By Jacob Wonn
Tulsi or "Holy Basil" (scientific name Ocimum Tenuiflorum) is often touted as a cure-all herb due to its numerous health-promoting properties. The plant is revered in Hindu culture and is commonly found in Hindu homes as a kind of symbolic ward against disease. It can be brewed into a soothing, slightly-sweet tea and is now widely available in markets around the globe. If you've never drank a cup of Tulsi tea, give it a try! I promise you will not regret it.
This article describes some of the documented health benefits associated with Tulsi:
1. Adaptogenic: Tulsi is an adaptogen, which means that it facilitates the body's natural adaptation to stress. This effect may be related to the anxiolytic properties of beta-caryophyllene and rosmarinic acid- two compounds found in Tulsi leaves. In my own experience, I have found Tulsi tea to be very effective in reducing anxiety or nervousness without any drug-like sedation.
2. Respiratory support: Tulsi is commonly used to alleviate respiratory distress caused by illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
3. Anti-microbial: Concentrated Tulsi extract has demonstrated antibacterial activity against the dangerous pathogens E. coli, S. aureus (staph) and P. aeruginosa, and thus may be useful in preventing some infectious diseases. This effect may be caused by compounds found in Tulsi such as carvacrol and eugenol.
4. Hepatoprotective: Tulsi contains the naturally occurring oleanolic acid which is shown to have a protective effect on the liver.
5. Anti-cancerous: Tulsi contains a few compounds which are known to have anti-tumor properties (such as beta-elemene, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid). Tulsi may thus be useful as a preventative measure against cancer.
6. Anti-oxidant: Tulsi contains the antioxidant rosmarinic acid, which can help to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
7. Aromatherapeutic: Tulsi contains a compound called linalool that has been shown to drastically reduce stress when inhaled by rodent experimental subjects.
8. Insect repellant: Tulsi has a history of use in Sri Lanka as a mosquito repellant, and is even stored with grains to prevent insect infestation. It can also be used as an effective remedy against head lice when mixed with castor oil.
9. Anti-fever: Powdered Tulsi mixed with dried ginger and sugar in hot water is a traditional remedy to bring down fevers. This may possibly due to the anti-inflammatory properties of beta-caryophyllene in Tulsi.
10. Topical analgesic: Tulsi has been shown to reduce topical pain caused by some conditions. For instance, Tulsi tea eardrops are a common home remedy for earache. This may be due to the local anaesthetic properties of eugenol.
As you can see, there are many different compounds in Tulsi with overlapping properties that synergize to form one potent plant!
This article was written by Jacob Wonn, a young man with a passionate interest in herbal science. For a personalized herbal consultation click here.
Come visit me at magicwonn.com if you'd like to learn more about Tulsi or other healthy herbs and supplements.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Wonn
Tulsi or "Holy Basil" (scientific name Ocimum Tenuiflorum) is often touted as a cure-all herb due to its numerous health-promoting properties. The plant is revered in Hindu culture and is commonly found in Hindu homes as a kind of symbolic ward against disease. It can be brewed into a soothing, slightly-sweet tea and is now widely available in markets around the globe. If you've never drank a cup of Tulsi tea, give it a try! I promise you will not regret it.
This article describes some of the documented health benefits associated with Tulsi:
1. Adaptogenic: Tulsi is an adaptogen, which means that it facilitates the body's natural adaptation to stress. This effect may be related to the anxiolytic properties of beta-caryophyllene and rosmarinic acid- two compounds found in Tulsi leaves. In my own experience, I have found Tulsi tea to be very effective in reducing anxiety or nervousness without any drug-like sedation.
2. Respiratory support: Tulsi is commonly used to alleviate respiratory distress caused by illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
3. Anti-microbial: Concentrated Tulsi extract has demonstrated antibacterial activity against the dangerous pathogens E. coli, S. aureus (staph) and P. aeruginosa, and thus may be useful in preventing some infectious diseases. This effect may be caused by compounds found in Tulsi such as carvacrol and eugenol.
4. Hepatoprotective: Tulsi contains the naturally occurring oleanolic acid which is shown to have a protective effect on the liver.
5. Anti-cancerous: Tulsi contains a few compounds which are known to have anti-tumor properties (such as beta-elemene, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid). Tulsi may thus be useful as a preventative measure against cancer.
6. Anti-oxidant: Tulsi contains the antioxidant rosmarinic acid, which can help to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
7. Aromatherapeutic: Tulsi contains a compound called linalool that has been shown to drastically reduce stress when inhaled by rodent experimental subjects.
8. Insect repellant: Tulsi has a history of use in Sri Lanka as a mosquito repellant, and is even stored with grains to prevent insect infestation. It can also be used as an effective remedy against head lice when mixed with castor oil.
9. Anti-fever: Powdered Tulsi mixed with dried ginger and sugar in hot water is a traditional remedy to bring down fevers. This may possibly due to the anti-inflammatory properties of beta-caryophyllene in Tulsi.
10. Topical analgesic: Tulsi has been shown to reduce topical pain caused by some conditions. For instance, Tulsi tea eardrops are a common home remedy for earache. This may be due to the local anaesthetic properties of eugenol.
As you can see, there are many different compounds in Tulsi with overlapping properties that synergize to form one potent plant!
This article was written by Jacob Wonn, a young man with a passionate interest in herbal science. For a personalized herbal consultation click here.
Come visit me at magicwonn.com if you'd like to learn more about Tulsi or other healthy herbs and supplements.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Wonn
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