Tulsi

Botanical Name:-  Ocimum sanctum Linn.

Family:-  Lamiaceae

COMMON NAMES

English:- Holy basil

Hindi:- Tulsi

Sanskrit:- Sursa

Chemical Constituents

The main constituents of tulsi are- Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Eugenol, carvacrol, Linalol and b-caryophyllene

Gallic acid, Chlorogenic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, Caffeic acid, Vanillic acid, p-coumeric acid, Sinapic acid, and Ferulic acid are the important phenolic acids present in Tulsi

Uses

Immunity Booster

Tulsi is rich in Vitamin C and zinc, thus acts as a natural immunity booster. Tulsi extract increases the T helper cells and natural killer cells activity.

Tulsi protects the body from certain infections and diseases such as cold, cough and viral infections as it possesses strong disinfectant and germicidal factors. Recent studies have indicated that Tulsi can help slow down the growth of HIV cells and also inhibit the development of certain carcinogenic cells.

Tulsi also contains a lot of antioxidants and micronutrients, which help the immune system by protecting it from damage caused by free radicals. The herb is known to cure fever, help treat respiratory diseases such as asthma.  It is an excellent remedy for cough, soothes the throat, reduces the inflammation of the chest and helps to expectorate the mucus.

Widely venerated in India as a sacred plant, antioxidant-rich Tulsi provides the same benefits to cats and dogs as it does to humans. It is used in Ayurveda to relieve gastric distress and is an “Amphoteric” herb that promotes immune system efficiency while down-regulating immune system over-activity — it is safe for animals with auto-immune disease. Tulsi can also help to calm hyperactive dogs, and support animals who are under environmental or physical stress.

Benefits of Tulsi For Hair

For healthy hair growth scalp need to be healthy, dandruff and various types of other scalp infections often causes excessive dry and itchy scalp as well as severe hair fall. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of basil help to keep the scalp healthy while the anti-inflammatory properties give relief from dryness and itchiness of the scalp. Also, basil helps in improving blood circulation in the scalp that leads to optimal nourishment of the hair follicles, rejuvenating them and induce new hair growth.

Hair loss is an alarming condition, especially before the youth today. Basil is great in the prevention of hair loss as it reduces itching in the scalp region and enhances blood circulation in the head area. The anti-oxidants present in tulsi is very useful in treating premature graying of hair as well as hair fall.

Tulsi For Skin

Tulsi with its a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties kills acne-causing bacteria & disinfects the pores. Its leaves are also helpful in purifying blood that gets rid of acne as well as other skin infections.

Tulsi is also an astringent in nature that helps to soak up excess oil & moisture thus providing a deep cleansing effect on the skin. It also helps with skin pore tightening, improving the skin texture by removing the dirt & impurities that clog pores.

Loaded with anti-oxidants, Tulsi can reverse the effects of premature aging by neutralizing free radicals & thus maintain the anti-oxidant enzyme system in the body. It helps in rejuvenating the skin and bring back youthfulness.

Overproduction of Melanin, pollution and the harsh UV rays of the sun are the main cause of uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation. Tulsi can effectively lighten the skin. It’s detoxifying effects give relief from pollution, heat, stress as well as certain skin conditions.

Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Tulsi has strong anti-inflammatory properties that cure a variety of diseases and disorders. It contains enzyme-inhibiting oils which help lower inflammation, lowers the risk of heart disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

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