25 Uses of Tulsi | Benefits of Its Leaves, Roots & Seeds

Tulsi plant, also called ‘holy basil,’ is an annual herb that lives for one year.

The botanical name of this medicinal plant is Ocimum sanctum.

It is worshiped as a sacred plant and kept in many households or gardens for prayer.

Interestingly, it has many medicinal properties and is a part of alternative medicine and many Ayurveda preparations.

The different parts of tulsi, like the leaves, flowers, seeds, stems, and dried roots, are medicinally helpful.

Tulsi plant with flowers

Uses of Tulsi

Below we list the benefits of the tulsi plant in medicinal and non-medicinal ways. Of course, still, the list is not exhaustive.

Medicinal uses of Tulsi leaves

♣ The leaves material acts as a decongestant. This action helps to relieve nasal stuffiness.

♣ As nerve tonic, it soothes nerves and relieves tension.

♣ Tulsi is an adaptogen, i.e., consumption of Tulsi is known to boost immunity and help tolerate stress.

♣ Even acts as a memory sharpener. Eating tulsi leaves daily can enhance one’s memory.

Tulsi tea or decoction is used to prevent malaria and dengue fever. It is also used for the common cold.

Uses of Basil

♣ In acute fevers, the temperature is lowered by administering decoction of leaves.

♣ The aqueous extract, i.e., tulsi leaf juice is used as a gargle to treat a sore throat.

♣ It is also believed that the aqueous extract of leaves taken with honey for six months can expel kidney stones.

♣ It lowers cholesterol, and hence it is cardioprotective.

♣ In respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis, colds, and influenza, the tulsi leaf extract is very beneficial.

See Bresol syrup, which helps you get over a sore throat, respiratory infections, and accumulation of phlegm.

♣ Leaves, when chewed, relieve mouth ulcers and infections.

♣ Leaf extract is sufficient to treat skin disorders like ringworm etc.

♣ Dried leaf powder is used for brushing the teeth. In the preparation of toothpaste for dental health.

♣ Extract of black tulsi leaves is used to treat sore eyes and night-blindness.

♣ Stomachic to promote hunger or appetite.

♣ As an expectorant to help remove phlegm from bronchi and also to treat bronchitis

♣ In relieving coughs due to any irritants.

♣ For relief from diarrhea

♣ In the case of an epidemic, as prophylaxis (to prevent) against influenza, cholera, and malaria

Uses of Tulsi seeds

 The solution of tulsi plant seeds with milk or water is a

♠ Good anti-oxidant,

♠ Mucilaginous,

Uses of basil-Tea

♠ Demulcent

♣ It also possesses anti-ulcer, antiemetic, and anti-diarrheal properties.

Uses of Tulsi root

Dried tulsi root powder mixed with milk or ghee etc., is good

a)  For malaria fever

b) To relieve insect pain and sting bites.

c) Fresh roots are made into a paste and applied to areas where leeches or insects bite.

Uses of tulsi stem

  • This is a bit of empirical application I heard from people. But is widely believed.
  • When one applies the powder of dried tulsi stem on the forehead as a tilak.
  • It is believed to help gain listeners’ attention during a speech.

It is consumed daily as tulsi green tea, seeds as a condiment in foods, and tulsi leaves after prayer as holiness.

Tulsi tablets and capsules

Aerial plant extract of tulsi is used to reduce blood pressure. It is also used to manage respiratory disorders like

  1. Cough
  2. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder),
  3. Asthma
  4. Bronchitis and seasonal cold.

It helps to dilate the respiratory tract, mobilize the mucous secretions, and minimize allergy and cough.

Thus, it helps relieve chest congestion, facilitate better breath, and recover from respiratory disease.

You may also like

  1. Uses of  Neem
  2. Uses of Clove

Leave a comment

  1. Tulsi / basil , is one of the plant which gives oxygen for 20hrs and above continues and 4 hrs to ozone daily . scientifically proven.

    Reply
  2. i like Basil so much because of its medicinal power, smell and i used to drink basil tea twice a day since a decade. besides this i use a cup of fresh basil leaves juice daily morning before breakfast. really its works very good. at the age of 50 i look like 30 and never been visit a doctor since a decade.

    Reply
  3. I originally started basil treatments for the reason of blocking cortisol to reduce belly fat. IT WORKED. Since then i have either drank it in tea infusions, or ground it and taking it in capsule form. I suffer from severe panic disorder as well as liver issues, and low T. All i can say is this plant was put here for so many reasons. Since taking it regularly ALL of the issues i listed have improved…a lot! I now grow my own as well as sell it. It smells and tastes great. If you are looking for a fresh reasonably priced source let me know. Bryan.

    Reply
  4. I was recommended basil stem to help with bleeding from
    my pierced ears. I had never heard of it, but now want to
    get some.
    I found article very interesting, love learning about other
    cultures, so why would it be in Hindi? As mentioned
    translations can be received easily, but this is an English
    speaking site, to cater for majority I guess.

    Reply
  5. the article is good but the spelling of some words are wrong like diarrhea,but correct spell is diarrhea.otherwise what a fantastic article and a good presentation as well as orientation.It is very useful for my project work.JUST IMPROVE SPELLING MISTAKES.

    Reply
  6. Thanks for this, informative article.. Its really helpful in our daily routine actually if apply it. Holy basil produce actual electromagnetic waves which maintains environments in peace.

    Reply

Leave a Comment