The regret comes after the meal when you are running for the antacids, of having eaten too much or the wrong gassy foods. If this is a one-off situation, there is nothing to worry about. It is nothing that a spoonful of Haridra Khanda cannot resolve. But according to Ayurveda, frequent bloating and flatulence signals poor digestion and must be looked into before it turns chronic.
This is because when digestion (digestive Agni) is weak, the food is disintegrated through the process of fermentation and a byproduct of the process can be gas.
Importance of agni or digestive fire
Agni or digestive fire is an important Ayurvedic principle with a more literal and metaphorical meaning. You have probably come across people who can eat a really large meal and there is no sign of discomfort or lingering heaviness. This is the gift of having strong agni. (we do not mean you should test the limits of it very often!) The strength of Agni determines how strong your digestive metabolism is, how balanced your pitta dosha is, how sharp and focused your mind is, how energetic you are, and how strong your immune system is. It is the strongest indicator of good health and the body’s metabolic functions.
Bloating: Everything you need to know
Bloating, a common Vata imbalance is described specifically in 4 ways in Ayurveda-Aadhmana or flatulence, Pratiaadhmana or accumulation of gas in the upper abdomen region, Aanaha or distention caused by an inability to pass stool or urine, and Atopa or stomach regurgitation with shooting pain.
Imbalanced Vata dosha, weak Agni and accumulation of ama toxins due to these two reasons, can lead to bloating problems. Here are a few things you can do to deal with bloating. Before we get into that, it is advisable to get your dosha imbalances assessed by a senior Ayurvedic practitioner, so they can recommend the approach best suited for your dosha type. But in general, the following tips can go a long way in dealing with bloating.
1. Stay away from foods that can aggravate vata
Not just physical and mental, but Tulasi is also said to counter metabolic and even chemical stress that our body undergoes due to exposure to industrial pollutants and toxic chemicals, some of which can cause severe endocrine disruptions.
Modern lifestyles place considerable metabolic stress on the body. Tulsi supports a healthy response to metabolic stress and helps maintain healthy glucose metabolism, lipid levels and blood pressure already within the normal range.
Research suggests tulasi also supports a healthy response to physical stress, including healthy cortisol levels. Animal studies also suggest this basil variety supports a calm mood and a healthy response to everyday stress. It has a positive effect on one’s memory and cognitive function. Studies have also shown, tulsi supports physical endurance in high-stress settings and resilience against stress induced by loud sounds. Research also found that about 500mg of tulsi leaf extract supported a calm mood and a healthy response to everyday stress.
2. Holy basil benefit: It has ursolic acid, a favorite with the cosmetics industry
A key compound present in tulsi is the triterpenoid ursolic acid, which has recently been used widely in the cosmetic industry for its skin-nourishing and cleansing benefits and for helping reduce the appearance of fine lines. Research suggests ursolic acid also supports healthy liver function, a healthy inflammatory response, and healthy lipid levels already within the normal range.
3. Holy basil benefit: It has powerful antioxidants
Studies suggest that Tulasi comes loaded with plenty of important antioxidants and polyphenols like rosmarinic acid, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidation, damage done by free radicals. It also has carvacrol, which supports healthy immune function and respiratory wellness. B-caryophyllene, naturally present in Tulsi, is an FDA-approved additive for foods.
Tulasi also has eugenol, a key compound in the herb that supports a healthy inflammatory response and healthy glucose metabolism already within the normal range. Studies suggest the eugenol present in the tulsi plant helps reduce oxidative stress and supports healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range and nervous system health.
4. Great for gut health
Tulasi is known for its carminative property that is it reduces flatulence. Its phytochemicals support digestive comfort and a healthy gut environment. One of the lesser-known holy basil benefits is, it also supports the body’s natural cleansing processes by supporting liver enzymes such as cytochrome P450. Tulsi-infused teas along with ginger are usually known to help improve digestion and regulate appetite. Holy basil has plenty of phenolic compounds that support gut health by supporting a healthy stomach lining, including the number and longevity of mucus cells, and mucus secretion for aiding digestion.
5. Holy basil benefits: Helps detoxify the body, skin and mind
Thanks to the presence of high phenolic compounds and antioxidants, one of the greatest holy basil benefits is its ability to support the body’s natural defenses. Tulasi is said to support the body’s natural cleansing processes by boosting antioxidants like glutathione and increasing the antioxidant activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, to neutralize free radicals. Like we discussed earlier, tulsi supports the body’s natural cleansing function by supporting the liver function, as the liver processes and metabolizes all the chemicals that enter our body. The free-radical scavenging also helps reduce the visible signs of skin aging, helps maintain texture and elasticity of the skin.
6. Stronger immune system
Our immune system is complex and protects the body from the invasion of foreign pathogens in numerous ways. But the immune system can get compromised from exposure to stressors, erroneous lifestyle, chronic stress, and accumulation of toxins or ama.
But several studies have now attested to the immune-supporting properties present in tulasi, as one of the most powerful holy basil benefits. Five clinical studies showed the use of tulsi increased immune response with a higher natural killer and T-helper cells count, after participants took 300 mg of tulsi extract before food, for four weeks. T-helper cells (white blood cells) support the activation of other immune system cells.
In another study, young adult subjects were given tulsi-fortified nutrition bars. The participants reported improved utilization of oxygen reflected in higher VO2 max tests; lower fatigue and better immune function.
7. Supports the respiratory function
Another of the holy basil benefits mentioned in Ayurveda is that Tulsi balances Kapha by drying out excess body fluids. For example, it helps support clear airways and healthy mucus balance. Chewing tulsi leaves or drinking a few drops of tulsi extract is a traditional way to support respiratory wellness.
Holy basil benefits are enhanced if you take it as a decoction with honey and ginger, which supports respiratory wellness, especially during seasonal changes.
8. Protects the kidneys
Animal studies suggest one of the holy basil benefits is support for healthy kidney function. Due to its antioxidant activities, basil extracts have been studied for their role in supporting kidney function.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.