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 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 variety 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 to treat skin conditions and 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 the 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 powerful antioxidants like 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 support 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, an essential oil component of holy basil, promotes healthy cholesterol levels. Other studies suggest that the herb can help maintain normal blood pressure, thereby strengthening the cardiovascular system and boosting 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 as a toothpaste substitute by sprinkling some on your toothbrush and brushing as usual.
Improves Sleep
Adding holy basil to your nighttime routine may improve your 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 regular consumption of holy basil supplements can reduce the frequency of headaches.
Relieves Earaches
Holy basil may help soothe earaches. A drop of juice from the leaves can alleviate earache symptoms in both children and adults, possibly due to its ability to reduce pain sensitivity and inflammation.
Protects the Stomach
Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners used holy basil for stomach conditions, and modern science has confirmed its digestive benefits. Researchers have found that holy basil oil promotes a healthy stomach lining and may 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, it was even used to treat malarial fever, with eugenol in holy basil being effective against mosquito larvae that cause malaria.
Improves Skin Health
The eugenol in holy basil, also found in clove oil, helps deter harmful organisms. Bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes, which cause acne and minor skin blemishes, can be combated with various herbal anti-acne gel combinations that include holy basil.
Boosts Brain Function
Holy basil supports cognitive function, similar to the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha. It enhances brain activity by increasing glutathione peroxidase activity, an enzyme that protects cells from oxidative damage. Holy basil can also protect neurons in the brain from damage.
Promotes Eye Health
Traditionally, holy basil eye drops have been used for conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and conjunctivitis. The leaf extract in these drops has soothing antioxidant properties that reduce redness and irritation, improving overall 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, vitamin 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 it yourself or buy it fresh. The seeds, leaves, and flowers are all usable.
Tea
To brew a cup of holy basil tea, try this calming recipe that combines tulsi with other herbs that help with anxiety. You can use a fill-it-yourself tea bag, a metal strainer, or simply boil everything together in a pan or kettle and 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. Remember to dilute it in a carrier oil like almond oil or coconut oil before applying it to your skin. You can also use it in a diffuser to enhance your home’s aroma. Do not take essential oils orally unless they are certified food-grade.
Supplement Tablets
Holy basil supplements are widely 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. Avoid ethanol-alcohol-based extractions. Instead, try Global Healing Tulsi, which uses fresh, raw tulsi leaves and concentrates its nutrients with Energized Trace Minerals using Raw Herbal Extract technology.
Holy Basil Side Effects
In human clinical trials, holy basil has shown no side effects. However, some studies have found that it reduced fertility in animals, possibly due to the ursolic acid it contains. Therefore, avoid it if you are trying to conceive. Its effects on pregnant and lactating women are unknown, so it’s 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
Holy basil can thrive indoors or outdoors, depending on your climate. In the United States, it grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. It cannot handle frost, so keep the plant above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant holy basil seeds in the spring, as they require warm temperatures to germinate. The plant thrives in full sunlight and moist soil and can reach a height of 20 inches, allowing for multiple harvests 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 stress, 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 Healing’s Organic Tulsi Raw Herbal Extract for its soothing and immune-supporting properties. If you prefer growing your own, do so indoors unless you live in a warm, frost-free climate.
