7 Health Benefits Of Tulsi Leaves For Stress Relief And Mental Calmness

If you are someone who walks into a room and keeps forgetting why or stays lying awake with racing thoughts, then you need something to relieve stress. Now, you might blame your work or personal life or any other factors for this spike in stress, but the fact is that stress is an everyday part of life. What matters more is understanding the science behind it and biohacking it if you can. Rising stress may be due to the elevated stress hormone 'cortisol' being secreted in the head and sending signals to the body that you need to take a break. According to Ayurveda, when there is persistent stress in daily life, certain herbal remedies can be used to reduce the level of stress that may be causing anxiety or insomnia.

Tulsi or holy basil, specifically its leaves, is one such natural remedy that can calm the nervous system, initiating a state of mental calmness. Studies indicate that holy basil addresses various types of stress, including psychological stress, which is a common problem among the Indian population. Holy basil consumption has positive effects on memory and brain function, and it even has antidepressant properties. This is not all; holy basil has numerous health benefits that make it the go-to remedy for stress relief and mental calmness.

7 Health Benefits Of Tulsi For Stress Relief And Mental Calmness

1. A Natural Stress Reliever

Holy basil has various health benefits, including calming the nervous system. It acts as an adaptogenic herb, which means that it actively adapts to the heightened levels of stress and works on reducing cortisol levels.

If you are someone who gets sick when they are stressed, then drinking holy basil tea can help. A change in season can bring certain mental health challenges, so holy basil can help support the body by keeping the mind calm. Studies have confirmed that holy basil consumption can actively lower stress levels.

2. Boosts Mental Clarity And Focus

Studies confirm that tulsi leaf extract can actively enhance specific cognitive parameters in healthy adults. It provides evidence that holy basil has neuroprotective, cognition-enhancing, and stress-relieving effects, which are beneficial for mental clarity and focus.

Studies indicate that consistent holy basil consumption in the recommended dosage can help improve memory retention and reduce brain fog. Not only science but also Ayurvedic texts have highlighted holy basil's role in balancing mind and body.

Read More: Dark Chocolate, Berries May Help Boost Memory And Relieve Stress: Study

3. Regulates Cortisol And Anxiety Levels

Cortisol is the stress hormone that is responsible for tension building in the body and mind. Holy basil can help remedy this stress by balancing hormones, such as cortisol, which, when produced in excess, can lead to chronic stress.

Studies detail that holy basil extract can significantly reduce the stress response and chronic cortisol excretion.

This also improves anxiety symptoms naturally without any side effects. Even though holy basil is suitable for healthy adults, people with chronic health conditions should seek medical guidance before introducing tulsi into their diet.

This herbal remedy can promote emotional stability through effective management of anxiety, such as excessive fear, dread, or constant worry over things out of your control.

4. Improves Sleep Quality

Studies have documented that holy basil can reduce stress and boost mood, which in turn leads to an increase in sleep quality. Regulated tulsi extract consumption can benefit the sleep cycles, leading to consistent and undisturbed sleep.

The bioactive compounds in holy basil help calm the mind, reduce insomnia, and promote relaxation. Consuming tulsi tea can act as a natural bedtime remedy for stress-induced sleeplessness.

Read More: 12 Science-Backed Health Hacks For Deep Sleep

5. Strengthens Immunity During Stress

Studies document that holy basil can strengthen immunity, particularly during periods of high stress. It has adaptogenic properties help the body cope with various stressors, which in turn can support immune function.

Chronic stress can weaken the body, including the immune system, which needs to be addressed in the adrenal system, which regulates cortisol release. Holy basil builds resilience against stress, as it is rich in antioxidants that help protect against infections.

6. Supports Emotional Balance

Studies have documented that holy basil has therapeutic effects on neurocognition and mood, reporting favourable clinical outcomes related to psychological stress.

Additionally, holy basil can help initiate mental calmness and stabilise mood swings. It also helps manage irritability and emotional fatigue, which can take a toll on mental health.

7. Detoxifies The Body And Mind

The main stress-relieving aspect of holy basil is that it can filter out toxins through its adaptogenic functions. The human body can accumulate toxins that can multiply due to stress. People need a dose of regular detoxification for overall wellness and enhanced mental clarity.

Tulsi, or holy basil, can provide mental health benefits as well as offer overall physical wellness, but only to a certain extent. Consume tulsi water in moderation as per the doctor's guidance for effective stress relief and mental calmness.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

References:

Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons - PMC. (2004). 

The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans - NIH. (2017).