Ocimum sanctum (commonly referred to as Holy Basil) or Tulsi is considered to be a sacred plant in Indian culture. In Hinduism it is said that the plant should be there in every household, taken care of and even worshipped. Worshipping of the plant puts emphasis on the importance of this plant in our lives. Leaves, seeds, stem and root of Tulsi, all has medicinal value and is very beneficial for our body and environment.

Tulsi has proven to be beneficial in treatment of lot of diseases and overall wellbeing of body and mind. It has a powerful antioxidant called Eugenol, which keeps blood pressure in check, lowers blood cholesterol and helps in proper functioning of beta cells of pancreas (cells that store and release insulin) by making them more sensitive to blood sugar. With anti-stress agents, Tulsi maintains normal level of stress hormone – Cortisol in body and help beat stress. Tulsi also purifies blood and give glow to skin; its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties fights skin diseases and prevent growth of acne.

Following are few ways of incorporating Tulsi in our daily lives to have a healthier lifestyle and treat some common problems.

1. Tulsi Water: Cut 4-5 leaves of Tulsi in a glass of water and leave it for 2 hours. Drink this Tulsi water for healthy mind and body. Tulsi water increases the immunity, improves digestive system, aides in proper functioning of pituitary gland and helps in weight control as well.
2. Tulsi Tea: Take 7-8 Tulsi leaves, ½ teaspoon of Saunf (Fennel seeds), Small piece of ginger, 1-2 Elaichi, 4-5 leaves of Pudina (Mint), 1 small piece of Mulethi (Liquorice) and boil in 1 glass of water till only half water remains. Strain out the liquid and drink it. Fever, cough, cold, body ache etc. all are treated with this concoction.
3. Source of Vitamin K: Vitamin K is essential for healthy heart, brain functioning and maintaining bone mass. Tulsi is a rich source of Vitamin K, and intake of Tulsi in form of tea, concoction, Tulsi water or just by simply adding Tulsi leaves to regular milk tea can fulfill body’s daily requirement of Vitamin K.
4. Cough: Mix ½ teaspoon of Tulsi juice, ½ teaspoon ginger juice and 1 spoon honey. Lick this mixture thrice a day to treat cough. Don’t drink water for an hour after taking this mixture.
5. Sore Throat: Gargle with water boiled with Tulsi leaves everyday to treat sore throat.
6. Dental Care: Mix fine powder of Tulsi leaves with mustard oil and rock salt to make this paste. Use this mixture to brush your teeth and massage gums for oral health, treatment of pyorrhea and bad breath.
7. Headache: Boil a bowl of water with crushed Tulsi leaves and cool it to room temperature. Dip a towel in this water, wring the excess water and place the towel to forehead to treat headache.
8. Hair fall: Mix fine crushed Tulsi leaves in coconut oil and apply the oil to scalp daily. It will help in reducing itchiness of scalp and also reduce hair fall.