Asian basil (Tulsi) – an unusual Indian herb that nurtures inner harmony and healthy sleep

Known as the elixir of life or queen of herbs, Asian basil has deep spiritual and symbolic significance. Its historical and religious role, combined with its remarkable health benefits, make it a unique herb. It not only promotes self-improvement, but also has a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and tension. Its profound effect on the psyche makes it an essential ingredient in meditation practices. Moreover, its antioxidant properties protect neurons from damage and improve the functioning of the nervous system. In addition, tulsi has a positive effect on the quality of night rest. It allows for the comprehensive renewal of both body and mind during a peaceful and relaxing sleep.

In a nutshell:

• In traditional Indian medicine and culture, Asian basil, also known as tulsi or holy basil, holds a prominent position. Revered as the queen of herbs, it has immense religious and spiritual value, while also exhibiting a variety of health benefits.

• Tulsi is rich in phytochemicals that strengthen the immune system and protect the body from infection and disease.

• With its adaptogenic properties, Tulsi helps manage stress, supporting the whole body’s ability to adapt. It effectively lowers cortisol levels and improves emotional well-being.

• Consistent use of Asian basil has very beneficial results for well-being. The herb also protects neurons from damage and prevents the onset of neurodegenerative disorders.

• Tulsi is known for providing support for cognitive function. It promotes mental clarity, improves concentration and memory, and ultimately increases intellectual productivity.

• The use of Asian basil contributes to a state of homeostasis in the body. It also provides a pathway to healthy and rejuvenating sleep. Its soothing properties contribute to a deeper and calmer rest throughout the night.

Asian basil (Ocimum sanctum) – beneficial effects on the entire body in an aura of mysticism

Asian basil, also known as tulsi or holy basil, is a plant that may not be widely recognized in our country, but certainly deserves a lot of attention. Often called the elixir of life or a medicine straight from nature, this remarkable herb has many distinctive properties. In Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu medical system, Asian basil has long been a remedy for a wide range of conditions. Among other things, it has proven effective in relieving pain, treating insect and snake bites, relieving coughs and asthma, reducing gastrointestinal complaints, and even aiding in the healing of stubborn wounds.

Holy basil, while visually similar to common basil, differs from it in other respects, such as its composition, properties and origin. Originating from the Indian Peninsula, the species belongs to the butterfly family (Lamiaceae). Although in its natural habitat it thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, it can also adapt to temperate climates, albeit with some growth restrictions.

Asian basil is an undersized basil species that typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm. It has abundant, dense branches that are covered with lots of tiny hairs. Tulsi leaves have an oval shape, velvety texture, serrated edges and a green or purple hue. Clusters of flowers, tinged with shades of purple, are gathered at the tops of the stems. The plant’s leaves emit an exceptionally strong aroma and have an equally strong flavor.

Tulsi, revered in Hinduism as a divine figure in the plant kingdom, personifies the goddess Tulasi Devi (associated with the god Vishnu). This sacred plant represents purity and spiritual power. As part of religious ceremonies to promote joy and prosperity, dried tulsi leaves, along with food, are offered to Krishna. In addition, tulsi serves as a valuable tool for meditation. It helps practitioners achieve a balanced state of mind. Its fragrance brings inner peace, increases mental clarity and facilitates relaxation. Moreover, tulsi finds its place in daily prayers, and its roots and branches are transformed into beads for meditation.

Unusual composition of Asian basil

Asian basil contains a wealth of bioactive components, such as essential oil, various terpenes, organic acids and phenols, which give it the ability to holistically address a variety of conditions. Moreover, the plant has a protective and revitalizing effect on the body. Therefore, its daily preventive use is recommended, especially in situations where we often encounter stressors in our daily lives.

Asian basil has remarkable properties due to its high concentration of flavonoids, including orientin, luteolin and apigenin. These flavonoids contribute to the herb’s anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anticancer effects. In addition, flavonoids act as powerful antioxidants, effectively reducing the likelihood of developing lifestyle diseases.

What’s more, tulsi contains ursolic acid, which plays a key role in promoting heart health, regulating blood sugar levels and improving metabolism. That’s not all. The presence of cerebrosides in Asian basil is extremely beneficial for the structure of nerve tissue and the strengthening of cell membranes.

Asian basil also contains eugenol and oleanolic acid, which have remarkable properties for fighting bacteria and fungi and eliminating inflammation. These attributes make tulsi excellent for both external and internal infections. In addition, the adaptogenic, soothing and calming effects of Asian basil can be attributed to rosmarinic acid and terpenes such as linalool, limonene, tymol, camphor.

Health-promoting properties of Asian basil

Thanks to its powerful adaptogenic properties, Asian basil serves as a powerful defense shield against stress and an ally for optimal body performance. Throughout history, this versatile herb has been revered for its remarkable healing properties, promoting longevity and overall well-being. Its diverse array of active ingredients makes it an essential part of a healthy diet. Let’s take a look at some of the key health benefits resulting from the use of tulsi:

It strengthens the immune system, activates the production of antibodies, and mobilizes the body to fight infections faster.

It has adaptogenic properties, showing the ability to reduce cortisol production in the adrenal glands. This serves to counteract the harmful effects of stress and leads to a reduction in nervous tension and an overall improvement in well-being.

Tulsi exhibits deep cleansing, anti-inflammatory, soothing and antibacterial effects, thus helping to speed up the healing of wounds and other skin ailments.

Thanks to tulsi, our body’s cells are better protected against free radical damage. This defense against free radicals not only slows down the aging process, but also reduces the likelihood of developing diseases of civilization.

Regular consumption of tulsi can effectively lower blood cholesterol levels . This remarkable attribute of tulsi not only promotes a healthy heart, but also serves as a preventive measure against cardiovascular ailments.

Tulsi, an herb with anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to inhibit the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, has long been used in some countries as a complementary therapy for the treatment of malaria. In addition, holy basil helps treat other conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, genital complaints, flu-like illnesses and arthritis.

Other health properties of Asian basil:

• Improving gastrointestinal function – tulsi has the ability to relieve stomach discomfort by improving digestive processes and normalizing the digestive system.

• Enhancing cognitive abilities – tulsi exhibits neuroprotective properties that promote optimal brain function. This results in improved concentration and memory abilities.

• By enhancing metabolic function, tulsi can be beneficial for those wishing to lose weight or seeking to maintain a healthy body weight.

• Promoting a sense of inner peace, tulsi helps regulate mood, relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality. Additionally, it plays a significant role in restoring mental and emotional balance.

Asian basil – lower stress levels, peace of mind and better sleep quality

Achieving peaceful sleep is much easier if we maintain a state of internal balance and effectively manage our emotions to relieve nervous tension. Asian basil, known for its well-documented adaptogenic properties and ability to combat anxiety and depression, can play a key role in achieving such a state of balance.

By enhancing the body’s ability to adapt to stressful situations, Tulsi relieves anxiety, prevents sudden mood swings, and counteracts chronic fatigue, discouragement and nervous disorders.

Regular and long-term use of tulsi has the effect of reducing both physiological and psychological stress, providing us with relief from unpleasant stress-related symptoms. This includes a reduction in irritability and nervousness, excessive sweating, mental exhaustion, compulsive behavior and mood swings.

Tulsi is effective for both acute and chronic stress. It protects our body from the harmful effects of stressors and improves mental well-being. To realize its full potential, consistent and long-term use is recommended.

Asian basil is also a reliable way to achieve a state of relaxation. Its abundance of terpene compounds makes it easier to achieve tranquility, relaxation and calmness. By regulating cortisol production, the herb relieves emotional stress and stabilizes mood. Thanks to these properties, it has a beneficial effect on the quality of our sleep.

Evening use of tulsi facilitates a smoother transition into sleep, combats any sleep disturbances at night and improves the quality and efficiency of our sleep. It is worth noting that Asian basil plays an important role in maintaining stable levels of acetylcholine in the brain. This neurotransmitter is very important because it regulates various psychological functions, including the sleep-wake cycle.

Check out: Ranking of stress quilts

Asian basil and its positive effects on brain function

Asian basil has an intense effect on the nervous system, making it one of the most dynamic plants in this regard. Its action goes beyond protecting neurons from degradation and death. It also actively promotes neurogenesis, or the formation of new nerve cells.

Numerous compounds found in tulsi have been shown to promote brain health and improve cognitive abilities, including concentration, memory, reasoning, and assimilation of information. These compounds are involved in the development of new neural pathways, improving brain plasticity and enhancing both creativity and analytical skills.

In what forms is tulsi available and what are the recommended methods of using it?

Fresh Asian basil leaves are a versatile addition to culinary compositions, including meat dishes, soups, pastes, pasta dishes, snacks, salads, as well as cocktails and teas. Fresh Asian basil leaves can also be chewed.

Powdered tulsi leaves, which can be found in organic and herbal stores, can be mixed with water to create a refreshing health-promoting drink. They can also be added to smoothies and dishes or applied topically to the skin and hair.

A commonly preferred method is to consume Asian basil in the form of infusions. To prepare such an infusion, pour 1 tablespoon of dried tulsi leaves into 1 cup of boiling water. The mixture should be covered and left to infuse for 10 minutes.

The essential oils of Asian basil are also valuable in terms of use. They have the potential to reduce stress and induce feelings of relaxation in both body and mind, making them suitable for aromatherapy or massage.

Tulsi is also available in the form of dietary supplements. If you value convenience and simplicity, as well as a concentrated dose of the active ingredient in a small portion of the product, Asian basil extract capsules will be an ideal option. It is usually recommended to consume one or two capsules per day. It is important to follow the recommended dosages given by the manufacturer of the supplement.

Also read about other herbs that improve sleep quality:

• Chinese citronella
• Catnip
• Forest fennel
• Blister of swallowwort

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