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Tulsi - the versatile therapeutic herb New
Delhi: Tulsi or Holy Basil is the most common herb grown in the
Indian kitchen gardens. Also revered among all the household plants
in India, tulsi has innumerable medicinal properties the most common
one being for cough and cold. Botanically named ocimum sanctum, tulsi
leaves boiled in water can be taken to cure sore throat. This water
is also an ideal medium for gargle. Decoction of tulsi leaves, honey
and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma and influenza.
Tulsi leaves, besides being added to tea for taste, can also help in
preventing feverishness. In acute fever, a decoction of tulsi leaves
boiled with powdered cardamom, sugar and milk can lower and control
the temperature. Basil is useful in reducing blood cholesterol as well
as purification of blood. The leaves are good for nerves and to sharpen
memory. Basil leaves are regarded as an adaptogen, anti-stress agent.
Twelve basil leaves can be chewed twice a day to prevent stress. Chewing
of basil leaves also cures ulcers and infections in mouth. Juice of
basil leaves and honey taken regularly for six months can be useful
in expelling renal stones. Tulsi is known for its antiseptic property
to destroy bacteria and insects. A teaspoon of tulsi leaves juice can
be taken at an interval of few hours in case of insect bite. Also fresh
juice must be applied to the affected parts. Basil juice is an effective
remedy for sore eyes and night blindness. Two drops of black basil juice
should be put into the eyes daily at bedtime to cure this. Powder of
dried tulsi leaves mixed with mustard oil can be used as toothpaste
for maintaining dental health, countering bad breath and for massaging
gums. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can be applied on forehead
to get relief from headache. A few drops of juice can be put in the
ear to treat earache and dullness of hearing. The seeds of the plant
are useful in treating diarrhoea, chronic dysentery and constipation.
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