Holy Basil (Tulsi) - Benefits and Uses for Skin You Can't Ignore

Holy Basil or Tulsi in India is one of the most revered and significant plants that we Indian’s worship. Holy Basil is a sacred herb and has held an esteemed place in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Beyond its importance in Ayurveda and Hindu traditions, it is a great herb and a powerful ingredient for skin care. The sacred green herb consists of vitamins A, C and K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. It has a substantial quantity of protein and fibre which is vital for maintaining overall well-being.

No matter what, we all want to look our best in all phases of life. Soon as we come close to our early 30’s, the fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and sagginess of the skin around your face eventually starts showing up. The credit of this obviously goes to the daily wear and tear, pollution, stress, and the lifestyle habits we follow. Apart from the mighty health benefits that Tulsi or Holy Basil has, let’s uncover its advantages for your skincare and how it can be incorporated in your skin care regimen.

Tulsi Benefits for Skin:

• Antioxidant Properties: The Holy Basil is loaded with antioxidant properties which helps prevent the damage caused due to free radicals. These harmful radicals accelerate the aging process and can even cause oxidative stress. Consisting of antioxidants like Flavonoids and Polyphenols, Tulsi helps to neutralize the free radicals, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. If consumed directly or applied topically, the antioxidants present in Tulsi penetrate deep into the skin’s layer and boost the collagen production and give a smooth, and plump complexion.
• Anti-inflammatory Benefits: Inflammation is one of the most common skin issues that often leads to redness, irritated skin, and itching. Inflammation can be caused either due to skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, or due to environmental stressors. Tulsi or Holy Basil also consists of potent anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling. Thereby it also helps to calm the irritated and inflamed skin.
• Skin Purifying Properties: Tulsi has a tremendous amount of detoxifying and purifying properties that helps to cleanse the system and flush out the toxins from the body aiming at complete detoxification of the body and thus helps to cleanse the skin from within. This detoxification helps to bring out a clearer and brighter skin.
• Prevents Acne: Tulsi or Holy Basil are useful in regulating excess accumulation of sebum or oil production which often leads to build up of dirt and impurities, which eventually causes acne breakouts. As the antioxidants present in Tulsi penetrate deep into the skin, it also helps in deep cleansing or pores and prevents blackheads and whiteheads.
• Aids in Skin Brightening: Tulsi or Holy Basil is loaded with Vitamin C and minerals that helps in brightening the skin. Vitamin C is also regarded as a brightening agent that helps in reducing pigmentation and evening out skin tone. Tulsi also helps reduce pigmentation and fades dark spots caused by sun damage, acne scars, or hormonal changes.
• Prevents Infection: Enriched with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, Tulsi helps fight infections and significantly helps in treating skin infections like bacterial acne, fungal infections, or it even helps to protect your skin from harmful microbes. The antibacterial compound in Tulsi helps in quick wound recovery and speeds up the healing process.
• Moisturizes Skin: Tulsi or Holy Basil inhibits its moisturizing properties from its high vitamin and mineral content, specifically vitamins A and C, which help in nourishing the skin from within. The essential oils and nutrients in Tulsi help in providing intense hydration and also helps balance the pH level of the skin. Including Tulsi leaves is ideal for individuals having rough, dry, and oily skin as it caters to all skin issues effectively.
• Stress Reliever: Our skin often gets impacted with stress triggers that eventually results in hormonal imbalance and can lead to acne, wrinkles, and other skin problems. Tulsi or Holy Basil is an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps the body combat stress. Thus, incorporating Tulsi in your daily life can help not only calm your nerves but also improve your skin’s overall texture and glow by reducing stress-related skin issues.

Surprising ways to incorporate Tulsi or Holy Basil in your routine for brightening skin:

• Tulsi Tea: Have this as a first thing in the morning as soon as you wake up. It will give the much-required hydration to the body, and aid in digestion thereby improving the metabolism process. Simply, brew 7-8 Tulsi leaves in water, let it simmer for 7-8 minutes and strain. Add honey for some sweetness or lemon for flavor (optional). Have it warm.
• Tulsi Juice: Blend about 15-20 Tulsi leaves with a cup of water and strain. Add honey for sweetness. Drink this concoction regularly for a glowing, healthy, and supple looking skin.
• Tulsi Face Pack: Tulsi’s antibacterial properties help fight acne-causing bacteria, while neem and turmeric aim to reduce inflammation. Blend about 15-20 Tulsi leaves with a cup of water and strain. Add honey for sweetness. Apply this pack to the acne affected area and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Later, rinse with lukewarm water.
• Tulsi Toner for Brightening: The Tulsi toner helps to tighten the pores, balances hydration levels, and helps brighten the skin and evens the complexion. For this, boil a handful of Tulsi leaves in water, let it cool, and strain the liquid. Mix equal parts Tulsi water with rose water and store in a spray bottle. Use it regularly as a facial toner after cleansing for better results.
• Tulsi Exfoliating Scrub: This organic and natural scrub helps to gently exfoliate the impurities and dirt, unclogs the pores and leaves your skin smooth and rejuvenated. For this, mix 1 tablespoon of Tulsi powder (dried tulsi leaves blended in a mixer) with 1 tablespoon of ground oats and a dollop of honey to form a paste. Gently massage this paste in circular motion on the skin for 2-3 minutes and rinse off.
• Tulsi Steam: This is the most natural way of inhaling the steam of the pious Tulsi that helps you with achieving a great and skin also promotes overall wellness of the body. Just boil a few leaves of tulsi in water, let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Then steam your face by leaning over the pot with a towel draped over your head. Steam for 5-10 minutes. It helps to open clogged pores, provide deep cleansing and detoxification of the skin preventing acne and blackheads.
• DIY Tulsi Serum: Mix up to 2-3 drops of Tulsi Oil with 1 tablespoon of almond oil and a few drops of vitamin E oil. Apply a few drops of this serum to your face before bedtime every day. It helps fight signs of aging, reduce wrinkles, fine lines and heal your skin during night and boosts collagen production.
• Tulsi Face Mist: Make a natural mist for your face using Tulsi, Cucumber and Mint leaves. Extract the juice of cucumber and mint by blending them together. Add to it your Tulsi water and store in a spray bottle. Spritz your face throughout the day for a refreshing boost to hydrate instantly and cool the skin.

Tulsi is a very versatile skin friendly ingredient apart from its healing medicinal and spiritual benefits and uses. Whether using it in a face pack, as a toner, tea, scrub, or exfoliator, you will love the magical effects it will create on your skin. Consider incorporating the Holy Basil in your skin care routine and feel the difference yourself. So, let’s give the Holy Basil a try in our skin care regime and witness the magic of its purity on our skin.