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 native to Southeast Asia. It has a history within Indian medicine as a treatment for many conditions, from eye diseases to ringworms.
From the leaves to the seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Different parts of the plant are recommended for treating different conditions:
- Relieves bronchitis symptoms
- Use the leaves and seeds, with black pepper, for malaria
- Treats diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Treats eczema
- Use an alcohol extract for stomach ulcersand eye diseases.
- Heals insect bites.
Many studies support the use of the entire plant of holy basil for human use and its therapeutic value. The
- vitamin A and C
- calcium
- zinc
- iron
- chlorophyll
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 source of your stress can be:
- chemical
- physical
- infectious
- emotional
In the case of physical stress, holy basil is known to increase endurance.
- enhanced metabolism
- improved swimming time
- less tissue damage
- lower stress levels in loud environments
Human studies have shown holy Basil prevents:
- stress
- sexual problems
- sleep problems
- forgetfulness
- exhaustion
According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, holy basil has
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.
Many herbalists 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.
Holy basil is also high in antioxidants and helps your body detox.
Protect against infection and treat wounds
Extracts made from its leaves are thought to boost wound healing speed and strength. Holy basil is:
- antibacterial
- antiviral
- antifungal
- anti-inflammatory
- analgesic (a painkiller)
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:
- mouth ulcers
- keloids
- raised scars
- acne
Lower your blood sugar
If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, all parts of the holy basil plant can help reduce your blood sugar. Human studies have shown that holy basil can help prevent symptoms of diabetes such as:
- weight gain
- hyperinsulinemia, or excess insulin in the blood
- high cholesterol
- insulin resistance
- hypertension
Lower your cholesterol
Ease inflammation and joint pain
Protect your stomach
📋Take 2x daily w/lots of water (preferably spring water)