Worshiped in India, this herb has awesome health benefits for kids. Some of the health benefits of holy basil, include soothing headaches, treating coughs, colds, and sore throats. It is also great in boosting your child’s immunity, and overall health. It has both antibacterial, and antiseptic properties, and is rich in anti-oxidants.
Read More: Health Benefits of Amaranth Herb for Babies and Toddlers
Introducing Holy Basil to your Baby
Holy basil is widely found in the tropical regions of the South East Asian countries, and the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the safest herbs, and can be easily used to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats in infants.
It can be safely given to kids infused in herbal tea, infusions, and tonics. Older children can even consume the leaves, for their health benefits. It has a refreshing taste, and makes for a refreshing, and detoxifying drink for your kids.
Heath Benefits of Holy Basil
There are amazing health benefits of holy basil, for your baby. It is the number one home remedy for curing coughs, and colds in kids, in India for generations. Let us look at some of the health benefits of holy basil for your little one.
Boosts the immunity
Holy basil is known to promote immunity in your babies. It has powerful healing and medicinal properties. Letting your child have 5 – 6 fresh holy basil leaves with water, is a great way of boosting their immunity.
Alternately, you can also boil some holy basil leaves in water, and let your child drink this herbal tea, first thing every morning. It is especially good for infants, who have very low immunity. It can be a safe way to boost their immune system.
Read More: Foods That Boost Immunity In Children
Great for healing skin problems
If your baby is suffering from a skin problem or has a minor wound, you can easily treat them at home with the help of holy basil. The powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties of the herb, make it great for treating skin issues and minor wounds in babies at home.
All you need to do is crush a few leaves of holy basil, and apply the paste on the affected areas. Your child will get instant relief, without the harmful side-effects of harmful chemicals.
Read More: 11 Tips For Taking Care Of Your Kids Skin
Digestive Health
Holy basil is great for boosting your kid’s digestive health. It works as a great natural appetizer. Holy Basil helps in the secretion of digestive enzymes, that are responsible for promoting digestion. It is also rich in antioxidants. These help in purifying your little one’s digestive system. It has a cleansing effect on the body.
Promotes respiratory health
Trusted by generations as a great natural treatment for respiratory dieases, regular consumption of holy basil (leaves or tea), can help in keeping your kid’s respiratory system healthy. It can prevent and cure respiratory illnesses such as brinchitis. Research has shown holy basil to be effective in treating both acute, as well as chronic cases. It is also helpful as a natural remedy, if your child is suffering from asthma.
Helps cure fever naturally
Holy basil is a great natural remedy for treating fever in your baby. There are absolutely no harmful side effects, that come with over the counter drugs. It is a great disinfectant and germicide. Holy Basil can help protect your child from viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
It has powerful disinfectant properties. This makes it extremely effective in treating fever in your child quickly. It also helps restore your child’s health soon after the fever.
Read More: Dengue Fever In Children And Measures To Avoid It
Good dental health
Your child’s mouth is a great breeding place for germs and bacteria. Holy basil has powerful antibacterial properties, that can help fight against germs that can cause harm to your little one’s teeth. Regular consumption of holy basil will effectively prevent dental issues like tartar, plaque, bad breath and cavities.
If your child suffers from frequent bouts of mouth ulcer, holy basil is a great natural treatment for these. They not only help treat mouth ulcers in your baby, but also prevent them from reappearing.
Read More: 15 Common Toddler Tooth Problems And Remedies
Good source of Vitamin K
Holy basil is a great source of vitamin K. This is essential for the proper growth and development of healthy bones in your little one. Vitamin K is also responsible for a healthy heart. Regular use of holy basil in your child’s diet will ensure he or she gets adequate amounts.
Promotes eye health
Holy basil is great for maintaining good eye health in your kids. It is effective in preventing eye problems such as boils and conjunctivitis. Holy Basil also helps keeping your little one’s eyes clean. It soothes inflammation of eyes, and also helps reduce stress on your kid’s eyes.
Let your child wash their eyes with water, in which few leaves of holy basil have been soaked. Regular use will prevent many eye problems from happening.
Great for your baby’s skin
Mixing holy basil with bathing water or by simply washing your child’s face with it, will keep your child away from all kinds of skin infections. Just by rubbing holy basil leaves on your child’s body will save him or her from mosquito bites and even make other insects stay away.
Read More: Health Benefits of Curry Leaves for Babies
Precautions for giving your baby holy basil
Excessive use of holy basil, or an over-dosage may cause a burning sensation in your baby. Even though it is usually one of the safest herbs for use in childre, it is always better to check for specific allergies for your baby.
If your baby has a condition of high pitta, or nasal bleeding, you should avoid giving holy basil to him or her. Remember not to give your child milk soon after he or she has consumed holy basil. This is because holy basil is hot, and milk is a coolant. Exposing your baby to such a combination can result in skin disorders.
Prolonged usage may not be recommended in children. Make sure to consult your doctor before you introduce holy basil to your baby. Also remember to wait three days between introducing new foods to your baby. This way, if your baby is allergic to any one of them, you will know which one caused it.
Reference:
http://www.indiaparenting.com/home-remedies/68_6578/healing-power-of-tulsi-leaves-for-kids.html
