What Is Holy Basil?
Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum, sometimes known as Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a green, leafy plant adorned with purple flowers. Part of the mint family, this aromatic shrub originally hails from India. It’s important not to confuse holy basil with sweet basil (also known as Thai basil), which is commonly used in cooking; although they are related, they are distinct plants. The leaves, seeds, and flowers of holy basil are rich in nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, zinc, and iron.
The Benefits of Taking Holy Basil
Both ancient traditions and modern science recognize a wide range of health benefits associated with holy basil. Natural healthcare providers use this herb to support lung, liver, eye, kidney, bone, thyroid, metabolic, and respiratory health. Historically, it has also been used for skin conditions and to soothe digestive issues. Here are some of the most common benefits of holy basil:
Reduces Occasional Anxiety & Stress
Holy basil is a natural adaptogen, which means it helps reduce occasional anxiety and stress. Adaptogens assist your body in adapting to stress by boosting your immune system, increasing endurance, and balancing moods. In a study, participants who took 500 mg of holy basil twice daily reported improvements in their overall mood. The herb contains two powerful antioxidants, rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which protect cells by counteracting free radicals and radiation, thus combating environmental stresses on a cellular level.
Supports Balanced Blood Sugar
One of the most significant benefits of holy basil is its ability to help maintain balanced blood sugar levels. In a study, individuals with non-insulin-dependent diabetes who took 2.5 g (2,500 mg) of holy basil leaves daily for four weeks experienced more normal blood sugar levels. This can lead to substantial reductions in fasting blood glucose levels and overall blood glucose levels.
Helps Heart Health
Holy basil may also benefit heart health. Researchers have found that eugenol essential oil, a component of holy basil, promotes healthy cholesterol levels. Other studies have shown that the herb can help maintain normal blood pressure. Overall, holy basil may strengthen the cardiovascular system and support heart health.
Freshens Your Breath
If you grow holy basil yourself, you can chew the leaves as a natural mouth freshener. The herb can deter germs in your mouth, leading to fresher breath and better oral health. Alternatively, you can use holy basil powder in place of toothpaste by sprinkling some on your toothbrush and brushing as usual.
Improves Sleep
Adding holy basil to your nighttime routine may help improve sleep quality. In a study, adults aged 18 to 65 who took 1200 mg of holy basil before bed experienced more restful sleep and felt less tired during the day.
Soothes Occasional Headaches
Holy basil is commonly used to relieve head discomfort. Ayurvedic practitioners believe the herb balances the three doshas, or energies in the body. It is also used in Ayurveda to relieve body tension that can cause headaches. Studies have shown that patients who regularly take holy basil supplements experience fewer headaches.
Relieves Earaches
If you have an earache, holy basil may help. A drop of juice from the leaves can soothe and improve earache symptoms in both children and adults. This may be due to its ability to reduce pain sensitivity as well as swelling and irritation in the body.
Protects the Stomach
Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners used holy basil for stomach conditions, and modern science has confirmed its benefits for the digestive system. Researchers have found that holy basil oil promotes a healthy stomach lining and may even prevent the development of stomach sores.
Reduces Body Fever
For centuries, people have used the juice from fresh holy basil leaves to reduce fevers and boost the immune system. Historically, holy basil was even used to treat malarial fever, as the eugenol in the herb was effective against mosquito larvae, which cause malaria.
Improves Skin Health
The eugenol found in holy basil, also present in clove oil, deters harmful organisms. Bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes, which can cause acne and minor skin blemishes, are effectively managed by various herbal anti-acne gel combinations that include holy basil, crepe jasmine, and tea tree oil.
Boosts Brain Function
Similar to the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha, holy basil supports cognitive function, including memory and learning. It enhances anti-stress agents in the brain and improves brain activity by increasing glutathione peroxidase activity, an enzyme that protects cells from oxidative damage. Holy basil can even protect neurons in the brain from damage.
Promotes Eye Health
Traditionally, holy basil eye drops have been used for various conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis. Eye drops containing the leaf extract have soothing antioxidant properties that reduce redness and irritation, thereby improving eye health.
Holy Basil Nutrition Facts
One gram of fresh holy basil contains 0 calories and 3 mg of potassium, with no fat, cholesterol, sodium, or sugar. It also contains trace amounts of vitamin A and C, calcium, and iron. Concentrated extracts and essential oils may provide higher levels of these nutrients.
How to Take Holy Basil
Holy basil is available in various forms, including powders, essential oils, extracts, and teas. You can grow holy basil or buy it fresh. The seeds, leaves, and flowers can all be used.
Tea
To brew a cup of holy basil tea, you can follow this calming recipe that combines tulsi with other herbs that help with anxiety. You can add the ingredients to a fill-it-yourself tea bag, a metal strainer, or simply boil everything together in a pan or kettle, then strain the herbs out afterward.
Stress Relieving Tulsi Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon dried rosebuds
1 teaspoon peppermint leaves
1 teaspoon chamomile
1 ml Global Healing Tulsi liquid extract
1 cup hot water
1 teaspoon Stevia or raw honey
Directions:
Steep the dried rosebuds, peppermint leaves, and chamomile in hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and add the Tulsi extract to the tea. Sweeten with Stevia or raw honey if desired. Enjoy your calming tea!
Essential Oil
Holy basil essential oil has a warm, spicy, sweet aroma. When using holy basil essential oil, remember that it is extremely concentrated, so you need to dilute it in a carrier oil like almond oil or coconut oil before applying it to your skin. You can also use holy basil oil in a diffuser to enhance your home’s aroma. Note that essential oils do not need to be diluted when used in a diffuser. Never take an essential oil orally unless it is certified food-grade.
Supplement Tablets
There are many holy basil supplements available, typically in 500 mg tablets. You can take more than one tablet at a time to achieve the desired serving amount.
Extract
Always look for the purest, highest-quality, organic extracts available. It’s best to avoid ethanol-alcohol-based extractions. Instead, try Global Healing Tulsi, which is a groundbreaking holy basil supplement. This product macerates fresh, raw tulsi leaves, concentrates its nutrients, and adds Energized Trace Minerals using Raw Herbal Extract technology.
Holy Basil Side Effects
In human clinical trials, researchers found that holy basil had no side effects. However, some studies have shown that it reduced fertility in animals, possibly due to the ursolic acid it contains. Therefore, avoid holy basil if you are trying to conceive. Its effects on pregnant and lactating women are not well known, so it is best to avoid it unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider. Generally, holy basil is safe to use and offers many healing properties.
Growing Holy Basil
If you want to grow your own holy basil, it can thrive indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate. In the United States, the plant grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11 or their equivalents worldwide. Holy basil cannot handle frost, so it’s best to keep the plant above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Holy basil seeds require warm temperatures to germinate, so it’s best to plant them in the spring. The plant thrives in full sunlight and moist soil. Holy basil can reach a height of 20 inches, allowing you to harvest the leaves multiple times during the growing season.
Points to Remember
Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is a popular herb with numerous health benefits. As an adaptogen, it reduces anxiety and lowers stress. The herb also supports healthy blood sugar levels, discourages headaches and earaches, protects the stomach, and boosts skin, brain, and eye health. Holy basil is available in teas, extracts, oils, and supplements. You can also use holy basil essential oil. Avoid ethanol-based extracts and consider Global
