Table of contents:
- The difference between regular basil and tulsi leaves
- Benefits of tulsi leaves (holy basil) for health
- 1. Potential to reduce physical stress
- 2. Has active compounds that have the potential to fight infection
- 3. Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties
- 4. Potential to maintain mental health
- Do the tulsi leaves have an effect on humans?
Who doesn't know basil? This one plant is often a complement to salad dishes, for example chicken pecel or catfish. It turns out that one of its types, namely holy basil (tulsi) is beneficial for the body. After all, is tulsi with ordinary basil different? So, what are the benefits of tulsi leaves for body health? Find out the answer below.
The difference between regular basil and tulsi leaves
Before discussing the benefits of holy basil (tulsi leaves), you need to know how this plant differs from regular basil. The holy basil has many names, from tulsi, holy basil, to Ocimum sanctum.
This medicinal plant has leaves that are rough to the touch, the edges are brownish, with a grayish green overall color gradation. While ordinary basil has smooth leaves and is dark green in color. If you pay attention, ordinary basil has white leaves while tulsi flowers are purple, like lavender.
Apart from being green-gray, the stems of holy basil sometimes have different colors, they can be white or red. When you smell it, holy basil will smell sweet. Unlike the basil, which has a stronger and spicy aroma. While ordinary basil is easy to find as fresh vegetables, tulsi is used more often in Thai cooking.
Benefits of tulsi leaves (holy basil) for health
Source: Organic India
Do you know why this plant is called holy basil or holy basil? The word "sacred" has been added by Hindus since ancient times because of its benefits in the world of medicine.
According to Ayurveda (health science from India), tulsi is also called "The Incomparable One," "Mother Medicine of Nature" and "The Queen of Herbs".
Following are the health benefits of tulsi leaves according to research published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.
1. Potential to reduce physical stress
Stress does not only occur in the brain, but also in other organs in the body, for example muscles. When muscles are used continuously, they can be stressed and damaged.
Not only that, exposure to cold air can also trigger physical stress.
The study reported the benefits of tulsi leaves in reducing physical stress. This animal-based research provides pressure, noise exposure and cold air.
The animals were then given tulsi leaf extract. The results showed that holy basil was able to reduce the effects of physical stress on the animals by increasing neurotransmitters and immune responses.
2. Has active compounds that have the potential to fight infection
This study also reports the benefits of tulsi leaves in protecting the body from infection. Tulsi has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal properties so that this plant is used to raise livestock.
In addition, this plant is also used as a herbal mouthwash because it has the potential to fight the Streptococcus bacteria which causes tooth decay. The efficacy is the same as mouthwash.
The combination of the active ingredients of basil also supports wound healing in animals, as do the drugs aspirin, meloxicam, indomethacin, and serotonin.
3. Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties
The next benefit of tulsi leaves is its antidiabetic properties. An animal-based experiment shows that holy basil can reduce blood glucose and repair abnormal lipids (fats).
4. Potential to maintain mental health
Another great benefit of tulsi leaves is that it supports mental health. Holy basil has active compounds that have the potential to reduce anxiety and stress in the brain.
Based on studies, tulsi leaves help reduce anxiety and stress by calming the cells of the body and mind. Animal experiments have shown that this plant has an effect comparable to that of diazepam, a sedative.
Do the tulsi leaves have an effect on humans?
In previous studies, the benefits of tulsi were tested in animals only. However, a recent study in the journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine looked at the effects of tulsi leaves in humans.
The results, show that holy basil can be used as an alternative medicine to help normalize blood sugar levels, blood pressure, immune system, and psychological stress. It's just that, it needs further review because the research is still short-term and limited.
