Holy basil, popularly known as Tulsi, is a revered plant in India. Not only is tulsi a sacred plant in Hinduism, tulsi has long been used for its exceptional health promoting properties.

The essential oils of tulsi, along with its array of phytochemicals, are commonly used for medicinal purposes. In fact, tulsi is considered one of the most effective herbs available to improve human health and longevity. Tulsi has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Treatment of a Variety of Skin Conditions

The essential oils of tusli have been used in many beauty products. Tulsi has commonly been used to cleanse the skin, reduce the instance of rashes and treat eczema. Tulsi has traditionally been used to treat and prevent acne and pimples.

Improve Gastro-Intestinal Health

Drinking the tea of holy basil is said to improve the functioning of the gastro-intestinal system. Tulsi is said to improve digestion, prevent the formation of gas and treat constipation. Tulsi is also commonly prescribed to help treat acidity and heartburn.

Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Tusli has traditionally been used to help lower total cholesterol levels. Tusli is also beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease, cancers, stroke, and arthritis. The reduction of many chronic conditions has been attributed to the antioxidant potential of tulsi.

Promotes Longevity, Natural Antiseptic and Painkiller

Holy basil has long been called the “elixir of life.” Tulsi is believed to boost immunity and protect the body from the harmful effects of oxidative damage. Tulsi is often consumed to help boost the body’s natural defence mechanism against colds, flu and inflammations. Also, due to the presence of the compound eugenol, tulsi has long been recognized as a powerful painkiller. Tulsi has traditionally been used as a natural antiseptic. Tulsi has shown to prevent the proliferation of many bacteria, fungi and protozoa.

Helps Improve Memory

Holy basil is a holistic memory booster. Tulsi is said to help calm the body and relax the mind. Tulsi is often consumed to improve memory in the form of a natural medicine containing tulsi leaves, almonds and honey.

Tulsi is often prescribed to help treat stress and anxiety. Tulsi has been used for centuries to help alleviate and treat mental anguish, emotional tensions and depression.

Fenugreek herb and its seeds are a staple component of South Asian cuisine. Popularly known as methi, both the leaves and the seeds of fenugreek are primary components of many authentic recipes. However, its medicinal significance goes further back than its culinary uses. The therapeutic properties of fenugreek have been praised for centuries, both in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine.

Fenugreek is consumed in a variety of ways in order to take advantage of its many health promoting properties. Fenugreek leaves and seeds are commonly incorporated into foods in their whole and fresh form. The leaves and seeds are also commonly ground and added to recipes. Recently, many opt to drink fenugreek tea, if they can bear the bitter taste.

Fenugreek is extremely nutrient dense. Fenugreek is a source of iron, protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium and selenium.
 

Fenugreek Seeds and Nutrition

Although the entire herb contributes to boosting health and wellbeing, the seeds are traditionally believed to have specific benefits. Fenugreek seeds contain mucilage, which is recognized medically for its anti-inflammatory properties. The seeds also alleviate digestive disorders, including heart burn and acid reflux. The powdered form of the seeds are commonly digested as a tonic to alleviate respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis. Also, the high iron content of fenugreek seeds are extremely beneficial for all.
 

Fenugreek and Diabetes Management

Many recent studies have explored the relationship between fenugreek and diabetes. Both studies and ancient medicine have confirmed that fenugreek seeds significantly control blood glucose levels. Furthermore, fenugreek has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The seeds are rich in dietary fiber, one of the major factors of reducing glucose levels.
 

Fenugreek and Breast Milk Production

Since ancient times, fenugreek has been used to increase milk production in lactating women. In fact, fenugreek is said to increase milk production within a few days. Scientific research is currently being conducted to figure out the mechanism that makes this boost in milk production possible.
 

Fenugreek and Menstruation and Menopause

Fenugreek intake has commonly been prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of both menstruation and menopause. Furthermore, fenugreek is said to help regulate the menstruation cycle, making periods become more regular.
 

Fenugreek and Beauty

Fenugreek paste is commonly used as an effective skin ointment. This paste, formed of ground fenugreek and water, is used not only as a skin cleanser, but used to treat such as burns and eczema.
 

Fenugreek and Hair Health

Fenugreek is used in many herbal hair remedies. Fenugreek is added to coconut milk or oil and applied to the scalp to help prevent hair loss. This remedy is also said to prevent the greying of hair. Fenugreek remedies are also used to help treat dandruff.

Fenugreek paste is commonly used to treat and prevent pimples. Also, fenugreek remedies have been traditionally used to help improve the complexion of skin as well as help prevent wrinkles.
 

Traditional Uses:

• Fenugreek is commonly eaten with yogurt to help treat diarrhea, gas and flatulence. Also, fenugreek is said to stimulate appetite.

• Fenugreek is used to treat coughs and help clear phlegm.

• Fenugreek leaves are said to relief inflammation concerns stemming from arthritis.

Thyme has long been revered for its nutritional health benefits far before being extensively utilized for its culinary properties. Fresh and dried thyme have been used to naturally treat problems of congestion, chronic coughing, sore throat, inflammatory concerns and to ward off colds and the flu.

Thyme is full of health promoting nutrients. Fresh thyme is a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, manganese and Omega 3 fatty acids. Dried thyme is a source of vitamin K, dietary fiber, folate, iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, Omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium and manganese.
 

Thymol

What makes thyme unique is its array of oils, most famously thymol. Thymol has been used for centuries for its antiseptic properties. Thymol is a powerful disinfectant and quite commonly used in mouthwash.
 

Powerful Expectorant

Thymol is one of the active ingredients in herbal cough and cold remedies. This is due to its natural expectorant properties. Thyme has traditionally been used to suppress coughing, ease chest congestion, and help prevent colds. Recent studies suggest that thyme effectively helps treat acute bronchitis.
 

Antibacterial Properties

Thyme and its volatile oil, thymol, contain antibacterial properties. In fact, thyme has been traditionally been used to treat a variety of yeast, fungal and bacterial infections. Thymol based ointments are commonly used to treat insects bits and other skin wounds.
 

Traditional Herbal Uses

• Both fresh and dried thyme have been used to treat a variety of ailments. Thyme is commonly consumed to help treat problems of digestion and is said to be particularly effective in improving the digestion of fats.

• Thyme has also been traditionally used to help increase and stimulate appetite.

• Thyme is also used as a herbal hair care remedy including the prevention of dandruff.

• Thyme has been used to treat menstrual cramps.

Oregano has been cultivated for thousands of years. Since ancient times, the oregano herb has been praised for its medicinal properties. Oregano is now a culinary staple in many kitchens around the world.

Oregano is a very versatile herb. Oregano has both culinary and health promoting uses. The herb is particularly a good source of minerals and vitamins and helps the human body act against a number of diseases and immune related defects.
 

Powerful Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal Properties

Oregano contains many essential oils that provide the herb with potent anti-bacterial properties. Oils such as thymol and carvacrol help protect against certain bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida and Giardia lamblia. Oregano may also protect against common food borne illnesses. The presence of thymol and carvacrol help inhibit the growth of fungi.
 

Antioxidants and Flavonoids

Robust oregano is an excellent source of phytonutrients with anti-oxidant activity. Antioxidants, such as thymol and rosmarinic acid, play a role in decreasing cardiovascular damage. These beneficial compounds neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals directly damage blood vessels and can cause cholesterol to build up in artery walls; therefore, anti-oxidants can be helpful in preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis, stroke, heart disease, cancers and arthritis.