We all come across several herbs and spices with immense medicinal qualities but do not have the clarity on how to use or consume them. This article lists four easy and safe ways to consume holy basil/tulsi every day for health.
Holy basil, aka Tulsi, is a popular herb in India known for its medicinal properties and health benefits. Ayurveda hails this herb by several names – Queen of herbs, Elixir of life, and The Incomparable one are a notable few.
Tulsi aka Holy basil – Health benefits
The herb can effectively help ward off common cold symptoms, improve immunity, fight fatigue, boost your energy levels, calm your mind, reduce anxiety, and generally keep you healthy. Why tulsi water in the morning can help you lose weight as well! And, the benefits do not end here.
Consuming tulsi leaves can,
- Prevent respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, etc.
- Improve immunity
- Regulate blood sugar
- Lower blood pressure
- Prevent bad breath and improve oral health
- Fight fatigue
- Boost energy levels
- Reduce stress
- Increase metabolism and so helps in weight loss
Easy to grow at home, have this herb handy if you love to have good health naturally.
Warning: Do not chew Tulsi, aka Holy basil leaves.
Why should you not chew tulsi/holy basil leaves?
Tulsi leaves have mercury in them and so, chewing the leaves may affect your enamel and cause discolouration in your teeth.
So, do not chew the leaves. Instead, use any of the following four safe ways to consume Tulsi.
Four easy and safe ways to consume holy basil, aka tulsi, for good health
1. Tea from fresh leaves or dried leaves
This is one of the most used safe ways to consume tulsi for holistic health.
Bring a cup of water to a boil. Add a few fresh leaves or a tsp of dried leaves. You can also add other herbs for more flavour and taste. Simmer for 5 minutes. Then, strain the tea and sip hot/warm. Add honey if you like it sweetened.
Don’t have access to either fresh leaves or dried leaves? Buy tulsi tea bags from a trusted organic brand and make your tea. You can have this tea any time of the day to fight fatigue and feel refreshed. Restrict the cups to two in a day, though.
Watch: Things You Should Not Do When Taking Sugarcane Juice
2. Tulsi water
Another easy and effective way to consume tulsi leaves for health is to soak a handful of washed leaves in water overnight and drink the water in the morning.
Do you have a copper vessel handy? Excellent! Fill the vessel with water and add a handful of washed tulsi leaves. Close it with a lid; leave it overnight. Early in the morning, drink a few sips of this water. This drink boosts your energy levels.
Further, it improves your immune system and is great for general health. At a time, take a few sips and not more than 1 cup a day. The water will taste a bit spicy and has a strong flavour.
3. Power-packed juice
Take a few washed tulsi leaves and an inch of ginger in a blender. Also, add some water and blend into a juice. Then, strain, add a tablespoon of honey.
Take this in the morning and feel energetic throughout the day. Four-five tablespoons of this juice should be more than enough for a day.
4. Tulsi powder with ghee
Another safe way to consume tulsi for your health is this traditional Ayurvedic method that helps you start your day with a bang.
Take ½ tbsp tulsi powder with a spoonful of ghee (clarified butter) and have it in the morning. And, that is enough for a day to take care of your health.
Love4wellness concludes,
Many simple-looking herbs and spices pack an enormous amount of medicinal benefits. Holy basil, aka Tulsi, is a perfect example of such a herb. The various health benefits the herb offers are amazing, and it is worth your effort to consume Tulsi as tea or water every day. However, take note of the quantity you can consume a day. Too much of it can cause stomach-related problems.
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