This plant possesses powerful Anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce swellings, heal abscesses, haemorrhoids, acts as a decongestant, enhances blood circulation and also helps prevent fever. Like its cousin Holy Basil it is an excellent antibacterial and antifungal herb that not only inhibits microbial growth, but also helps improve the immune response; and perhaps that is why it could also work as a potent antiviral.
This plant smells good and it could be in part due to abundant supply of essential oils, , phenols and terpenes. It is also packed with anticancer phytochemicals the likes of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids (B-sitosterol and Ursolic acid) and powerful antioxidants such as rosamaric acid and methyl rosmarinate.
Scientific Name: Hyptis suaveolens | English: Bush mint| Sanskrit: Bhustrena| Hindi: Vilaiti Tulsi | Malayalam: Nattapoochedi | Marathi: Bhustrena, Jungli Tulas| Telugu: Sima Tulsi| Bengali: Bilaiti Tulas| Kannada: Ganga Tulasi
Medicinal Properties : Nootropic, Anti-inflammatory, Antiparasitic, Antirheumatic, Liver Stimulant, Analgesic, Antispasmodic, Decongestant, Antipyretic
Traditional uses:
Decoction of the leaves helps with congestion, cough and also for relieving symptoms of flu like bodyaches, fevers etc. This decoction can also be taken for addressing rheumatic conditions.
1-2 teaspoons of the leaf juice administered along with honey helps in relieving symptoms of Colic and gastrointestinal distress.
The decoction of roots is used as an appetizer.
To reduce burning sensation during urination: One quarter teaspoon of the Seeds of Bush mint can be soaked in a glass of water for about 20 minutes to an hour and can then be taken along with some honey for about a week. Besides addressing the burning sensation, this also helps with normalizing gastrointestinal functions, improving digestion and also for alleviating constipation.
In Mexico a drink called as 'Bate' is made from the seeds of Chan (Mexican name for Hyptis). The seeds are roasted and ground to a powder. The powder is then mixed with water and the beverage is sweetened with honey.
Disclaimer: For the untrained eye, many plants appear similar. Do not attempt to harvest and use herbs until and unless you are familiar with herb identification and usage.
If you want to use any of the herbs mentioned on these blogs, please do so under the guidance of a doctor or a holistic practitioner. You can also write to us at feedback@prehealing.com for usage information specific to your issue.
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