Dry cough, which is also called non-productive cough as it doesn’t produce phlegm or mucus, can sometimes worsen and take a toll on our health. A persistent dry cough can be irritable and hurt our throat. There are several reasons that could cause dry coughs such as pollutants, toxins and various other environmental factors. Hence, we need to address it as soon as possible. Unless it is too serious, we can easily treat it with natural remedies, and tulsi tea is one such effective solution. Tulsi or basil is loaded with medicinal properties, which make it an effective and safe natural remedy for dry cough.
Medicinal properties of tulsi
Tulsi is well known for its medicinal properties like anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-pyretic, anti-oxidant, antiseptic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties.
A Bengaluru-based study found that while the tulsi leaves have the highest concentration of the metabolites, its roots and stems contain minimal amount. The synthesis of the metabolites begins in the young leaves, and later the mature leaves retain the medically relevant metabolites. The leaves are also loaded with energy.
In fact, from the leaves to the seeds, basil is a powerful tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Different parts of the plant are recommended for treating different conditions, for example, tulsi flowers are good for bronchitis. The leaves and seeds can be used with black pepper for malaria. The whole plant is beneficial for diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.
Many studies have suggested that the entire basil plant can be used for its therapeutic value. The nutritional value of the plant is also high, as it contains vitamin A and C, calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll.
Tulsi acts as an anti-inflammatory and can help lower inflammation, and lowers the risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions. Chewing tulsi leaves cures fever, headache, sore throat, cold and cough.
Loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants, the tulsi essential oil can help fight free radicals in our body. It also contains water-soluble flavonoid antioxidants such as orientin and viceninare that make our immune system strong.
Tulsi’s essential oil is also a good stress-buster. It helps to manage depression and anxiety. Basil stimulates neurotransmitters that regulate the hormones responsible for happiness and energy. Chewing 10-12 tulsi leaves can control stress and manage anxiety.
Studies have found that tulsi leaves have a positive impact on reducing cholesterol level in the body, thereby preventing cardiac diseases. Basil leaves also act as a tonic for the heart. When the juice of tulsi leaves is applied locally, it is found to enhance blood circulation.
How tulsi can help cure dry cough
In Ayurveda, tulsi leaves and seeds are used for preparing concoctions to treat microbial infections and boost immunity. The best part about tulsi leaves is that we can pluck the leaves and consume them or make a thick paste and use it to fight infections.
Tulsi tea is made with leaves of basil, which is a common remedy for cold, cough and mild indigestion. This medicinal herb also relieves allergic bronchitis, asthma and eosinophilic lung diseases. Hence, along with cough and cold, tulsi leaves can take care of our respiratory health before it worsens.
The herbal decoction of tulsi leaves also has the ability to reduce fever and its symptoms. Tulsi tea is also effective against malaria and dengue fever, especially during the rainy season.
Besides cold and cough, tulsi tea can also help to cure bronchitis and asthma, as it has immunomodulatory that helps to enhance immunity. Its expectorant property helps in taking out the phlegm and provides relief in the respiratory system.
How to prepare tulsi tea
Tulsi tea can be easily prepared at home. In a pan, add a cup of water and about 15-20 tulsi leaves. Leave it to boil for 10 minutes on low flame. Cover the pan while the water is boiling so that the goodness of tulsi leaves does not evaporate. After 10 minutes, switch off the stove. Strain the extract and drink it hot or warm to treat your dry cough. You can also add some spices to the concoction such as cardamom, ginger, black pepper and cloves to give a flavour and also to make a herbal concoction. Tulsi tea will start giving relief from the first cup. Drink tulsi tea at least twice daily till you get good results.