Tulsi is an adaptogen with innumerable benefits. But it has some side effects too. It may temporarily lower fertility in men and women and is not recommended during pregnancy. It may also add to the effects of blood thinning and antidiabetic mediation and stain your teeth if chewed rather than swallowed.
Pleurisy or inflammation of the membrane which covers your lungs and chest cavity, can cause chest pain. Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving natural remedies like ginger, honey, tulsi, and caraway can help tackle it. So can turmeric, garlic, and slippery elm. Sleeping on the affected side may ease pain.
Swimmer’s ear can cause pain, discharge, and itching. Applying a mixture of vinegar and alcohol, mullein oil, garlic infused oil, tea tree oil salve, tulsi oil, or chamomile oil can help as they have an antibacterial effect. So can drinking turmeric milk or ginger tea, both of which have analgesic and antibacterial properties.
Tulsi aka holy basil has been used in Ayurveda for nearly 4000 years. It has immense healing powers. Ayurvedic scriptures reveal tulsi is great for relieving headaches and stress. There also studies that suggest tulsi can reduce diabetes, increase energy, improve eye health, reduce fever, and aids dental care. The healthiest way is to chew the leaves directly or make tea out of it.
To make an Ayurvedic garden, choose herbs with medicinal properties. Bright light, water, high-quality soil, and pots are the main essentials. For natural pain relief, grow peppermint and spearmint. Lavender, chamomile, and valerian will reduce stress and promote sleep. To keep mosquitos away, grow citronella and use it in ointments. Tulsi and marshmallow are amazing for treating skin irritation and common colds. These herbs can be used in teas, salves, and candles.
Natural remedies with antimicrobial and antihistamine effects can help you deal with swollen adenoids. Try drinking turmeric milk, chamomile tea, or thyme tea. Or take honey with lemon juice or tulsi leaf juice. Garlic juice, ginger, apples, and tomatoes can help too. So can a salt water or babul decoction gargle.
Consuming tulsi leaves or tea can reduce stress, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, and help treat fever, thrush, yeast infections. However, if you are trying for a baby, it might be best to play it safe and avoid tulsi. Also, check in with your doctor before consumption if you are on blood thinners or medication to control your cholesterol or blood sugar.
