Tulsi as an Immune Booster

2020 has been a difficult year health-wise. A global pandemic has hit several countries. People are scared and wondering how to deal with the possibility of the virus. You should be staying safe and at home, maintaining precautions, and boosting your immunity. How can you boost your immunity? The science behind is simple and pretty much all the ingredients would be in your pantry. One of the most useful ingredients is Tulsi. Today we shall learn all about the magical benefits of Tulsi to your immune system. If you are sick of being sick, tulsi is the perfect plant for you.

The easiest way to protect yourself from cold or flu is to strengthen your immunity. This involves eating the right foods, drinking enough water, and exercising. But along with those things, you can try having tulsi, ginger, honey, and other important ingredients to boost your immune system. Tulsi or Holy Basil is popularly known as the ‘Queen of Herbs’ for its amazing effects on health and body. In India, Tulsi is considered a holy plant and often found in houses, courtyards, or windows. Offering water to your Tulsi plant first thing in the morning is considered auspicious and holy. Ritualistic traditions aside, Tulsi has scientifically proven benefits for your health. Tulsi can fight several diseases and cure your gut health.

• Provides Stress Relief- Tulsi has scientifically proven to regulate cortisol levels. Excess of Cortisol can increase your stress, alleviate anxiety, and cause sleeplessness. Tulsi helps balance cortisol and control your stress thus calming your mind.
• Contains Antioxidants- Tulsi has several antioxidants which provide protection from free radical damage. This allows your body the strength to fight against disease and infections.
• Powerful Adaptogen- Tulsi can do whatever you want it to do. It can calm your mind, it can cure your cold, it can simply be a flavorful tea, or it can improve your gut health.

• Optimize Immune Response- Tulsi is an ‘immunomodulator’ which means that its job is to balance the immune system and help you fight cold and flu. So when your grandmother suggests eating tulsi leaves for your sore throat, trust her!
• Fights Fever- Tulsi has essential antibodies which can help you cure fever. A concoction of tulsi leaves in warm water can benefit you immensely.
• Fights Respiratory Disease- The phytochemicals in Tulsi make it an excellent agent for fighting respiratory diseases. Having 1-2 cups of tulsi tea during allergy or monsoon can reduce congestion in your chest and help unblock your throat.
• Skin Care- Tulsi is great for your health and your skin! Applying tulsi leaves to rashes or skin infections can reduce their appearance and cure them faster. You can also apply crushed tulsi leaves for a clearer skin.
• Mosquito Repellent- Tulsi’s strong and particular aroma can work as an amazing deterrent to mosquitoes, cockroaches, and fleas. Getting rid of these pests can help you fight diseases and poor hygiene. Have a Tulsi plant at home to avoid insect bites or excess mosquitoes.
• Cure Dehydration- A juice of Tulsi, ajwain, cumin, salt, and mango powder can work wonders for dehydration.
• Fight Dengue and Malaria- Boiling Tulsi leaves, ginger, black pepper, and cardamom in hot water is a tried and tested cure to fight dengue and malaria.
• Improves Digestion- Mixing tulsi with turmeric and honey can improve your digestion and fight poor gut health. This drink is also known to improve your skin health.
• Fight Eye Disorders- Fresh Tulsi juice is known to have effective properties to battle eye disorders. Drinking it regularly can improve your eyes.
• Cure Headaches- Mix Tulsi with sandalwood and apply the paste directly to your forehead. This will provide instant relief from headaches and heat.
• Reduces Blood Pressure- Chewing 10-12 Tulsi leaves daily can keep your blood pressure under check.

Whoa! That’s a long list of benefits, isn’t it? If you remember your grandmother or family harping about the benefits of Tulsi, now you know they weren’t wrong. A lot of Ayurvedic remedies have their base in science and research making them very effective. The benefits of Tulsi are several but they work in tandem with a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you don’t have access to a Tulsi plant, then don’t worry. You can purchase Tulsi tea, drops, or juice on Amazon. You can even get it in powder form which makes it easy to be mixed in teas or drinks. While nothing beats plucking the fresh leaves off a plant, you can use the drops from Amazon if that’s easier. Tulsi is also a wonderful addition to your green tea and can help you calm your nerves before you head to bed. What are you waiting for? Go drink that Tulsi tea!