Tulsi or basil is a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here's a list of some medicinal uses of tulsi, from Healthlibrary:
The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature. Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilise mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu. For earache a few drops of tulsi extract, if instilled, relieves the symptoms promptly. The juice of fresh leaves, flower tops and slender roots is a very god antidote for snake and scorpion bite. Its oil is rich in vitamin C, carotene, calcium and phosphorus. Besides, it has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Ayurvedic tulsi preparations have significantly reduced the symptoms of viral hepatitis.
In diabetics it helps in lowering the blood sugar level.
Its anti-spasmodic property can be utilised to relieve abdominal colics. The extracts are also helpful in digestive disorders. Tulsi leaves have properties similar to the currently available anti-TB drugs like Streptomycin and Isoniazide. Oil of tulsi has been used as a potent anti-malarial drug. It also has mosquito repellent properties.
It raises the human body immunity by increasing the antibody production. Experimental studies on animals have shown anti-stress activity with tulsi extract. Tulsi has anti-fertility effect by reducing the estrogen hormone levels in females and decreasing the sperm count in men.
It is also used to treat ringworm of the skin. Basil oit can be applied directly for acne treatment. Basil protects from evil and negativity, and aids in attracting and keeping love. It is used for purification baths, and in wealth and prosperity rituals. Carrying a basil leaf in your pocket brings wealth, and if powdered basil is sprinked over your mate while they sleep, it is supposed to eliminate infidelity from your marriage.: Basil will grow in any well-drained, fairly rich soil, and full sun. It can be grown throughout most of North America. It is an annual, which reaches 2-3 feet tall. Pinch off the tips to promote bushiness and flower buds to maintain growth.
Ginger(Zingiber officinale)
Ginger root has been used in cooking and healing since ancient times. Native in India, ginger has been used in cooking, to preserve food, and treat digestive disorders. Indians also consider it a spiritual and physical cleanser. China's first great herbal, Pen Tsao Ching (Classic of Herbs ) compiled in 3000 B.C. by emperor/sage Shen Nung recommends ginger for colds, fever, chills, tetanus, and leprosy. Chinese sailors chewed ginger to prevent seasickness. The ancient Greeks used ginger as a digestive aid. After big meals, they wrapped the ginger into bread. Gingerbread evlved from this practive. America's 19th century Eclectics prescribed ginger for diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, fever, headache, toothache and menstrual complaints
MEDICINAL: Ginger is an excellent herb to use for strengthening and healing the respiratory system, as well as for fighting off colds and flu. It removes congestion, soothes sore throats, and relieves headaches and body aches. Combined with other herbs, it enhances their effectiveness. It is also very effective in combatting motion sickness. Recommended during pregnancy for treating morning sickness and digestive problems, as well as safe to use during pregnancy for colds and sore throats.Antiemetic, Diaphoretic, Carminative, Circulatory stimulant, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic.
Ginger is an excellent remedy for digestive problems, such as flatulence, nausea, indigestion, intestinal infections and certain types of food poisoning.
The combination of sweat and circulatory stimulation allows ginger to move blood to the periphery. This makes it a good remedy for chilblains, high blood pressure and fever. Ginger inhibits platelet aggregation, therefore, should be the ideal condiment for people predisposed to clotting which may lead to either heart-attack or strok.Ginger is also highly effective for motion and morning sickness.
CAUTION : People with gallstones should not take ginger without consulting a doctor.
KEY CONSTITUENTS :Volatile oils,bisabolene, cineol, phellandrene, citral, borneol, citronellol, geranial, linalool, limonene, zingiberol, zingiberene, camphene), Oleoresin (gingerol, shogaol), Phenol (gingeol, zingerone), Proteolytic enzyme (zingibain), Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Linoleic acid.
The pungency of ginger is due to GINGEROL which is the alcohol group of the oleoresin (when resins are associated with volatile oils, they are called OLEORESINS). Ginger owes its aroma to about 1 to 3% of volatile oils, which are bisabolene, zingiberene and zingiberol.
RELIGIOUS: Ginger is used in passion spells, to "heat up" the relationship. It is used in success spells, and to ensure the success of spells.
GROWING: Ginger grows through most of North America. It reaches to 6 inches high, and is a perennial. The ground root is the part used for healing.Valued primarily for the distinctive tang it lends to cuisine, Ginger Root also has proven medicinal effects. Its ability to prevent vomiting has been verified by clinical trial, and it has been shown to stimulate the intestines and promote production of saliva, digestive juices, and bile. It also tends to boost the pumping action of the heart.
Native to southeast Asia, Ginger was brought to Spain, and then America, by the Spanish in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is now commercially cultivated in tropical regions of the United States, India, China, and the West Indies. The plant is a creeping perennial that spreads underground. Only the root is medicinal.
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