Benefits of Tulsi

In case you are wondering why Hindus worship Tulsi, here are 15 reasons why:

1. Tulsi helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma, and therefore, is an important constituent of almost all Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. Chewing tulsi leaves also relieves cold and flu.
2. Tulsi is very helpful for sore throat. Water boiled with tulsi leaves can be taken as drink or used as a gargle in case of sore throat. Many Indian singers resort to Tulsi whenever they have sore throat.
3. Tulsi is highly beneficial in the treatment of all respiratory disorders in general. A decoction of Tulsi leaves with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough, and cold. A decoction of Tulsi leaves, cloves, and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza.
4. Tulsi is a nerve tonic and also sharpens memory. It promotes the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. Tulsi leaves also strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seeds of the plant are mucilaginous.
5. Tulsi is helpful for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, Tulsi leaves boiled with tea act as preventive medicine against these diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of Tulsi leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a litre of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of Tulsi leaves can also be used to bring down fever. Extract of Tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between, one can keep giving sips of cold water. It is especially very effective in bringing down the temperature in children.
6. Tulsi helps strengthen the kidneys. In case of kidney stones or renal stones, if the juice of Tulsi leaves and honey is taken regularly for 6 months, it results in the kidney stones or renal stones being expelled via the urinary tract.
7. Tulsi has a beneficial effect in all heart diseases or heart disorders and the weakness resulting from them. It also helps to reduce the level of blood cholesterol.
8. Tulsi is very helpful in children's ailments or common pediatric problems like cough, cold, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting, and all of them respond favorably to the juice of Tulsi leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, Tulsi leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.
9. Tulsi acts as an adaptogen or anti-stress agent and reduces stress. Recent studies have shown that Tulsi leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of Tulsi, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common ailments.
10. Tulsi is very effective for ulcers and infections in the mouth. Chewing a few Tulsi leaves will cure these conditions.
11. Tulsi is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. Fresh Tulsi juice must also be applied to the affected parts for relief. A paste of fresh Tulsi roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.
12. Tulsi is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases if Tulsi juice is applied locally. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.
13. Tulsi is useful in teeth disorders. Tulsi 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. Tulsi makes a great medicine for headache. A decoction of Tulsi leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded Tulsi 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. Tulsi is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black Tulsi juice if put into the eyes daily at bedtime will help cure these conditions.

Still wondering why Indians worship Tulsi or why it is called "Holy Basil" or "Sacred Basil" or why even its scientific name - Ocimum Sanctum - gives credence to and confirms its sanctity?