On a normal day, a healthy person breathes almost 25,000 times. When you breathe, air enters your lungs. The oxygen from the inhaled air is distributed throughout the lungs through the bronchi, which branches into bronchioles. From the bronchiole, the oxygen enters the small sacs known as alveoli from where the oxygen passes into the bloodstream. The carbon dioxide released in the bloodstream as a byproduct of metabolism moves into the lungs, from where they are expelled from the body through exhalation. If the lungs fail to perform their normal activities, the body cells would be deprived of oxygen. The organs of our body could not survive without oxygen. Hence, diseased lungs affect the health of all the organs of the body.

Myriads of factors are associated with respiratory illnesses. Lung diseases are believed to be the third leading cause of death worldwide. Chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are common causes of lung failure. Severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia, influenza and tuberculosis might be fatal without timely medical intervention. Lung cancer is a prominent cause of death among smokers.

Exposure to air pollutants, allergens and tobacco smoke are the common risk factors of chronic respiratory diseases that are preventable.

Since the air, that we inhale is a source of toxins, viruses, bacteria, pollutants, dusts and allergens, the respiratory system of our body has a unique defense system that naturally protects the entire respiratory tract from the harmful substances. The immune cells help to fight the invading germs while the mucus helps to remove the unwanted substances from the respiratory tract.

Excess mucus secretion and inflammation are signs of the defense system of the respiratory tract working against irritants that had entered the respiratory system.

Tulsi or Ocimum sanctum is worshipped by Hindus worldwide. For thousands of years, it is used as an important ingredient in herbal formulations. In the Indian subcontinent, one would come across two types of Ocimum sanctum or tulsi leaves – plants with green leaves or Sri Tulsi and plants with purple leaves of Krishna Tulsi. The therapeutic properties of tulsi are well documented in Ayurvedic literature. In the traditional Indian medicine system, holy basil is described as an anti-asthamatic herb. According to Ayruvedic medicine practitioners, it is a “Kaphaghna” herb, which could effectively treat “kapha dosa”. Scientific evidences based on experimental and clinical studies support the therapeutic effect of the herb. Researches suggest that the therapeutic activities of holy basil are primarily due to the active component eugenol. (Prakash P, Gupta N. “Therapeutic Uses Of Ocimum Sanctum Linn (Tulsi) With A Note On Eugenol And Its Pharmacological Actions: A Short Review.” Ind J Physiol Pharm. 2005;49(2):125-131).

Prevents respiratory tract infection: Tulsi could inhibit growth of bacterial colonies in the respiratory tract. Diet supplemented with Ocimum sanctum is recommended for increasing resistance to respiratory infections. (Saini A, Sharma S, Chhibber S. “Induction of resistance to respiratory tract infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae in mice fed on a diet supplemented with tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and clove oils.” J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2009 Apr;42(2):107-13).

Reduces inflammation of the respiratory tract: Ocimum sanctum is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb. It could be used for treating inflammation of the airways, which is a common cause of breathing difficulties in asthma patients. The analgesic and antipyretic activities of tulsi could effectively treat pain and soreness in the throat and fever associated with infections of the upper respiratory tract. (Godhwani S, Godhwani JL, Vyas DS. “Ocimum sanctum: an experimental study evaluating its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity in animals.” J Ethnopharmacol. 1987 Nov;21(2):153-63).

Reduces lung cancer risk: Consumption of Ocimum sanctum might help to protect the lungs from cancer tumors. The anti-tumor effect of the herb has been proved in experimental studies. Researches with Ocimum sanctum suggest the efficacy of the herb in inhibiting the activities of enzymes that stimulate development of cancer cells by inducing carcinogenesis. (Magesh V, Lee JC, Ahn KS, Lee HJ, Lee HJ, Lee EO, Shim BS, Jung HJ, Kim JS, Kim DK, Choi SH, Ahn KS, Kim SH. “Ocimum sanctum induces apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells and suppresses the in vivo growth of Lewis lung carcinoma cells.” Phytother Res. 2009 Oct;23(10):1385-91; Banerjee S, Prashar R, Kumar A, Rao AR. “Modulatory influence of alcoholic extract of Ocimum santum leaves on carcinogen-metabolizing enzyme activities and reduced glutathione levels in mouse.” Nutr Cancer. 1996;25(2):205-17).

Reduces chronic cough due to GERD: Persistent cough could be a symptom of Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. The stomach acid entering the esophagus from the stomach might travel upwards into the larynx. The acid irritates the larynx and cough occurs. Ocimum sanctum could reduce GERD related cough by decreasing acid secretion. (Mandal S, Das DN, De K, Ray K, Roy G, Chaudhuri SB, Sahana CC, Chowdhury MK. “Ocimum sanctum Linn – a study on gastric ulceration and gastric secretion in rats.” Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1993 Jan;37(1):91-2).

To reduce the risk of lung diseases, you should stay away from volatile chemicals and pollutants that damage the tissues of the lung. Carcinogens entering the lungs in the form of tobacco smoke and environmental pollutants could damage the DNA of the lung cells, and stimulate conversion of healthy cells into malignant cells, thereby causing lung cancer. Lung cancer could be prevented by quitting tobacco smoking. Even passive smoking that occurs when non-smokers inhale tobacco smoke emitted from burning cigarettes is equally harmful for the lungs.

Coughing and breathing difficulties that are signs of allergic reactions develop only in people sensitive to certain air borne substances. If you are susceptible to allergic asthma, you should stay away from allergens that trigger respiratory distress. Pollen, dust, mold and pet dander are common allergens that cause coughing, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion and breathing difficulties. The risk of allergies is especially high in seasons when the pollen content in the air is high. To reduce the risk of pollen allergies it is imperative to identify the type of pollen linked to the allergic reaction. Pollen allergies might be prevented by covering the nose and the mouth while outdoors, especially during the high pollen seasons. Pollens can also invade your indoor air through the open windows and doors of your house. Keeping the windows closed during the high pollen season, especially in the night and early morning, might prevent pollens from entering your house.

Dust and mold allergies could be prevented by cleaning the house regularly. Molds grow on the damp spots in the kitchen and bathroom. Keeping these areas dry could inhibit mold growth. You can easily keep the indoor air in your house clean by installing an air purifier that can trap the airborne microbes and pollens.

Infections of the respiratory tract could be prevented by staying away from people suffering from coughing and sneezing. A healthy person contracts viral infection when he/she is exposed to mucus infected with virus. Covering the mouth and face while interacting with sick people and washing the hands and face frequently with soap and water could reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

A healthy diet could reduce the risk of respiratory ailments by supplying your body the nutrients essential for strengthening the immune system. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables packed with vitamin C might protect you from recurrent infections. A vitamin C rich diet could also reduce the severity of respiratory infections. Lemon, orange, pear, tomato and bell peppers are rich sources of vitamin C. Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic herb, which could be taken daily to reduce the risk of infections. Garlic can also help to loosen the mucus clogging the sinuses. Fresh raw onion is also beneficial for people suffering from nasal congestion. Hot peppers are good for the respiratory system. Vitamin C in peppers helps to boost the immune function, while the hotness of peppers helps to clear the congested nasal passages, easing breathing naturally.

Daily exercises are also good for your respiratory system. Cardiovascular exercises help to strengthen the lungs and the chest muscles. Deep breathing exercises specifically target the lungs. They help to improve the lung function naturally.

Obviously fresh basil leaves and unground seeds are the best to use when making a tea. If these are obtainable in your immediate area, bring 2 pints of water to a boil and add 15 basil seeds. Cover and reduce the heat, slowly simmering for about 45 minutes. Remove from heat and add 136 handfuls of fresh or half-dried basil and steep for another 25 minutes or so.

Our Research on Tulsi (Holy Basil) was published in New Life Journal Magazine in March 2006 issue. Click here..

Other Information and Medicinal Uses of Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaves and Powder

Article: Tulsi and Holy Basil Benefits

Serving size: 1 Vegicap
Servings per container: 60
Each 250 mg capsule contains: Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi) Extract 9:1

Dosage: To realize the benefits of Ocimum sanctum, you should take one to two Tulasi holy basil capsule, twice a day after meals. Morpheme Tulasi capsule contains the highest quality holy basil extract. The dietary supplement is free from any synthetic color and allergens such as wheat, gluten, corn, yeast and dairy.