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

The 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.

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

♣ In Weight Loss: Tulsi is found to be effective in promoting weight loss due to its ability to boost brown adipose tissue and minimize stress.

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

♣ As a 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.

♣ 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,

♠ 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 dried tulsi powder, the stem on the forehead acts 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

References:

• Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons