Nosh on basil or tulsi to beat stress and get better sleep tonight

When it comes to the uses of tulsi, we have always known for its medicinal properties. But did you know it can de-stress you too? Read on to know more.
Tulsi uses
Is tulsi really a stress buster or it’s all a hoax? Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 1 Oct 2020, 11:54 am IST
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Whether it’s a severe cough or cold, tulsi has always been helpful when it comes to curing almost all health issues! Tulsi or basil brings back so many childhood memories, when your mum would make kadha, every time you sneezed out loud. Of course, there’s a good reason why it’s called the ‘queen of herbs’, and now let’s tell you a secret: one of the uses of tulsi is that it can help beat stress!

Tulsi can help you with stress because…
Ayurveda has answers for almost everything under the sun. Tulsi or basil is a very prominent part of this science, especially because it’s a strong adaptogen. Basically, adaptogens are healing herbs that help to relieve stress and anxiety.

When you are stressed or anxious, then there are a lot of hormones like cortisol that are released in your body. Consuming an adaptogen counters their harmful effects by stimulating the glands that help in production of endorphins and oxytocin, and that’s how it helps you relax. 

According to a study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, tulsi is bitter in taste, and when taken with hot water or in the form of tea has a great impact when it comes to relieving stress. That’s because it penetrates to the deep tissues, and normalises kapha and vata.

tulsi uses
A massage from tulsi oil can also help in reliving headache. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

It also suggests that consuming tulsi on a daily basis helps you deal better with day-to-day stress, as it helps you to maintain your emotional disposition. Plus, tulsi is an antidepressant, and that makes it a much healthier and organic option to keep your cognitive health in check.

Tulsi helps in maintaining your internal balance
The study also highlights that tulsi helps in the promotion of homeostasis. Homeostasis is an internal state that needs to be maintained, irrespective of what’s happening in the outer world. It balances the level of chemicals and hormones in your body that helps in balancing your overall well-being.

tulsi uses
Tulsi is a herb can benefit you in multiple ways. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

And because stress has become a part and parcel of our daily life, it becomes all the more important that you include tulsi, as part of your wellness routine.

Now you know why you’re served basil tea right after a nice spa session? All these properties that tulsi has can easily help you keep stress at bay!

 So, nosh on it and feel good!

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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