Holy Basil

Holy basil has a strengthening effect on  the kidneys. Holy basil when chewed helps to relieve ulcers or infection of the mouth. Holy basil can reduce the level of blood cholesterol in your body.
Holy basil or Tulsi is an ancient herbal remedy from India. It is widely known for its health promoting and medicinal values and is a principal herb of Ayurveda which is the ancient traditional holistic health method of India. Ayurveda means knowledge of life and at the very heart of Ayurvedic practice are herbs. Holy basil has been used in India since before 1000BC for many ailments such as fever, malaria, dysentery, inflammation, arthritis, indigestion, skin conditions, diarrhoea, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, constipation, insect bites, and painful eye diseases.
The delicious aroma and taste of holy basil is best used fresh and added at the last minute to cooking so as not to destroy the flavour. It is best stored in a plastic bag in the fridge for a short period of time or in the freezer after being blanched quickly in boiling water for longer periods. Basil is a useful herb in your diet during winter and spring as it is known for strengthening the immune system, help remove environmental pollution and reduce the phlegm and toxins from your body.
Fight stress and lower blood sugar with holy basil.
Tulsi means “matchless” in Hindi as it has so many potential applications. It often graced Indian temples and courtyards and this is how it became known as Holy Basil. The primary benefits of this herb are to combat stress, improve digestion, and decrease blood sugar. It is also known to help the body adapt to stress in a natural healthy way.

The effect that this herb has on hormones is why it is not recommended for women that are pregnant or for those that are nursing or trying to conceive. Get the benefits of Holy Basil and feel good. 

As a herbal remedy, Holy Basil has many benefits for common ailments such as the healing powers and medicinal properties; the leaves of basil are specific for many fevers and the common cold; the leaves are regarded as an adaptogen or anti-stress agent; Basil juice applied locally is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin disorders; alleviates headaches; useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorders; has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease; the juice of the basil leaves can assist in common paediatric problems like coughs, cold, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting; this herb is a prophylactic or preventive for insect bites and stings; this herb can help a sore throat, coughs and teeth disorders.

An effective anti-allergy tea recipe that is beneficial in the spring as a natural remedy is by bringing a pint of water to the boil, remove from the heat and steep five holy basil leaves for five minutes, add two pinches of liquorice, one bay leaf, a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of cardamom. Sip this tea regularly throughout the day, taking 1 to 2 sips every 30 to 60 minutes and up to half a cup at a time if you are thirsty. A remedy rumoured to have wonderful health benefits is Tulsi also known as Holy Basil.