– Aparna Chatterjee

So, how often have you seen Tulsi used in your households? Living in a Hindu Family, we were taught that Tulsi is a holy herb from an early age. Only later did I realize why. From kaadhaas to Prashad, this herb is crucial to many things. From our Dadi’s kitchen to Vicks Vaporub, this little herb has found its way of taking care of us.

One of the healthiest and most commonly available herbs is Indian Basil, known as Tulsi; the medical benefits of this herb are not obscure, and yet we do not use it very often except for our Grandma’s. The advantage of Tulsi over Italian Basil is that it is more flavorsome, fragrant, and proven to possess advanced medicinal properties. Italian Basil is sweeter and, hence, widely used in cuisine. However, we can use half the proportion of Indian Basil for the required flavor.

Here are some excellent ways to include Indian Basil in your diet!

• Chew a couple of leaves (Like cows!):

Chewing a few leaves will improve your immunity, treating and preventing common colds and fevers.

It comes packed with vitamin A, magnesium, and many other nutrients that can help protect cell walls from free radical damage, improve blood flow, and help stop cholesterol from oxidizing in the bloodstream.

• Make Basil ice cubes:

Chop some leaves and set them in ice trays. Fill it with coconut water, fruit squash, or anything you like. Freeze it for 4-6 hours, and voila! Healthy and refreshing cubes are ready!

The versatility of this recipe can go as broad as your imagination can.

Use it in fruit juice, iced tea, or fruit beer, or add some fruits and turn it into a Popsicle! (This is my personal favorite!)

• Use it in your detox:

Detox drinks help to flush out excessive toxins. It’s widely used to aid in losing weight. This makes sense since the first step to a better you is to throw away all the bad cholesterol and replenish your cells with good organic doses. And if you are looking forward to losing some extra pounds or simply getting your digestive tract right, this tip is for you.

Things you’ll need:

1. 1 L of water
2. One sliced cucumber.
3. One sliced lemon.
4. 1/2 Tsp minced ginger.
5. 1/2 Tsp minced mint.
6. 1/2 Tsp minced basil.
7. Rock salt, as per taste.

Procedure:

Fill up a jar/jug with these ingredients and infuse them overnight. Drink it as you like throughout the next day. Drinking it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning is recommended for proper cleansing. 

Vitamin C is essential in this journey to add citric fruit. The combination of cucumber and mint works tremendously to lose that extra pooch in your belly. Oranges, limes, and grapefruits will work perfectly for this drink. Also, it has been discovered that Kiwi contains a higher quantity of vitamin C than most other citrics and is immensely packed with vitamin E and antioxidants; you can surely add it to your detox.