The world is still reeling from the havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the virus shows no sign of slowing down. The vaccination drives are underway, but this hasn’t stopped the spread, nor has it brought any semblance of normalcy around us. This chaotic event has once again brought our immunity under the limelight. Can a robust immune system prevent or cure the illness? Can immune-boosting wonders such as the tulsi help us beat the coronavirus?
While a strong immune system is highly beneficial for our health, preventing us from falling sick by defending our body from attacks cannot prevent the coronavirus from infecting us. Nonetheless, strong immunity can help our body fight the disease to some extent.
So, how can you build a robust immune system? There are many ways to boost our immunity; some are born with a strong immune system, but not everyone is blessed with it. There are many ways to achieve this; exercise, good sleep, leading a stress-free life, and following a healthy diet can help you strengthen your body. There are many foods that are extremely beneficial for your mind, body, and optimal health, but only a few make it to the top of the list as the ultimate immune-boosting foods. The popular Indian herb Tulsi is considered to be among those nutritional powerhouses. Many people might have suggested you have tulsi for immunity. The holy basil is perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when you think about strengthening your immune system. So, what makes tulsi the immune-boosting powerhouse that it is? Let’s find out!
What Makes Tulsi the Ultimate Immune Boosting Herb?
Tulsi is a plant that is native to India and also widely cultivated across South East Asia. The herb has been called “holy”, “elixir of life”, and many other names for its remarkable properties. The uses of tulsi leaves are manifold; they help your mind and body by relieving stress and anxiety, slowing down the ageing process, and of course, boosting the immune system. So, why is tulsi so effective when it comes to immunity?
Tulsi has been known to treat various infections, viral illnesses, cold, and cough. It is also beneficial in providing relief from fever. Basil is known for its strong antibiotic, anti-bacterial, antifungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. All of this helps make tulsi the ultimate immune-boosting herb.
We now know how tulsi boosts the immune system, but how does it help in fighting coronavirus? Read on to find out!
How can Tulsi Help in Fighting Coronavirus?
The pandemic has put the limelight on the importance of a strong immune system. A robust immunity may not prevent you from getting infected, nor can it cure it, but it can help your body withstand the effects of the virus on your health and keep your body strong. There are many foods and herbs that can help your body fight coronavirus, but tulsi stands apart due to certain properties.
Tulsi is naturally effective against fever and digestive problems. For both these reasons, it can help in providing relief during COVID-19 treatment. It is also known for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which can assist you during a COVID-19 infection.
Now that you know how tulsi can help in fighting coronavirus, let us look at the other benefits of tulsi.
The Other Benefits of Tulsi
The holy basil has been used in traditional medicines across different cultures for thousands of years. It has been mentioned in ancient texts such as Ayurveda for its incredible range of health benefits. Some of these benefits are directly related to specific symptoms of COVID-19, and thus it can help you recover better.
The wide range of medicinal value of tulsi is well known. Boosting our immunity is not the only benefit of tulsi; it has properties that help our body and mind in multiple ways to provide optimal health.
- Reduces fever
- Reduces stress and blood pressure
- Improves heart health
- Good for diabetes patients
- Boosts skin and hair health
- Improves digestive health
These are just some of the benefits of tulsi; there are many more benefits that make it a wonder herb. Tulsi is not the only gift from nature that can help us achieve optimal health; there are others, such as amla. To achieve a healthy immune system, you must include these as well. Let’s talk about the ways to use tulsi and where to buy it from.
How to Use Tulsi and Where to buy it From
Tulsi is a versatile herb as far as consumption is concerned. The benefits of eating tulsi leaves are well known, but this is not the only way to consume them.
There are many ways through which you can use its incredible benefits.
- Chewing the leaves of the plant, but there is a downside to this; the leaves contain properties that could cause damage to your teeth
- Adding the leaves to a cup of tea or water and drinking it
- Using the powder made from the leaves and consuming it with water or food
- Adding the tulsi drops in water or tea. The tulsi drops benefits are just as good as the leaves
Many people in India have a tulsi plant at home, but they are primarily used for worship; and eating its leaves might be considered inappropriate. But there are many other options available such as tulsi powder and tulsi drops, that you can consume easily. But when buying them, ensure that the product is natural and the brand is trustworthy. Nurturic Panch Tulsi Drops are made from not just one but five different types of tulsi plants. It can help you reduce stress and anxiety, slow signs of ageing, lower inflammation, improve brain function, and improve heart health.
Bottomline
The COVID-19 pandemic has been here for a while now, yet there is much that we don’t know about the virus. There are many who claim that a strong immune system can help both prevent you from getting infected and help you recover easily. But these claims are not backed by any scientific evidence. While a strong immunity is always a good thing and can help your body fight against many diseases, there isn’t enough proof that this might prevent you from getting infected by the coronavirus. There are no antibodies in our body to fight the virus. So, even if you have a strong immune system, you might still get infected. But a strong immune system can help your body stay strong to give it enough time and strength to fight. Tulsi, or the holy basil, is considered to be one of the most potent immune-boosting herbs. Although it cannot prevent you from getting infected by the coronavirus or cure the illness, it is still beneficial for your health and can keep your body strong through the treatment. Tulsi can also help post-COVID-19 recovery easier as this is when your weakened body is in dire need of nutrition to recover from the debilitating effects of the disease. So, add this wonder herb to your daily diet and build your body’s defences.
FAQ’s
1. What precautions can I take to avoid contracting COVID-19?
- Try avoiding going out as much as possible.
- Maintain social distancing when outside, especially from people who show any symptoms of the disease. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet.
- Wear a mask whenever you leave your house (preferably a triple-layered one)
- Sanitize your hands after touching any surface or after returning home. (use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol)
- Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20-40 seconds.
2. Can COVID-19 spread through food?
There is no evidence that suggests that COVID-19 could spread through food or food packaging. However, it is still better to handle food packages with care and wash or sanitize your hands after handling any food package.
3. Can the COVID-19 survive in drinking water?
So far, no evidence suggests that COVID-19 can be transmitted through drinking water. But do sanitize the utensils and bottles which you use to drink. Wash the utensils before use and wash or sanitize your hands after use.
4. How long can COVID-19 survive on surfaces?
The coronavirus can survive on surfaces for hours or days. If a person touches infected surfaces and then proceeds to touch their nose, eyes, or mouth, they can get infected.
5. How can I reduce stress during the coronavirus pandemic?
There are many ways you can relieve stress during a pandemic. You can stay away from news and social media. You could find a new hobby, talk to someone about your problems, and keep your body and mind active.
6. Can the coronavirus disease spread through faeces?
Although the chances of getting infected through the faeces of another person are low, some evidence suggests that the intestine can also get affected by the virus; thus, it might be present in the faeces.
7. Who is most at risk for COVID-19?
Older people and those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory disorders are at more risk of developing complications.
8. What are some of the emergency warning signs for someone with coronavirus disease?
While the mild symptoms of COVID-19 are not dangerous, there are certain emergency warning signs that you must not ignore. Trouble breathing, persistent pain in the chest, and confusion are some of the signs that you must not ignore.
9. What are foods to avoid during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Avoid or reduce trans fats, red meat, and full-fat dairy products. Also, avoid or reduce the intake of processed foods.
10. Are Vaccine Side Effects a good sign?
Most of the side effects last for a very short period of time. Some people don’t even experience any side effects. The side effects can be a good sign as your body is getting used to fighting the virus.