Tulsi: Health Benefits of an Anti-Viral Herb

Tulsi is considered the holiest plant in the Hindu culture.

Tulsi is an indispensable part of many rituals. This was probably because our ancient Vaidyas knew about its healing, purifying, and immune-boosting properties. The Vedic script praises Tulsi for its mystical properties and in this blog, I bring you the research-proven scientific benefits of Tulsi leaves. 

Tulsi is an aromatic herb that is crowned with many names. Sages called it the “Unparalleled One,” the “Mother Drug of Nature” and the “Queen of Herbs“. Our ancestors revered it as an “elixir of life“. There is no match for its therapeutic and spiritual properties.

Tulsi has always been an intrinsic part of Indian culture. Be it having a plant in the courtyard or using the leaves for Puja. Many people drink the holy Tulsi water as a daily ritual. Tulsi tea is also a favorite among many. Mothers swear by these magical leaves to cure their children of cough and fever!

I can list down a thousand different uses of this holy plant. And I am sure you already know many of these. The latest research on Tulsi confirmed the ancient Ayurvedic philosophies on the wide spectrum of health benefits of Tulsi. 

Modern science confirmed that Tulsi is a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit! 

Also Read: Amazing Benefits of Tulsi Tea

Tulsi In Ayurveda 

The holy Tulsi is one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to mankind. Its use in Ayurvedic treatment is elaborated in many ancient scripts. Be it healing wounds or preventing infections, relieving migraines or treating ulcers. Ayurveda has hailed the use of Tulsi leaves as one of nature’s best remedies!

Tulsi leaves are hot and bitter with an abundance of healing properties. Further, it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidizing, anti-bacterial, and adaptogenic. Tulsi is an excellent stress buster and it can help in dealing with depression and insomnia as well!

Ayurveda says that the essence of Tulsi penetrates deep into the tissues. Its daily intake boosts immunity and enhances overall well-being. Ayurvedic doctors widely prescribe Tulsi as a cure for a variety of conditions.

It is an excellent remedy for cough, asthma, fever, and headaches. It also helps in treating dysentery and indigestion. Tulsi drops can also help cure eye infections and hiccups. These leaves can also work as a tonic for the heart. It helps reduce cholesterol levels in the body and helps in preventing cardiac diseases.

Also Read: Tulsi Tea is a natural remedy for dry cough

Scientific Benefits of Tulsi Leaves 

Ayurveda has known the benefits of these holy leaves for a millennium. And now the Western world is also discovering the awesomeness of the Holy Basil. The 20^th century has witnessed many researchers digging into the Ayurvedic scripts for holistic cures. 

From Ashwagandha to Tulsi, numerous researchers are cropping up on these natural cures.  

Anti-microbial properties of Tulsi – Scientific Research

Indian researchers published a study titled “Evaluation of Chemical Composition, Minerals Fatty Acid Profiles, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Tulsi”. It explored the efficacy of Tulsi against deadly viruses and bacteria. 

The study found Tulsi highly effective against bacteria like E. coli and E. faecalis. Tulsi leaves could also help tackle S. Aureus and A.hydrophila to some extent. Thus, this study confirmed that extracts from Tulsi leaves have good anti-microbial properties.

Anti-Viral Properties of Tulsi – Scientific evidence 

A 2018 research titled “Evaluation of the antiviral activity of Ocimum sanctum” tested the efficacy of Tulsi in tackling H9N2 viruses. The H9N2 virus causes Human Influenza and Bird Flu. This deadly virus has claimed a lot of lives over the years. 

This preliminary study has scientifically confirmed the efficacy of Tulsi in fighting the H9N2 virus. The crude extract of Tulsi leaves showed promising anti-viral properties against the H9N2 virus. With further studies and clinical trials, Tulsi may be scientifically prescribed against the H9N2 virus. 

The anti-inflammatory action of Tulsi leaves – Research quotes

A study titled ‘Anti-inflammatory activity of fresh tulsi leaves in albino rats’ confirmed its anti-inflammatory actions. The study concluded that Tulsi leaves exhibited considerable anti-inflammatory activities without showing any side effects. It helped reduce the risk of heart disease, arthritis and IBS. Chewing of Tulsi leaves further soothe fever, headache, sore throat, cold, cough, and flu.

Analgesic Actions of Tulsi – Scientific Evidence

A study titled ‘An Experimental Study of Analgesic Effects of Tulsi’ revealed the pain-relieving actions of Tulsi leaves. The results from this study concluded that Tulsi has a long-lasting analgesic effect. Hence, it can be an effective cure for chronic pains like arthritis.

Scientific Validation of Traditional Use of Tulsi Leaves

A 2002 review paper titled “Validation of a Traditional Claim of Tulsi as a medicinal plant” describes the chemical compositions of Tulsi. It also revealed the corresponding health-promoting properties.

In addition to that, tulsi is suggested as a cure for a host of conditions. The study established Tulsi as an effective remedy for Nausea, cough, flu, and asthma. It was also found effective in diarrhea, vomiting, dysentery, indigestion, hiccups, and other gastric issues. 

Further, Tulsi leaves are very helpful in treating inflammation, eye diseases, otalgia, and cardiac and genitourinary disorders. It is also effective in relieving back pain, skin diseases, ringworm, moth, snake bites, and malaria.

Efficacy of Tulsi In Animals

With an unending list of healing properties, this versatile herb is no doubt an elixir for humans.

We have scientifically established its efficacy in treating microbial diseases in humans. However new scientific studies are revealing the efficacy of this plant in eliminating viruses and bacteria from animals. 

Many of the recent epidemic viruses like Ebola and SARS-Cov-2 have been transmitted from animals to human beings. In this regard, it is important to control viral epidemics in animals. A research paper titled “Studies on Antiviral Activity Of Tulsi On Selected Viruses Of Veterinary Importance” claims Tulsi can help fight many viral diseases in animals too. 

An Ayurvedic Doctor’s Thought on the Scientific Benefits of Tulsi 

So, I think I have established the Scientific Benefits of Tulsi

As we witnessed in this blog, many studies have been conducted on Tulsi. Researchers are testing its efficacy against viral diseases, infections, fever, and flu. All the research conducted so far has shown only positive results.

Further, studies testing the efficacy of Tulsi against SARS-CoV-2 are underway. It is just a matter of time before the scientific world acknowledges all the traditional medical claims of Tulsi.

In conclusion, I would say Tulsi is no more just a mystical sacred plant. It is a scientifically proven medicinal herb that is blessed with many healing properties. In addition, the holy leaves do not cause any side effects!

Be it tulsi oil or tulsi tea, it is sure to help you heal in organic ways!