9 reasons tulsi or basil leaves are good for your health (Gallery)

Resolves fever : Tulsi has powerful germicidal, fungicidal and antibacterial property. By acting on the infectious agent, tulsi helps to reduce fever caused by it. In Ayurveda, people having fever are strongly advised to have a decoction made from tulsi leaves. Here’s a tip: Boil some leaves of tulsi along with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water (The proportion of tulsi to cardamom powder should be 1:0.3). Reduce water to half its total volume by boiling. Now add this decoction to sugar and milk. Sip it every two to three hours.Helps control diabetes The leaves of tulsi are packed with several beneficial compounds like antioxidants. They contain essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. Together these components have amazing effect on diabetic individuals. They help pancreatic beta cells that store and release insulin to function properly. This increases your sensitivity to insulin and helps you control sugar levels naturally.Keeps your heart fit The powerful antioxidant property makes tulsi a part of remedies for a healthy heart. Additionally, it also controls blood pressure and lowers cholesterol levels. To reap all these benefits, you just need to chew a few leaves of tulsi on an empty stomach daily.Reduces stress Stress is all about hormones and the resulting imbalance. When you’re stressed the levels of hormones like cotisol increase, affecting various parts of your body. Tulsi leaves reduce stress by restoring this balance. The leaves also have powerful adaptogen or anti-stress properties. They soothe the nerves, regulate blood pressure and improve circulation. They also remove free radicals produced in excess amount during stressful episodes. People who have stressful jobs can chew about 12 leaves of tulsi twice a day to get rid of it in a natural way.Prevents kidney problems Tulsi is a great diuretic apart from a potent detoxifying agent. Both these properties are great for the kidneys. The leaves reduce uric acid levels in the blood and purify it. They also contain acetic acid and some other compounds that are capable of breaking down kidney stones. To get rid of the stones, you can drink the juice of tulsi leaves mixed with honey, daily for six months.Help prevent cancer Antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties of tulsi have been associated with slowing down the progression of breast cancer and oral cancer (caused due to chewing tobacco). Some compounds in tulsi are known to restrict the flow of blood to cancerous tumours.Good for your skin and hair Tulsi has amazing purifying properties. It helps your skin cells to remain nourished and glowing. Plus, it also prevents the development of acne and blemishes on the skin. In Ayurveda, the herb is also associated with curing other skin conditions like ring worms and leucoderma. It is also good for reducing itchiness of the scalp and hair fall. Chewing tulsi leaves, drinking its juice, or even mixing its paste to a face pack can help treating skin and hair problems.Relieves cold and cough Tulsi possess immunomodulatory properties. That means that if you have it regularly you will keep yourself away from frequent cold and viral infection. People suffering from an infection can benefit from it as well. Since tulsi has antitussive (suppresses the cough center, reducing the amount of cough) and expectorant properties (helps expel phlegm from the chest), it has long been included in the list of natural remedies providing instant relief from cough and cold.Relieves headache Tulsi relieves headaches caused due to sinusitis, allergies, cold or even migraines mainly due to its decongestant properties. It also acts as a natural pain killer. If you are suffering from a headache, boil water with tulsi extract. Cool it to room temperature and dip a small towel in it. Now place it on your forehead to treat a headache.9 benefits of tulsi Tulsi or basil is a traditional plant found in Indian households. Since ancient times, it has been valued for its medicinal properties and even today the roots as well as the leaves of tulsi are used in herbal and Ayurvedic medicine. From clearing the skin to reducing stress, tulsi is like a whole-body tonic that helps you stay fit and healthy. Take a look at these top benefits it offers.