In case you are wondering why Hindus worship
Tulasi, here are 15 reasons why:
1. Tulasi helps to mobilize mucus in
bronchitis and
asthma, and therefore, is an important constituent of almost all Ayurvedic
cough syrups and expectorants. Chewing Tulasi leaves also relieves cold and flu.
2. Tulasi is very helpful for
sore throat.
Water boiled with
tulasi leaves can be taken as drink or used as a
gargle in case of sore throat. Many Indian singers resort to Tulasi
whenever they have sore throat.
3. Tulasi is highly beneficial in the treatment of all
respiratory disorders
in general. A decoction of Tulasi leaves with honey and ginger is an
effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough, and cold. A
decoction of Tulasi leaves, cloves, and common salt also gives immediate
relief in case of influenza.
4. Tulasi is a
nerve tonic and also sharpens memory. It promotes the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the
bronchial tube. Tulasi leaves also strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seeds of the plant are mucilaginous.
5. Tulasi is helpful for many fevers. During the rainy season, when
malaria and
dengue fever are widely prevalent, Tulasi leaves boiled with tea act as
preventive medicine
against these diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of Tulasi
leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water and mixed
with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of Tulasi
leaves can also be used to bring down fever. Extract of Tulasi leaves in
fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between, one can keep giving sips of
cold water. It is especially very effective in bringing down the temperature in children.
6. Tulasi helps strengthen the kidneys. In case of
kidney stones or
renal stones,
if the juice of Tulasi leaves and honey is taken regularly for 6 months,
it results in the kidney stones or renal stones being expelled via the
urinary tract.
7. Tulasi has a beneficial effect in all
heart diseases or
heart disorders and the weakness resulting from them. It also helps to reduce the level of blood cholesterol.
8.
Tulasi is very helpful in children's ailments or common pediatric
problems like cough, cold, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, and all of
them respond favorably to the juice of Tulasi leaves. If pustules of
chicken pox delay their appearance, Tulasi leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.
9.
Tulasi acts as an adaptogen or
anti-stress agent and reduces stress.
Recent studies have shown that Tulasi leaves afford significant
protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of
Tulasi, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps
prevent several common ailments.
10. Tulasi is very effective for ulcers and infections in the mouth. Chewing a few Tulasi leaves will cure these conditions.
11.
Tulasi is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or
bites. Fresh Tulasi juice must also be applied to the affected parts for
relief. A paste of fresh Tulasi roots is also effective in case of bites
of insects and leeches.
12. Tulasi is beneficial in the
treatment of ringworm and other
skin diseases if Tulasi juice is applied locally. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.
13. Tulasi is useful in teeth disorders. Tulasi leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for
brushing teeth.
It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as
toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health,
counteracting
bad breath, and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.
14.
Tulasi makes a great medicine for headache. A decoction of Tulasi leaves
can be given for this disorder. Pounded Tulasi leaves mixed with
sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief
from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.
15. Tulasi is an effective remedy for
sore eyes
and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin
A. Two drops of black Tulasi juice if put into the eyes daily at bedtime
will help cure these conditions.
Still wondering why Indians worship Tulasi or why it is called "
Holy Basil” or "Sacred Basil” or why even its scientific name – Ocimum Sanctum – gives credence to and confirms its sanctity?
Written by Prashant Karhade
www.gofornaturalremedies.com
