20 Health Benefits of the Holy Basil (Kemangi)
Basil plant
has a lot of significance for mankind, due to the manifold medicinal benefits
it provides. Basil leaves are widely used in the preparation of Ayurvedic
medicines. It is known to promote the longevity of life. The extracts obtained
from the plant are extensively brought to use for curing various diseases such
as the common cold, inflammation, malaria, heart disease, headaches, stomach
disorders, kidney stones, heart disorders, and many more. The Indian basil
Tulasi also aids in the purification of atmosphere.
Basil has
been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing
properties. It is mentioned in the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text. Basil
is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body,
and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent
taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and
believed to promote longevity.
Basil
extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders,
inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria.
Traditionally, Basil is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh
leaf, or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Basil is mostly
used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin
preparations due to its antibacterial activity. For centuries, the dried leaves
have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Basil plant
serves as a fabulous repellant in fighting against flies, mosquitoes and
insects. It is especially valuable in combating malarial fever. It is said that
at the time of establishment of Victoria gardens in Bombay (now Mumbai), the
workers became victims of mosquito bites and suffered from chronic malaria.
Seeing the pitiable situation of the workers, some of the Hindu managers
recommended the plantation of Basil plant in the garden. On following their
advice, fruitful results were obtained. Thus, Holy Basil helped to abate the
growth of mosquitoes and control malaria.
There are
numerous uses of Basil plant. The plant is increasingly finding its way in the
Ayurvedic treatment of diseases. Basil leaves are widely used due to their
healing power. It is a tonic for the nervous system and thus, helps a great
deal in sharpening the memory. This aromatic plant supports the removal of
phlegm and catarrhal matter from the bronchial tube. It also works wonders in
preventing stomach disorders. The herb Basil is known to cure the respiratory
disorders. The decoction prepared by mixing honey, ginger and Basil leaves is
quite helpful in combating bronchitis, influenza and asthma.
The leaves
of Basil plant are extremely beneficial during the rainy season, when diseases
like malaria and dengue victimize the country. Boil the tender leaves of Basil
in tea and give it to the patient. The juice extracted from Basil leaves serves
as the best remedy to bring down fever. Basil is an essential ingredient in the
preparation of Ayurvedic cough syrups. It is highly useful in getting rid of
cold and flu. Even, for sore throat, the leaves of medicinal plant Basil is of
great value. Just boil the leaves of Basil in water and ask the patient to
gargle with this decoction.
Basil has
the ability to strengthen the kidneys. For those suffering from the problem of
renal kidney stones, the decoction prepared by mixing the juice of Basil leaves
with honey, if taken sincerely for six consecutive months can oust these stones
via the urinary tract. For maintaining healthy heart, Basil is of utmost value.
It helps in lowering the level of cholesterol in blood. Thus, Basil plant
serves as the most effective remedy to combat cardiac diseases.
20 Health Benefits of the Holy Basil (Kemangi)
The Basil or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also an herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of Basil.
1. Healing Power
The Basil plant
has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen
memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the
bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious
perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.
2. Fever; Common Cold
The leaves
of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria
and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as
preventive against these diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the
leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with
sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of Basil leaves can be
used to bring down fever. Extract of Basil leaves in fresh water should be
given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In
children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.
3. Coughs
Basil is an
important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps
to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing Basil leaves relieves cold
and flu.
4. Sore Throat
Water
boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This
water can also be used as a gargle.
5. Respiratory Disorder
The herb is
useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the
leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma,
influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt
also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half
a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.
6. Kidney Stone
Basil has
strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil
leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the
urinary tract.
7. Heart Disorder
Basil has a
beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It
reduces the level of blood cholesterol.
8. Children's Ailments
Common
pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond
favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their
appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.
9. Stress
Basil
leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have
shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even
healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It
purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.
10. Mouth Infections
The leaves
are quite effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves
chewed will cure these conditions.
11. Insect Bites
The herb is
a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A
teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few
hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh
roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.
12. Skin Disorders
Applied
locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin
diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the
treatment of leucoderma.
13. Teeth Disorder
The herb is
useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be
used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste
and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health,
counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in
pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.
14. Headaches
Basil makes
a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this
disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the
forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in
general.
15. Eye Disorders
Basil juice
is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally
caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into
the eyes daily at bedtime.
16. Acts on nervous system
It act on
nervous system providing them strength, relieves stress and helps in relieving
pain.
17. It work as appetizer and promotes digestion by
helping in secretion of digestive enzymes.
18. It helps in preventing flatulence and avoids
constipated stool.
19. Basil juice drops are very effective in earache.
20. Keep powder of Basil root in water for overnight
and take it early morning for diabetes natural cure.
