Tulsi, also commonly known as Holy Basil, is a common ingredient in health supplements. It is an herb that mainly grows in India and Southeastern Asia, but has made its way into the western world. Science has been gathering evidence that it really does offer the boon of health benefits that it is claimed to. Here are 10 benefits of Tulsi, according to science.
10 Benefits of Tulsi – How Holy Basil Helps
1. Antioxidants
Tulsi contains various antioxidants, including apigenin (1). These antioxidants may be the mechanism of action behind Tulsi’s ability to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress, pollutants, and heavy metals (2).
2. Cardiovascular
Tulsi has shown itself to help prevent cardiovascular diseases (3). It does this by promoting lower lipid levels in the blood, reduced hypertension, and improved blood flow which decreases ischemia (3).
3. Psychological
Tulsi has anxiolytic and anti-depressive effects, and therefore can help improve mental state (4). A study published in the Nepal Medical College Journal found that Tulsi relieved anxiety, stress, and depression in individuals with general anxiety disorder (4). In doing so, Tulsi improved the quality of life in those who supplemented with it.
4. Cognition
There is mounting evidence that Tulsi has cognitive benefits. It may help to boost short-term memory, enhance cognitive flexibility, and improve ability to focus (2).
5. Physical Performance
Tulsi has gained the status of adaptogen, meaning that it has the ability to make the body more resistant to stress (5). Adaptogens are great ingredients for fighting fatigue and increasing energy. Therefore, if you’re looking for a natural way to boost your physical performance, Tulsi might be exactly what you’re looking for.
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6. Inflammatory
Tulsi has properties that fight inflammation and can help to improve joint discomfort and may even benefit fibromyalgia (6).
7. Nutrition
Tulsi is a nutritious herb that provides vitamins and minerals. Its nutrient profile contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Zinc, and Iron (7). While each vitamin and mineral plays several roles, here’s a quick snapshot of some of the areas affected by these nutrients: Vitamin A contributes to healthy eyes. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant throughout the body. Calcium makes strong bones. Zinc is utilized in immune defense. And Iron is a key element in red blood cells. All together, the nutrients in Tulsi can support overall health and well-being.
8. Immunity
Tulsi has immunomodulatory as well as antimicrobial properties that help fight infections and boost immunity (8). Supplementation with Tulsi has demonstrated an increase in immune cells, including T-helper cells, in healthy individuals (9).
9. Digestion
Tulsi is believed to improve digestion, thereby relieving gastric discomfort, bloating, and other digestive issues (10). However, more research is required.
10. Respiration
Tulsi has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help fight respiratory illnesses like bronchitis, asthma, and colds. A study on mice found that Tulsi oil protected against bacteria in the lungs (11).
Conclusion
While the above list contains 10 benefits of Tulsi, this holy herb has benefits beyond the scope of this blog post. Based on the available research, the properties of Tulsi include:
“Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic), mosquito repellent, anti-diarrheal, anti-oxidant, anti-cataract, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, radioprotective, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-hypertensive, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory, central nervous system depressant, memory enhancement, anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, anti-thyroid, anti-fertility, anti-ulcer, anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, anti-arthritic, adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-cataract, anti-leukodermal and anti-coagulant activities.”
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (12)
In short, Tulsi is an amazing herb that can boost your overall health and well-being. You can incorporate it into your diet by drinking Tulsi leaf tea or consuming supplements that contain Tulsi extract. It’s important that Tulsi supplements use extracts and undergo third-party testing for purity because Tulsi leaves can contain Mercury, which is toxic to the human body.
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