The benefits of tulsi on human health have been an open secret for thousands of years. It is rightfully called Holy Basil because every part of the plant has its own amazing benefits. Recently tulsi tea has been enjoying quite a lot of fame around the world. The taste is an obvious reason but have you ever pondered on the health benefits of this soothing tea? Now is the time. Let’s get started:
What is Tulsi Tea and where does it come from?
Tulsi tea in literal terms is a tea made from leaves of a green leafy plant known informally as “Holy Basil” and scientifically as Ocimum sanctum L.
Native to Southeast Asia, Holy Basil has a rich history in India for centuries. In fact, it is considered the most sacred herb in India and enjoys the title of “queen of herbs”.
It has long been part of Indian medicine, holistic medicine, and Ayurveda where it is used to treat various ailments from ringworms to eye diseases. Also, the plant of Holy Basil is considered a tonic for mind, body, and spirit.
The flowers are used to treat bronchitis while the leaves are used to treat allergies. Likewise, the whole of the plant is used to treat digestive problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The use of Tulsi for treating stress, anxiety, and fatigue has given Tulsi the title of “adaptogenic herb” as it helps the body to cope with these disorders.
How is Tulsi Tea made?
Nutritional Value of Tulsi
| Total calories | 22 kcals |
| Fats | 0.6 g |
| Proteins | 3.2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2.7 g |
| Sodium | 4 mg |
| Iron | 17% of DV |
| Magnesium | 16% of DV |
| Calcium | 17% of DV |
| Vitamin B6 | 10% of DV |
| Vitamin A | 105% of DV |
| Vitamin C | 30% of DV |
Health Benefits of Tulsi Tea
We all know the soothing and relaxing effect of Tulsi tea on our minds and bodies but there is much more to that. Let’s have a look:
1. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels: Good news for diabetics! You will want to sip your favorite tulsi tea more often now. It has been proved by various human as well as animal studies that tulsi leaves help in lowering blood sugar levels. Not only leaves but all the parts of the body are helpful for diabetics as well as pre-diabetics. Consuming tulsi tea on a regular basis helps in alleviating the symptoms of diabetes such as high cholesterol, insulin resistance, hypertension, hyperinsulinemia as well as weight gain. A study was carried out on rats which showed a drop in blood sugar levels by 27% upon taking holy basil extract regularly for 30 days.
2. Improved Digestion: Tulsi is a super beneficial food for improving the overall health of your digestive system, mainly the stomach. Ulcers resulting from stress are quite common. Taking tulsi extracts not only combats them but also improves the overall status of the stomach’s defense system by dropping down the level of acid in the stomach, increasing the number and activity of mucous cells, and also extending the life of mucous cells in the walls of the stomach.
3. Better Skin and Hair: Tulsi tea contains Vitamin C as well as plenty of antioxidants. Including this tea in your daily diet will give you healthier-looking skin as hair. Our bodies continuously combat free radicals which hinder several body functions; One of which is keeping the skin young. Upon aging, the production of free radicals increases which leads to aging. Tulsi tea is full of polyphenols which fight the free radicals and keep your skin looking younger for longer periods of time. Tulsi extract when applied to the skin deeply purifies as well as cleanses it. Moreover, tulsi also reduces the inflammation in the skin which leads to acne as well as prevents certain skin infections.
4. Immunity Booster: If you are looking for a natural immunity booster, you will get no better option than Holy Basil or Tulsi. Tulsi leaf extracts have been used to treat wounds since ancient times as they speed up the healing process of wounds. Moreover, tulsi protects the body against viral, bacterial, and fungal infections while also acting as a body’s shield against inflammation. Holy Basil also has analgesic powers which makes Tulsi Tea a favorite pain-relieving drink. Due to these qualities, tulsi is often recommended to patients right after surgery. The most popular infections and wounds that tulsi combats are acne, mouth ulcers, keloids, and raised scars.
5. Relieving Stress and Anxiety: Rightfully called “Adaptogen”, tulsi relieves anxiety and stress while increasing mental balance. A study showed that tulsi not only reduces stress but also elevates mood and reduces mood swings. Tulsi plants naturally come packed with flavonoids which reduce the amount of cortisol (stress hormone) in the blood. Another study was carried out recently in 2008 including 35 participants with a general anxiety disorder. They were asked to take tulsi supplements twice a day for 2 months. The results showed a drop in levels of anxiety. Moreover, the participants reported low levels of stress and depressive episodes.
Side effects of Tulsi Tea
- Excessive use of tulsi might have few side effects. Have a look:
- Taking high amounts might cause diarrhea and nausea.
- People having surgery in two weeks should stop consuming tulsi as it slows blood clotting.
- Tulsi may decrease fertility in men and women.
- If you’re breastfeeding your baby, do not consume tulsi.
Final verdict
There is a reason people in India worship the tulsi plant. Include tulsi tea in your daily diet and get all the amazing benefits for your mind, soul, and spirit. Beware of all the possible side effects and consult your doctor if something doesn’t feel alright after consuming tulsi tea.
