Basil or Tulsi belongs to the family of mints. Its scientific name is Ocimum basilicum. Tulsi has been worshiped and highly respected in India for thousands of years. The holy basil is believed to have an Indian origin. The medicinal herb has been used for everything from a cough to heart disease for thousands of years and can be used for a thousand more to come. It is well-known as an immunity booster as well.
Do you know the importance of basil leaves are recognized and cultivated ever since five thousand years? There are about 35 types of basil species and their wide array of uses ranging from an ingredient in cooking to medicine for different ailments.
Loaded with powerful antioxidants and nutrients, we can definitely say that Tulsi is one of the best medicinal herbs that have ever been discovered. This holly leaf has powerful anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, giving it an important place in Ayurvedic medicines. Tulsi is widely used for treating cough, sore throat, cold, and fever. Its strong scent makes it a natural repellent. Thus, it not only keeps insects away from other neighboring plants in the garden, Tulsi leaves are also an excellent mosquito repellent. However, the amazing benefits of basil are not restricted to your health, it is remarkably beneficial in the aspects of skin and hair care as well. In fact, it is used in the beauty treatment of Indian women existing from time immemorial.
Everything you wanted to know about Basil
The Ancient Herb Tulsi
The Basil is called Tulsi in the land of Ayurveda and is often worshipped as the incarnation of Lakshmi. This shows that Tulsi has a lot of respect for the Hindu religion. This plant is also known as the Mother medicine of nature. This herb was found in and around India for about 3000 years, and it is also thought of as an important herb by the Greek and Roman people. The Basil or Tulsi is considered good for the mind and body too. This plant is also good for your soul as it keeps the soul happy.
Properties of the Basil
Basil leaves are often mentioned as an adaptogen as it is gaining prominence in the Western world. The Basil is a stress buster that adapts to work for the body where it is most needed. There are other benefits like it possesses anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties too. The anti-inflammatory properties help humans, and this plant’s anti-fungal sides also work wonders. These properties help in the reduction of stress and increase immunity. The disease preventive measures are taken care of by them when you take these leaves or juice regularly.
Sacred Basil and Hindu culture
This sacred plant lives up to the status that the Hindus of India place on it. There is a range of health benefits, and more over the psycho-spiritual well-being can give a new life to many – who need such support. This plant is found in different houses and front of temples of the Hindu gods and goddesses. It is considered holy and often named the “Mother Medicine from Nature” or the Elixir of Life. This elite adaptogen restores the balance of the mind and body and awakens the spirit that is often bogged down due to the different pressure of day-to-day life.
Health conditions that are helped by Basil
The antioxidant is used to prevent several sicknesses like the common cold, fever, digestive ailments, and bronchitis. This is known to treat ulcers too. It has got restorative aftermath on the nerves and the other related organs. This herb is often used to circulate stress hormones and keep the body balanced. Some regions have this ritual of making basil tea to keep in the best of health. These leaves are not addictive, so one can take the tea and bring on the effects of a better and peaceful lifestyle with its prophylactic nature.
Balancing of the Electromagnetic Fields
The Tulsi plant was a personal favorite of yogis and seekers of heightened spirituality for its effects on the nervous system. This herb has a bio-energetic harmonizing effect on the field where it is planted. This means the plant helps restore the balance of the electromagnetic field generated by the human mind and body. These effects are being recognized by the researchers who are trying to find more about the health of human beings. This also balances the chakras or the energy center that is found in the human body. These are actually nerve pathways where the power of nerves concentrates. When these nerve pathways are healthy and balanced, they create better human health.
Your own Basil Care
You can prepare your holy basil tea by taking a few leaves and boiling them in a cup of water. Let it steep for 3 – 4 minutes, then strain the leaves to get your tea. You can drink this in the morning to get the best results. You can also chew a few leaves after cleaning them properly. This is the best stress relief that you can get without any side effects. You can also get Basil in the form of capsules, and your physician will let you know about the right dosage that is good for you.
Healing with care for Mind, Body and Spirit
You will find that this herb has the quality and purity needed for a better lifestyle. The modern world has got its share of stress, and you must take a lot of it to succeed. You can take these organic Holy Basil leaves to enhance your mental, spiritual and physical health. Stress can affect the digestive system and the nervous system too. The actual cause of tension and stress must be found to heal it, and the immune, digestive, and nervous systems are healed with basil juice. It helps in combating the damaging effects of fast life and also helps in preventing the negative effects of winning. Basil, in any form, will strengthen your body and mind to take up the challenges of today’s life.
List of Top Skin Benefits for Basil
1. Combats acne, and pimple
Being anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory by nature, basil helps to prevent acne and pimple. It is also enriched with natural oils which act as a natural cleanser. This will help to clean out pores which means it removes surplus oil and impurities, which paves the way for acne and pimples. The anti-inflammatory property of basil helps to bring down the swelling and pain associated with pimples.
How to use: Make a paste of basil and neem leaves. Prefer to take a hand full of both leaves. Add a dash of lemon t the paste. Mix well. Apply this paste evenly on the face and leave it for half an hour. You can even add honey instead of lemon juice, in case your skin is dry. Apply this pack on alternate days for the best results.
2. Prevents blackheads
Blackheads and whiteheads are a particular type of acne called comedones, formed as a result of blocked hair follicles present on the skin surface. Tulsi combats the bacteria and inflammation very effectively. This quality of Tulsi helps to abolish even the intractable black and whiteheads. Camphene, a constituent of basil leaf acts as a natural toner. It removes the surplus oil, dead cells, and dirt that blocks the follicles, which brings about blackheads.
How to use: For removing blackheads, taking facial steam is an effective way. For this, boil a handful of fresh basil leaves in the water for 6-8 minutes. Now remove the vessel from flame and take facial steam for around 10 minutes. With a black-head removing tool, gently press and remove the black and whiteheads.
3. Combat skin infections
Antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of the essential oil present in the basal leaves help to combat various skin infections.
Its Usage: You can consume Tulsi juice or apply it directly to the affected area.
4. Prevents premature aging
The anti-aging properties of basil are well known for centuries. Being super-rich in antioxidants, basal leaves rejuvenate the skin by eliminating free radicals that damage the skin texture, thereby, preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
How it is used: Using basil leaves as a toner is very effective to prevent the aging of the skin. Boil a handful of basil leaves in water for 5-6 minutes. Strain the liquid and bring it to room temperature. Add a few drops of lemon juice. Mix well and store it in an airtight bottle. Your skin toner is ready. Just like other skin toners, apply this to the face with sterilized cotton. Applying twice a day will give the desired benefit. When it comes to preventing premature aging, you can also use a basil and egg white face pack. For this, mash 10-15 basil leaves and mix it well with an egg white. Apply this mixture to the face and wash off with water after half an hour.
6. Lighten skin tones
The detoxifying property of basil leaves protects the skin from the effects of pollution, ultraviolet rays, and skin infections. Detoxifying helps to retain the moisture besides nourishing the skin. This, altogether, will lighten the skin tone by giving the skin a silky and unblemished texture.
How to use: Dry the basil leaves and powder it. Rub the finely powdered basil leaves gently over the face. Wash with cold water. It will give an instant glow to your skin. It also helps to get rid of dark spots on the face.
Make a thick paste of basil leaves. Add a tablespoon each of pure sandalwood powder and lemon juice. Blend it well and apply it to the face. It should remain on your face for an hour. Wash off with plenty of water. Repeat it 3 times a week. Your skin will appear flawless and smooth.
7. Relieves insect bites
The worm bites and insect bites usually bring about a lot of itching, and rashes on the skin. Basil leaves are the best option to combat such a situation. Even placing fresh Tulsi leaves on the affected area is alone enough for getting relief from itching. Why, because basil leaves are laden with ‘camphene and thymol’, which combats itchiness effectively. Therefore, basil leaves alleviate skin irritations and itching bring about by the insect bites. The camphene in basil also provides a cooling effect on the skin and helps to get rid of prickly heat during summer.
Basil FAQ
How does the Basil Benefit your Hair?
1. Eliminates dandruff
Dandruff causes hair fall. No doubt. Basil oil reduces excessive dryness of the scalp and removes impurities and dead cells that mount up on the scalp. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties help to keep dandruff at bay.
Usage: Massage the scalp with basil oil before going to bed. Wash the head with a mild shampoo in the morning.
2. Stops hair loss
Now a day, due to pollution and lifestyle changes, hair loss is becoming an alarming condition, especially for the youth. Basil oil is a wonderful remedy for hair loss as well. Basil oil enhances blood circulation through the scalp thereby, boosts hair growth and reducing hair fall. Why, is because as the blood circulation increases, more nutrients will reach the hair follicles. This will increase the strength of hair shafts. This, in turn, reduces brittleness and hair breakage.
How it is used: Besides massaging the scalp with basil oil, applying the basal paste on the scalp will help to boost the hair growth as it increases the scalp’s health.
What makes the basil highly beneficial for skin and hair care?
- It is rich in antioxidants which is important for the skin and hair.
- Basil is loaded with beta-carotene, lutein & zeaxanthin (2 naturally occurring carotenoid molecules that filters potentially damaging UV light and improves skin elasticity), and vitamin A.
- It contains essential oils that are highly beneficial for your skin and hair
Conclusion
Basil, revered in Ayurveda and celebrated for its multifaceted benefits, shines in skin and hair care with its potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This ancient herb, rich in essential oils and nutrients like beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin A, offers a natural remedy for common concerns such as acne, premature aging, dandruff, and hair loss. Its application ranges from homemade pastes to enhance skin texture and tone, to scalp treatments that promote hair health and growth.
