TULSI (HOLY BASIL) - THE QUEEN OF HERBS

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

The Discovery of 500 000 Plant Species
Medicinal plants are distinguished because it is used to treat wounds and illnesses since the dawn of time. About 500 000 plant species are found worldwide; however; only 1% has been phyto chemically studied for its health advantages.


Plant-based natural ingredients can be found in any part of the plant such as leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, bark, roots and many more. Generally, the combined parts, for example; leaves and flowers contain a higher amount of health benefits than just one part of the plant.


Although modern medicine has provided healing properties for human, there are still some who utilizes medicinal plants as an alternative treatment. One of the primary reasons, why certain people tend to use an alternative approach to heal diseases, is that this method produces minor or no side effects (either short-term or long-term).




The Incomparable One
Ocimum tenuiflorum is one of the medicinal herbs that is notable for its therapeutic advantages in alternative medicine. Ocimum tenuiflorum, or as it is commonly called Tulsi and Holy Basil, is an aromatic perennial plant from the family of Lamiaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent nevertheless; cultivated widely in Southeast Asian regions.



This plant thrives in warm and cold temperatures. Tulsi is also known as “The Incomparable One” and the Queen of Herbs. It is an upright, stretched sub-shrub that is 30cm to 60cm in height, with fuzzy stems, and green, strongly scented leaves. The holy Basil plant is the only plant that has a remarkably long carbon dioxide retention capacity.



This plant is valuable for people suffering from respiratory ailments, thanks to its ability to release oxygen in the morning. The table below shows the nutritional values of Tulsi according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). As highlighted, Holy Basil contains a high proportion of Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium. It also consists of Magnesium, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Potassium and dietary fibre.  




You can eat Tulsi leaves raw, blend them into a juice or smoothie, cook them with your food or just make a refreshing tea. 




NUTRIENTS                                % DAILY VALUE

DIETARY FIBRE                                                       6%

POTASSIUM                                                             8%

VITAMIN C                                                              30%

IRON                                                                          17%

VITAMIN B6 (PYRIDOXINE)                               10%

MAGNESIUM                                                          16%

CALCIUM                                                                  17%




12 HEALTH BENEFITS OF TULSI (HOLY BASIL)
1. REDUCE STRESS
Stress affects anyone at any time in their lives. It is characterized as a physiological, psychological and behavioural response by individuals in reaction to a certain situation. Stress happens as a result of the reduced number of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin.



Studies have concluded that Tulsi leaves protect the body against stress, for instance; disease, infection, pollution, and emotions by improving serotonin levels in the brain. Moreover, this herb is called an adaptogen as it can help the body adapt to any kind of stress.



2. Anti-carcinogenic properties
Cancer is a non-communicable disease that can affect anyone around the world. Presently, this illness is one of the leading causes of mortality globally. Poor diet and lifestyle choices are the primary factor contributing to cancer.



Tulsi is notable for its anti-carcinogenic and anti-tumour properties. This plant can protect the human body from radiation. Furthermore, studies done on Holy Basil demonstrate that this plant contains anti-genotoxic effects, which reduce carcinogenesis (formation of cancer cells). Apart from that, Tulsi tends to lower the activity of an enzyme involved in the development of cancer cells.


 
3. Antioxidant effects
Free radicals are widely known to destroy the cells inside your body. Antioxidant destroys this free radical to help maintain healthy cells. Studies have concurred that not only do antioxidant helps against the damage done by free radical but also may prevent chronic diseases. 


A study on Tulsi leaves and stem shows that it encompasses six flavonoids, which act as antioxidants to slow down the oxidation process in the human body. Holy Basil also contains a high level of Vitamin C, which aid in fighting diseases.



4. Anti-inflammatory activities
Inflammation plays a key role in the development of many illnesses such as cancer, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and many more. Studies have displayed that Tulsi leaves and seeds contain high anti-inflammatory properties.



5. Anti-coagulant properties
Anticoagulants help prevent the formation of blood clots in your body. It reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies done on Tulsi shows that this medicinal herb contains natural anticoagulant properties. However, it is not to be used as a substitute for medications such as Warfarin.



6. Anti-microbial properties
Your body is constantly susceptible to attack from microorganisms that tend to live around humans. Holy Basil contains a high level of anti-microbial effects against Candida species, Klebsiella, and E coli. Aside from that, Tulsi also has strong antiviral properties that defend against adenovirus, herpes and Hepatitis B.



7. Reduces glucose and cholesterol levels
A poor diet can lead to the build-up of fats in the blood vessels and raises sugar levels in the body subsequently; developing heart disease and diabetes. Tulsi leaves have been shown to produce hypoglycaemic effects. In the same way, Tulsi leaves display promising effects on lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol levels.


 
8. Anti-ulcer effect
Depending on the location of the ulcer, a peptic ulcer disease can be referred to as an oesophageal, gastric or duodenal ulcer. Peptic ulcer disease occurs because of increased acid secretion that damages the tissue. Holy Basil shows promising effects on preventing ulcers by reducing acid secretion and increasing mucous secretion.



9. Treatment for Respiratory and Mouth Infections
A decoction made from Tulsi leaves, ginger and honey is a powerful remedy to cure common colds, coughs, asthma and bronchitis. Apart from that, Holy Basil leaves contain antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can be eaten raw or blended as juice to prevent tooth decay, bad breath and mouth ulcers.



10. Protects your liver
The role of your liver is complex and if there is damage in the liver, it will affect all bodily systems. Liver disorders are common around the world. The primary causes of damage to the liver are poor diet, viral infections, and exposure to toxic substances such as drugs and alcohol. Holy Basil leaves contain hepatoprotective properties that protect your liver against damage. Similarly, Tulsi also destroys harmful synthetic compounds from the blood and cleanses the body.



11. Pain relieve
Due to its adaptogen, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Tulsi is a natural painkiller that eases joint pain. It is beneficial for people suffering from arthritis and fibromyalgia.



12. Prevent Alzheimer’s disease
Various studies have indicated that Holy Basil has the power to increase cognitive functions, which is beneficial to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. According to the studies, the medicinal herb reveals to enhance learning and improves memory.








 
All in All
Medicinal herbs have always been part of human life since the beginning of time. Historically, it is used to treat ailments and wounds. Many people are opting to use alternative medicine to treat and prevent illness. Ocimum tenuiflorum is a remarkable medicinal herb that deserves its name as the “Queen of Herb” thanks to its numerous healing properties.



There are many ways you can incorporate Tulsi into your daily life – eat it raw, blend it into a juice or drink it as a nourishing tea. I hope you can find joy in consuming Holy Basil in your daily diet. Share your journey with me in the comments section; I would love to hear how this herb has benefitted you. 






​



References
1.  Sahu SC. (2023); Holy Basil: A Medicinal Plant in India from Ancient Vedic Times; Annals Of Clinical Case Studies; 5(3): 1081.
2.  Arun K. Srivastava and Vinay K. Singh. (2021); Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): A Potent Adaptogen; Clinical Research Notes; 2(2).
3.  Paramesh et al (2020); Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) – a myriad medicinal plant, secrets behind the innumerable benefits; Arabian
     Journal of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants; 6(1): 105-127.
4.  Sahoo et al (2022); Multiple Health Benefits of Tulsi Plant; Journal of Medicinal Plant Studies; 10(5): 95-102.
5.  Vanita Suthar (2022); Benefit of Tulsi for General and Dental Medicine; Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation;
     2(2): 29-35.
6.  Madhusmita Deka (2022); Tulsi – The Queen of Herb; Journal of Pharmaceutical Research; 13(10): 996-1001.
7.  Manikanta et al (2023); Blended Tulsi – Herbal Tea: Quality and Organoleptic Properties; The Pharma Innovation Journal;
​     12(3): 19-23.