Health experts are coming up with several coping strategies in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
As medical experts and scientists are busy with extensive clinical research in pursuit of COVID 19 vaccine, adherence to preventive measures like physical distancing and wearing masks are the only ways to stay safe.
During these desperate times, a lot of emphases is being laid on the natural ways of strengthening immunity.
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, offers countless health benefits. This post revolves around how tulsi can serve as an effective immunity booster and help combat coronavirus infection.
What is Tulsi?
This simple-looking green leafy plant (Ocimum sanctum L.) is called the “Queen of Herbs” and has also been referred to as the “Elixir of Life”.
Due to the innumerable clinical benefits and health-promoting properties, tulsi has always been one of the most common herbs used in ancient Indian medicine.
It continues to remain an integral part of Ayurveda and is of immense spiritual significance in India.
How does Tulsi Improve Immunity?
Medical experts suggest that building up a strong immunity is essential in reducing the susceptibility and decreasing the severity of complications of coronavirus infection.
It is a well-known fact that tulsi can protect us against most infections caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi.
Several studies have been conducted to confirm the antiviral and antibacterial properties of tulsi.
A clinical trial, to study the efficacy of tulsi leaves extract, was conducted on patients with acute viral infections like acute viral encephalitis. It was observed that there was an increase in the survival rate.
Studies have indicated that the extract of tulsi leaves can increase the levels of T helper cells and promote the activity of the natural killer cells.
T helper cells identify any foreign substance (like virus or bacteria) and release chemicals called cytokines, which in turn, activate the cells (T cells and B cells) that are responsible for providing immunity to our body.
Natural killer cells, on the other hand, attack and eliminate the infected cells of the body, thereby, limiting the spread of infection to the rest of the body.
The nutritional value of tulsi is another significant factor that contributes to its disease-fighting property. It is rich in Vitamins like A and C and has an adequate amount of zinc and phosphorus along with other phytonutrients.
Other proven benefits of tulsi include reduction of blood glucose levels, enhanced memory and cognitive function, and reduction of anxiety and depression.
Did You Know?
Tulsi leaves serve as:
- An excellent hand sanitizer,
- An effective mouthwash &
- A natural water purifier.
What are The Best Ways to Have Tulsi for Boosted Immunity?
Have a look at a few of the most popular ways of introducing tulsi in your daily routine.
Chew or Swallow Tulsi Leaves
Start your day by having two or three tulsi leaves on an empty stomach. It is known to purify the blood by flushing out toxins.
One section of scholars vehemently believes that chewing of tulsi leaves is not right; one of the reasons being showing of disrespect. Another reason for not chewing could be the release of iron and mercury that can wear off the enamel and stain the teeth. As the debate on chewing the leaves or swallowing them continues, it is recommended to take the leaves with water.
Tulsi Tea
Having freshly brewed tea is another simple method of incorporating tulsi leaves in your diet.
Add 2 or 3 leaves of holy basil in a cup of water and steep it for about five minutes.
Alternatively, you can use dried leaf powder of the herb also.
Kadha/Concoction of Tulsi Leaves
You can enjoy a plethora of benefits by having this immunity-booster concoction.
Ingredients:
- Tulsi leaves – 10 to 12 freshly plucked
- Ginger – 2 cms
- Raw turmeric – 2 cms
- Mulethi (liquorice) – 3 sticks
- Black pepper (whole)- 6 to 8
- Cinnamon – 2 to 3 sticks
- Cloves – 7 to 8
- Water- 6 cups
Method:
- Take a saucepan and pour water. Add the rest of the ingredients.
- Allow the water to boil for about an hour in a low to medium flame and then turn it off.
- A simple technique is to check if the solution has halved in quantity or not.
- After the concoction cools down a bit, you can consume it warm.
- You can refrigerate it for future use for the next two days. Make sure to warm it before drinking.
Tulsi leaves deliver its therapeutic effects irrespective of the form you consume it. Always pick fresh leaves from the Tulsi plant kept in an unpolluted area.
In a Nutshell
Tulsi, also called as a ‘herb for all reasons’, has tremendous therapeutic potential and can keep infections at bay.
It fortifies the immune system and provides protection from almost all types of microbial infection.
With a better insight of how tulsi improves immunity, you can now understand why our grandmothers swear by natural remedies that contain Tulsi as its primary ingredient.
References:
- Mondal, S., Varma, S., Bamola, V. D., Naik, S. N., Mirdha, B. R., Padhi, M. M., Mehta, N., & Mahapatra, S. C. (2011). Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 136(3), 452–456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.012
- Cohen M. M. (2014). Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 5(4), 251–259. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.146554
- Orange J. S. (2013). Natural killer cell deficiency. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 132(3), 515–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2013.07.020
- Jamshidi, N., & Cohen, M. M. (2017). The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017, 9217567. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9217567
- Pattanayak, P., Behera, P., Das, D., & Panda, S. K. (2010). Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview. Pharmacognosy reviews, 4(7), 95–105. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.65323
Thank you for the informative article.
I am glad to know that you liked it Anugeetha!