| Basil is by far one of the most popular herbs, noted | | | | progression. |
| for both its wonderful flavor and its lovely form and | | | | More Americans suffer from allergies than ever |
| color. Describing its flavor is not easy; sweet and | | | | before. Perhaps the best remedy for allergies is |
| pungent, it can taste of lemon, licorice, mint, even | | | | drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. Garlic and |
| cinnamon! The plants come in many colors, from | | | | cayenne pepper have been used for years, and a |
| bright green to deep purple. Although it is grown for | | | | good intestinal cleansing has been shown to provide |
| flavor, some are used as ornamentals. Most basils are | | | | relief. Almonds and walnuts, as well as sunflower |
| native to Africa, Asia and India where they are | | | | seeds, reduce symptoms, and make sure that you |
| grown as perennials. | | | | are taking a multi-vitamin with the recommended |
| Tulsi finds great importance in respiratory tract | | | | doses of vitamins C, A, E and zinc. |
| disease. It gives marvelous results in upper | | | | It was used in reducing the toxicity of various |
| respiratory tract infection (URTI). As mentioned | | | | poisons, including insect and reptile bites, to expel |
| earlier that it acts rigorously on kapha hence it works | | | | intestinal parasites, repel insects and purify the air. |
| as good expectorant relieving from wet cough. It | | | | Modern research on this wonder herb has revealed |
| also finds its good use in bronchitis and asthmatic | | | | many of its less known qualities. Basil protects against |
| conditions. It helps to fight the cause of allergy by | | | | and reduces stress; enhance stamina and endurance. |
| which our respiratory tract gets inflamed and then | | | | It helps increase the body's efficient use of oxygen; |
| resolves the causative agent. Good results have also | | | | boost the immune system; reduce inflammation; |
| been seen in anti-tubercular treatment as it works as | | | | protect against radiation damage, stems rapid ageing, |
| antibiotic eliminating the bacteria. It also shows good | | | | supports the heart, lungs and liver; has antibiotic, |
| results in chest pains. Tulsi finds great use in fever as | | | | antiviral and antifungal properties; enhances the |
| it act as antipyretic, pain reliever, and provides | | | | efficacy of many other therapeutic treatments; and |
| strength to our body. | | | | provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other |
| Vitamin E is the primary antioxidant found in all | | | | nutrients. |
| tissues. Low vitamin E levels are consistently | | | | A potpourri of dried basil leaves and flowers can be |
| associated with an increased risk and occurrence of | | | | used to create a fragrant atmosphere in the house |
| neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s and | | | | or office. It is a natural pesticide, burn sprigs of basil |
| Parkinson’s. In a study of patients with | | | | to drive away mosquitoes. A potted basil plant in the |
| Alzheimer’s, treatment with 2000 IU of vitamin E | | | | kitchen windowsill will deter flies. Basil has been used |
| per day for 2 years was beneficial in delaying the | | | | as a tonic to aid digestion, steep in water or boil in |
| primary outcome (time to the occurrence of death, | | | | water while preparing tea. Basil oil is known to relieve |
| institutionalization, loss of ability to perform activities | | | | mental fatigue; it is widely used in aromatherapy. |
| of daily living, and severe dementia) of disease | | | | |