Are you aware that eating holy basil or tulsi on an empty stomach can benefit your health? Let’s delve into the advantages of this practice and how it can fit into your daily nutrition.
The Tulsi or holy basil plant holds great significance in Ayurvedic and naturopathic practices. This plant, also considered sacred in Hinduism, is largely grown in the Indian subcontinent and tropical regions in some Southeast Asian countries. Beyond its cultural and religious importance, the holy basil is highly valued for its numerous health-related properties. The Tulsi plant can boost immunity, promote heart health, and offer many more benefits that are yet to be discovered. Additionally, this budget-friendly herb is frequently advised by elders as a remedy for digestive aches and for immunity enhancement.
What benefits does Tulsi offer?
Owning to its properties, consumption of tulsi can yield numerous health benefits. Here are a few examples:
1. Aids digestion
Beginning your day with tulsi-infused water can be beneficial for your gut. It triggers enzyme activity and facilitates the expulsion of toxins from your body. It may also offer relief from symptoms like bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Also Read: Give these 9 herbs and spices a try for optimum gut health
![A woman with stomach pain A woman suffering from stomach pain](https://images.healthshots.com/healthshots/en/uploads/2024/02/14130839/celery-juice-side-effect-2-370x207.jpg)
2. Strengthens immunity
A robust immune system shields the body against harmful pathogens which may infiltrate and cause illnesses. A compromised immune system may put you at an increased risk of infections and ailments. According to Dr Chanchal Sharma, daily consumption of tulsi, on an empty stomach, can augment the body’s immunity. The essential oils and antioxidants present in tulsi can fortify the immune system and arm the body against diseases and infections.
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3. Purifies the body
Detoxification refers to the purification of blood, which involves removing all impurities from the blood in the liver. Tulsi helps cleanse your body of toxins, leading to enhanced health. A study in the "”>Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine noted the presence of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties in tulsi that help to detoxify the body.
4. Boosts respiratory health
The holy basil plant, replete with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, can help mitigate respiratory conditions such as cold, cough, and asthma, as per the expert. Research also supports the positive impact of daily holy basil consumption on respiratory health. Published in the journal Ayurvedic, it suggests that holy basil liquifies phlegm, making it an effective remedy for allergic bronchitis, asthma, and eosinophilic lung diseases.
5. Alleviates stress and anxiety
With the mounting pressures of life, work, and domestic chores, it’s common for individuals to feel stressed and anxious. You can overcome these feelings with tulsi. Dr Sharma states that holy basil has adaptogenic properties that can combat stress and anxiety.
Also Read: Unwind and relax your stress levels with the potency of Tulsi
6. Supports heart health
Incorporating tulsi or holy basil into your food intake might help stave off cardiovascular diseases. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that ocimum sanctum or holy basil leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially lower the cardiovascular disease risk. Additionally, tulsi can help bring down cholesterol levels, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
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7. Regulates blood sugar levels
Tulsi or basil leaves may be advantageous for individuals diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and those who are in prediabetic stages. According to research published in the Journal of Functional Foods, consuming tulsi can help reduce fasting blood glucose levels and lower the likelihood of metabolic disease in the elderly.
How to incorporate tulsi or holy basil into your diet?
Dr Sharma suggests various ways to add tulsi to your eating routine:
1. Prepare tulsi tea
- Infuse some tulsi leaves (fresh or dried) in hot water and let it steep.
- Allow it to brew for a few minutes.
- Strain and drink it in the morning to kickstart the day on a positive note.
2. Make tulsi-infused water
- Add a few fresh tulsi leaves to a pitcher of water.
- Refrigerate it overnight to facilitate the infusion process.
- Drink it first thing in the morning.
3. Try tulsi juice
- Extract the juice of tulsi leaves.
- Mix it with a glass of water.
- Drink this concoction on an empty stomach to boost nutrient assimilation.
4. Mix tulsi with honey and pepper
Mix a few tulsi leaves with honey and black pepper and consume it on an empty stomach to prevent allergic cold and sinus.
5. Chew fresh tulsi leaves
For promoting overall health, chewing a few raw tulsi leaves, an age-old practice in Ayurveda, is recommended on an empty stomach. However, do discuss this with your healthcare provider before altering your diet accordingly.
Also Read: Explore more benefits of consuming tulsi on an empty stomach! Click here!
Who should refrain from including tulsi in their diets?
Though safe for most individuals, there are certain groups that should avoid consuming tulsi:
- Pregnant women: Tulsi may trigger uterine contractions that could potentially disrupt pregnancy. It may also cause complications during labor and affect the postpartum menstrual cycles.
- Individuals on blood thinners: Tulsi’s blood-thinning properties might interfere with anticoagulants or drugs that have similar influences.
- Pre- or post-surgery individuals: To avoid possible effects on blood coagulation, tulsi consumption should be avoided by those planning surgeries or who have just undergone one.
- Individuals with hormonal imbalance: Tulsi consumption may lower the thyroxine hormone level useful for managing conditions like hypothyroidism.
Always consult a healthcare expert before adding tulsi to your diet. When purchasing tulsi online, be sure it is sourced from a reliable and trusted supplier to avoid contamination.
![tulsi tulsi](https://images.healthshots.com/healthshots/en/uploads/2022/05/22214900/tulsi-370x207.jpg)
Are side effects of consuming tulsi evident?
Despite being safe for general usage and offering a myriad of health benefits, tulsi can also potentially cause allergic reactions. If you’re taking certain medications, tulsi might interfere with their functionality. Therefore, a consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before beginning tulsi consumption. Additionally, stop using tulsi if you experience mild or severe reactions.
Did you know consuming holy basil or tulsi on an empty stomach is good for your health? Here are the benefits and how you can add it to your diet.
Tulsi or holy basil plant is of significant importance in Ayurveda and naturopathy. It is considered a holy plant in Hinduism and is widely found in the Indian subcontinent. Apart from that, it is commonly found in some tropical regions of Southeast Asian countries. While the holy basil is known for its religious significance, it is also prized for the health benefits it offers. From boosting immunity to supporting heart health, there are many health benefits of the Tulsi plant you must know. Plus, this inexpensive herb is often recommended by mothers for relieving digestive pain to boosting immunity.
What are the benefits of Tulsi?
Consuming tulsi can be extremely beneficial for your health. The benefits of basil leaves include:
1. Promotes digestion
Starting your day with tulsi water may be good for your stomach. It helps activate enzymes and flush out the toxins from your body. It helps relieve symptoms such as gas, bloating, and digestion.
Also Read: Trust these 9 herbs and spices to keep your gut health in check
![A woman with stomach ache A woman with stomach ache](https://images.healthshots.com/healthshots/en/uploads/2024/02/14130839/celery-juice-side-effect-2-370x207.jpg)
2. Boosts immunity
A strong immunity means that your body is able to protect you against harmful pathogens trying to enter your system and make you sick. A weak immunity can put you at risk of developing infections and illnesses. You can have tulsi on an empty stomach every day to bolster your immunity, says Dr Chanchal Sharma. It is packed with essential oils and antioxidants that help fortify the immune system and protect the body from illness and infections.
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3. Detoxifies the body
Detoxification is the purifying of blood and getting rid of all the impurities from the blood in the liver. Tulsi can help detoxify your body helping you cleanse the body of its impurities, which promotes better health. A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that tulsi contains phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties that help detoxify your body.
4. Promotes respiratory health
Holy basil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help alleviate respiratory issues such as asthma, cough and cold, says the expert. Studies have also found a link between consuming holy basil and promoting respiratory health. A study published in the journal Ayurvedic, holy basil liquefies the phlegm and is effective in treating allergic bronchitis, asthma and eosinophilic lung diseases.
5. Reduces stress and anxiety
Managing life, work and home can trigger stress and anxiety in people. It has become a very common problem these days. You can try Tulsi to combat stress and anxiety. Dr Sharma explains that holy basil contains adaptogenic properties that helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Also Read: Put your stress levels to rest with the power of Tulsi
6. Promotes heart health
Including tulsi or holy basil in your diet might help you keep cardiovascular diseases at bay. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ocimim sanctum or holy basil leaves contain anti-inflammatory properties that help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Tulsi also helps lower cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
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7. Lowers blood sugar levels
Tulsi or basil leaves might be beneficial for people with type-2 diabetes and those who are prediabetics. A study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that consuming tulsi can help lower fasting blood glucose levels and reduce the chances of metabolic disease in older adults.
How to add tulsi or holy basil to your diet?
There are various ways to add tulsi to your diet. Here are the ways suggested by Dr Sharma:
1. Tulsi tea
- Steep some tulsi leaves (fresh or dried) in hot water.
- Let it cook for a few minutes.
- Strain it and drink it in the morning to start your day on a fresh note.
2. Tulsi-infused water
- Add some fresh tulsi leaves to a pitcher filled with water.
- Refrigerate the mixture overnight to allow the infusion to take place.
- Drink it first thing in the morning.
Also Read: 6 health benefits of adding tulsi water daily
3. Tulsi juice
- Extract the juice of tulsi leaves.
- Now, mix it with a glass of water.
- Drink the mixture on an empty stomach to boost nutrient absorption.
4. With honey and pepper
- Take some tulsi leaves and add honey and black pepper to it.
- Consume it on an empty stomach to prevent allergic cold and sinus.
5. Chew tulsi leaves
Chewing tulsi is a conventional Ayurvedic method that enhances general health when consumed on an empty stomach. However, you must check with your healthcare provider before adding them to your diet.
Also Read: To know more benefits of having tulsi on empty stomach, check this out!
Who should avoid adding tulsi to your diet?
While it is considered safe to consume, here are some people who should avoid consuming tulsi:
- Pregnant woman: Tulsi may cause contractions in the uterus, which could cause problems during pregnancy. It can also cause issues with labour or the postpartum menstrual cycle.
- People on blood thinners: Tulsi contains blood thinning properties that may interact with anticoagulants and other drugs that also have similar effects.
- Before or after surgery: People with a surgery planned or just underwent surgery should avoid consuming tulsi due its possible effects on blood coagulation.
- People with hormonal imbalance: Consuming tulsi may reduce the levels of thyroid hormone thyroxine, which can worsen conditions such as hypothyroidism.
It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before including tulsi in your diet. Also, if you purchase tulsi online, make sure it is coming from a reliable supplier to reduce contamination.
![tulsi tulsi](https://images.healthshots.com/healthshots/en/uploads/2022/05/22214900/tulsi-370x207.jpg)
Are there any side effects of consuming tulsi?
While it considered to safe to consume, and there are numerous benefits of tulsi, it can also trigger allergic reactions in people. Consuming tulsi may interact with certain medications so it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before consuming tulsi. Also, stop consuming it in case you notice mild or adverse effects.