Holy Basil (lat. Ocimum sanctum) also known as Tulsi, is justifiably considered to be the king of healing plants.

One of the most recognizable plants of India appreciated for thousands of years, not only cause its immense healing abilities but as well for its effects on mind, body & spirit.

Ayurvedic scriptures describe it as a pillar of holistic plant medicine, calling it the elixir of life, while in hinduism tradition it is used to show respect for god Krishna.

If we put aside the many spiritual advantages this plant has, it undoubtedly has lot of health benefits!

Healing Properties of Holy Basil

Along with hundreds of beneficial compounds, Tulsi is extremely strong antioxidant that has antibacterial, antivirus & antifungal atrributes.

This plant reduces stress, strengthens immunity, lowers cholesterol, increases metabolism and regulates blood pressure & sugar.

It is a domestic remedy for many diseases, I'll try to mention some of them here:

1. Respiratory Disorders

Tulsi is super efficient in healing all kinds of respiratory diseases, viruses, bacterial of fungal infections of respiratory system.

It is an important ingredient of many ayurvedic cough syrups.

Moreover, it helps you to cough the mucus out when it comes to bronchitis & asthma, it makes breathing easier because of the essential oils it contains.

2. Lung Diseases

Because of its antibiotic properties, Vitamin C and compounds present in essential oils, Tulsi is efficient in healing lung diseases and it is efficient in healing lung infections, lowering the damage done on lungs while smoking.

3. Heart Diseases

Since its rich in antioxidants like eugenol, it protects the heart from bad effects of free radicals.

Eugenol is useful in lowering blood cholesterol and that's why it has beneficial effect on the heart.

4. Stress

Recent studies have shown how leaves of holy Basil play a significant role in stress protection, since their adaptogen attributes.

Vitamin C and the rest of antioxidants are great for soothing and lowering of blood pressure, therefore lowering the stress as well.

5. Teeth & Oral Care

Tulsi destroys 99% of bacteria in the mouth, which are responsible for bad breath, plaque, caries & cavities.

Because of the astringent attribute it has, it decreases the inflammation of gums.

6. Kidney Stones

As diuretic, this plant helps with decrease of uric acid levels in the body, which is the main culprit when kidney stones create.

Acetic acid and some compounds from essential oils of Tulsi help with dissolution of stones.

7. Skin Care

The essential oils have antibiotic, disinfection, antibacterial and antifungal activity, meaning holy basil can heal skin diseases without any side effects.

8. Eye Problems

Many eye problems caused with virus, bacterial or fungal infections can be relieved by daily eye washing with water where few basil leaves where soaked.

Tulsi as well helps with protecting the eyes from cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

9. Headache

Because of it analgesic, sedative and antimicrobial properties, holy basil effectively controls headaches cause with migraines, cold or high blood pressure.

10. Immunity

Thankfully to all the healing capabilities already mentioned, holy basil protects our organism from pretty much all the infections caused by viruses, bacteria or fungus and it serves us well in making our immune system stronger.