DHAKA: Tulsi or the basil has been considered as useful to people for thousands of years. It isn’t called the wonder plant for no reason. It is one of the most versatile herbs with numerous health benefits.  

But apart from health, these leaves can be incorporated in your beauty routine too, reports thehealthsite.com

Basil is an excellent germicidal, fungicidal and disinfectant agent. The anti-bacterial properties in tulsi help fight pimples, acne and eczema. 

External application of the leaves on the skin removes extra oil on the skin surface. A compound called camphene present in the leaves gives a soothing and cooling effect to the skin.

Basil leaves to banish acne: Make a paste of a handful of basil leaves. Mix it with one egg white. Rub the mixture gently over the affected area. 

Wash off with cold water after half an hour. The egg white will tighten the pores while the basil leaves will disinfect the area and prevent pimples and acne.

Tulsi as a skin toner: You can make your own toner with basil to tighten your skin. You can do it by boiling a few basil leaves in water for five minutes. Add a table spoon of rose water along with a few drops of lemon juice to the concoction. 

Basil face pack for glowing skin: Dry leaves of basil and then grind them to get a fine powder. Store them overnight in a container. Mix fuller’s earth or multani mitti to the powdered leaves. Apply it on the face. 

Leave it for 15 minutes and wash it off with cold water. If you have dry skin, you can mix the powder with curd. This remedy will scrape off the dead cells from the outer layer of the skin making the skin soft and supple.

BDST: 2152 HRS, SEP 28, 2014