and flowers of the plant. You can find tulsi tea at most health food stores. You can also make tulsi tea at home using dried tulsi. Dr. Axe recommends people to “Combine two to three teaspoons of dried tulsi with hot water, and let it sit for about five minutes before removing the leaves” and enjoy daily!

Supplement

You can find dried tulsi in capsule form, making it the most convenient way to experience its benefits. The capsules don’t have a taste, so this option is perfect if you don’t enjoy the smell or taste of basil.

Cooking

Fresh tulsi leaves or tulsi powder are a great addition to many dishes. It can add a unique and unexpected spicy and slightly bitter flavor, with notes of peppermint, cloves, licorice, or lemon, to soups and salads. Some people even eat the leaves raw!

Essential oil

Holy basil essential oil is extracted from the holy basil plant and is added to many lotions, soaps, perfumes, and hair products. You can also add the oil to a diffuser at home. Holy basil essential oil is known to have calming and immune-boosting properties and can be inhaled.

As always, make sure to consult with your doctor before consuming holy basil or any other supplement in your diet.

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