JOIN USTulsi is packed with vitamins, electrolytes, minerals, and phytonutrients. Tulsi or holy basil or ocimum tenuiflorum is known for its numerous health and beauty benefits. The medicinal herb can be used for everything from a common cold to a heart disorder. It is known to strengthen immunity and is antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral. Owing to its properties, tulsi can also cure a variety of skin and hair issues.
Following are some benefits of tulsi for skincare:
Slows ageing: The anti-ageing properties of basil are not unknown. The herb is super-rich in antioxidants, which give it the ability to rejuvenate the skin. It also protects the skin against the effects of oxidative damage. You can either consume basil water (boil a few leaves in water and drink it) or apply the extract to your face and wash it off.
Gives a glow: Basil powder is a must-have ingredient in your skincare regime. You just need to rub finely powdered dry basil leaves on your face. This will exfoliate the skin, clear the clogged pores, help remove dark spots, finally rendering your face the much-needed glow. You can also mix a few drops of water with the powder and apply the paste on your face like a mask and wash it off after 10 to 15 minutes.
Prevents acne: Basil leaves purify the blood by removing toxins. The antibacterial and antifungal agents in the leaves help you achieve this. You just need to make a paste of basil leaves, sandalwood extracts, and rose water, and apply it on your face. Leave it on for about 20 minutes, and wash it off with cold water. Using tulsi tea in the paste or just drinking it frequently can also help treat acne.
Cures skin infections: Basil also possesses antibiotic properties, which help treat infections. The leaves restrict the growth of bacteria like bacillus anthracis and E. coli that cause skin infections. A simple concoction prepared by grinding and boiling 250 gm of basil leaves, along with sesame oil of equal quantity, can help treat conditions like itchy and inflamed skin.
Lightens skin tone: Make a paste out of basil leaves and combine this with besan or gram flour. The former cleanses the skin, while the latter lightens the tone. Applying this paste on your face and neck can improve your skin tone and clear your complexion.
(The author is beauty expert, Divine Organics)