Introduction Holy Basil

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is
native to Southeast Asia. It has a history within Indian medicine as a
treatment for many conditions, from eye diseases to ringworms.

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) isn’t like the sweet
basil in your mom’s marinara sauce or the Thai herb you use to flavor a
steaming bowl of pho.

This green leafy plant, also known as Ocimum sanctum L. and
tulsi, is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Different parts of
the plant are recommended for treating different conditions:

Many
studies support the use of the entire plant of holy basil for human use and its
therapeutic value. The nutritional valueTrusted Source is also high, as
it

contains:

Always ask your doctor before taking
supplements. Like many supplements, holy basil is not approved as a
first-line treatment. It may also interact with medications you’re already
taking.

Reduce
stress and anxiety

All parts of the holy basil plant act as an adaptogen. An
adaptogen is a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress and
promotes mental balance.

The
concept is a holistic approach. However scientific research shows
that holy basil has pharmacological properties to help your mind cope with many
types of stress.

The
source of your stress can be:

In the case of physical stress, holy basil is known to increase
endurance in animals. Animals who had holy basil leaf extracts and went through
environment-induced stress scenarios showedTrusted Source

Human and animal studies saw reduced:

According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine,
holy basil has antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties Source comparable to
diazepam and antidepressant drugs. These studies examined the leaves.

One study found
that people who took 500 milligrams (mg) of holy basil extract each day felt
less anxious, stressed, and depressed. People also felt more social.

Ayurvedic
practitioners recommend drinking holy basil as tea using the leaves. And since
it’s caffeine-free, it’s OK and even recommended to drink daily. The act of
drinking tea can be ritualistic and as calming as yoga. It fosters clear
thoughts, relaxation, and a sense of well-being. But
if the basil’s bitter and spicy flavor isn’t your cup of tea, a supplement in
pill form or as an alcohol extract is available. There’s less risk of
contamination when taking an herb in its natural form.

Stimulate
and vitalize your body

Holy basil is also high in antioxidants and helps your body detox. StudiesTrusted Source show
that holy basil can protect your body against toxic chemicals. It may also
prevent cancer by reducing the growth of cancerous cells.

Protect
against infection and treat wounds

Extracts
made from its leaves are thought to boost wound healing speed and strength.
Holy basil is:

Some people even use holy basil after surgery to heal and
protect their wounds. Holy basil increases your wound’s breaking strength,
healing time, and contraction. Breaking strength refers to how much pressure or
weight a wound can take before it breaks.

Research
shows that holy basil may work against infections and wounds, such as:

Lower your blood sugar

Ifyou have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, all parts of the holy basil plant can
help reduce your blood sugar. AnimalTrusted Source and human studies have shown that holy basil
can help prevent symptoms of diabetes such as:

Ease inflammation and joint pain

Imagine being able to tackle stress, anxiety, and inflammation with a relaxing cup of
tea made with the leaves of holy basil.

As an adaptogen with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, holy basil
provides all of these benefits. It can even help people with arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Protect your stomach

Holy basil can counteract the effects of stress-induced ulcers. It naturally
increases your stomach’s defense by:

SUMMARY Holy basil has been shown to boost your body’s
health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your
blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach.

Adding holy basil to your
self-care

Supplements of holy basil extract are
available in pill or capsule form. The suggested dosage ranges from 300 mg to
2,000 mg per day for general preventive purposes.

When used as a treatment, the recommended dosage is 600 mg to 1,800 mg taken in
multiple doses throughout the day. All parts of the plant might be used in
supplements and topical ointments.

Essential oil of holy basil is
distilled from leaves and flowers of the plant.

You can also make holy basil tea using the leaves, flowers, or dried leaf powder.
The herb can also be used to make freshly brewed tea by placing 2–3 teaspoons
of holy basil in a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 5–6 minutes.

The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves
raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter.

Safe use

Always make sure to speak with your doctor before incorporating holy basil or any
other supplement into your diet.

There’s not enough research to recommend use for infants, children, and pregnant or
breastfeeding women. The FDA doesn’t monitor the processing, quality, purity,
and effectiveness of herbs or supplements.

Buy holy basil that’s grown organically by a reputable source in a rural,
unpolluted environment. Holy basil grown in a polluted area may contain twice
the toxicity.

No negative side effects have been reported during human clinical trials.
However, you should avoid holy basil if you’re lactating, pregnant, or trying
to conceive.