There has been an ever-growing debate on whether we can chew tulsi leaves. However, the rivalry between the two contrasting beliefs is still prevalent. Moreover, since it is a highly used shrub which is massively found in India, it obviously has a religious feat attached to it as well.
According to popular belief, Tulsi is the wife of Lord Vishnu, thus chewing tulsi leaves is considered as a disrespectful act. However, that’s a religious take on the subject.
When looked scientifically, according to botanists, Tulsi has a maximum quantity of Mercury in it. Precisely speaking, when you apply raw Mercury on your teeth, your teeth will start falling immediately. Thus, the effect of Tulsi might not have such immediate effect but it surely damages the teeth with the amount of Mercury it has in its leaves.
Most of the researchers also say that Tulsi contains some small dose of a slightly harmful acid and since the medium of our mouth is alkaline, it can react with the acidic content in Tulsi and cause tooth decay.
Moreover, Tulsi also contains quite a bit of iron in it. Thus, when chewed regularly with your teeth it could lead to discolorations of your teeth or your teeth might become yellowish or light brown in color.
Thus, looking at the evident scientific facts backing the fact that Tulsi shouldn’t be chewed, it is suggested not to be chewed. However, people suffering from mouth ulcers can use the Tulsi juice and gargle with the same.
Tulsi has plethora of uses including healing power, mosquito repellent, anti-stress agent, common cold, sore throat, respiratory disorder, kidney stone and more. Thus, you can rather swallow Tulsi leaves rather than chewing it and hurting your teeth. Moreover, you can also use the powered or juiced form of the Tulsi leaves as a herbal medicine.
