Holy Basil- Holy plant
Most of the hindus consider Holy Basil as the holy plant and you will find this plant in front of each and every house. There are many reasons why Holy basil is considered to be the purest plant. It may be due to its medical significance. The leaves and seeds of the plant are medicinal. They are used as a disinfectant, an immune stimulant, for intestinal parasites, for the stomach, lungs, spleen, and large intestines.
The juice or infusion of the leaves is useful in bronchitis, ctaract and digestive complaints; is applied locally on relieve earache. A decoction of leaves is used to cure common colds. Seeds are useful in complaints of urinary system. Decoction of root is given in malarial fever to bring about sweating.
medicinal uses of Holy Basil:
1. Liver problems: Clean 10-15 leaves with hot water and eat every morning. Wash it down with a glass of hot water.
2. Colic: Grind 1 spoon tulsi leaves in water to make a fine paste and apply around the navel and on the abdomen.
3. Digestive problems, dysentry, gastro-enteritis and gas: A decoction of 15-20 tulsi leaves to be taken along with a pinch of rock salt.
4. Fevers of unknown origin: Boil 1 spoon leaves with 1 spoon powdered cardamon in 2 teacups water. Take 1 cup of this decoction with milk and sugar to taste, 2 or 3 times a day.
5. Cold and Cough: Tulsi leaves (15-20) to be frequently chewed with jaggery.
6. Ringworm: Grind finely a bunch of leaves and apply on the cleaned affected area.