Holy basil is a potent green leafy plant that is being used as a treatment for many conditions for centuries. From its leaves to its seeds, holy basil is considered a tonic for the mind, body, and spirit.
This herb acts as an adaptogen, a natural substance that helps our body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance. Results of a study showed that the plant possess pharmacological properties that can help our mind cope with many types of stress – physical, emotional, infectious or chemical stress (1).
So, when we are having a stressed full day, taking holy basil can actually help our body to better adapt to the stress we are experiencing, thus helping us function as optimally as possible during that stressful time (2).
In one study, experts have found that people who took 500 milligrams (mg) of holy basil extract each day felt less stressed, anxious, and depressed while feeling more social (3).
A systematic review has proven tulsi (holy basil) ingestion to be effective in the treatment of psychological stress (4).
Since holy basil has the ability to calm the nervous system, it may help with symptoms associated with depression, depressive moods, or insomnia (5).
For this benefit, it is recommended to drink holy basil as tea using the leaves. This caffeine-free beverage can be consumed daily. It promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being. Simply take a few dried holy basil leaves, or use dried leaf powder and put a teaspoon of the powder in a cup of boiling water. Let steep for 5-6 minutes. Strain the tea. We may opt to add a slice of fresh lemon or a dash of honey for additional taste and benefit. Sip and enjoy.
Its leaves can also be used in cooking as a flavoring. It has spicy and bitter, but some people still enjoy eating holy basil raw.
Other Health Benefits of Holy Basil
A 2017 systematic review revealed that consuming tulsi [holy basil] on a daily basis may be an effective lifestyle measure to address many modern chronic diseases (6).
Holy basil can lower both blood glucose and cholesterol levels. In rats, experts found that holy basil can decrease blood sugar by 26% after 30 days. Similarly, studies with human participants suggest that holy basil may be helpful in easing symptoms for people with type 2 diabetes (7).
It has infection-fighting properties, thus may help in fighting off a fever. Its leaves are thought to act as antibiotic, germicidal, and disinfectant agents (8).
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/basil-benefits#brain-benefits
- https://curejoy.com/content/holy-basil-stress-anxiety-insomnia/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284800393_A_clinical_study_on_the_management_of_generalized_anxiety_disorder_with_Vaca_Acorus_calamus
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28400848/
- hhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376420/
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2017/9217567/
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-holy-basil#1
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/holy-basil-benefits/
Disclaimer
The watching, interacting, and participation of any kind with anything on this page does not constitute or initiate a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Farrah®. None of the statements here have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products of Dr. Farrah® are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information being provided should only be considered for education and entertainment purposes only. If you feel that anything you see or hear may be of value to you on this page or on any other medium of any kind associated with, showing, or quoting anything relating to Dr. Farrah® in any way at any time, you are encouraged to and agree to consult with a licensed healthcare professional in your area to discuss it. If you feel that you’re having a healthcare emergency, seek medical attention immediately. The views expressed here are simply either the views and opinions of Dr. Farrah® or others appearing and are protected under the first amendment.
Dr. Farrah® is a highly experienced Licensed Medical Doctor certified in evidence-based clinical nutrition, not some enthusiast, formulator, or medium promoting the wild and unrestrained use of nutrition products for health issues without clinical experience and scientific evidence of therapeutic benefit. Dr. Farrah® has personally and keenly studied everything she recommends, and more importantly, she’s closely observed the reactions and results in a clinical setting countless times over the course of her career involving the treatment of over 150,000 patients.
Dr. Farrah® promotes evidence-based natural approaches to health, which means integrating her individual scientific and clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. By individual clinical expertise, I refer to the proficiency and judgment that individual clinicians acquire through clinical experience and clinical practice.
Dr. Farrah® does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of any multimedia content provided. Dr. Farrah® does not warrant the performance, effectiveness, or applicability of any sites listed, linked, or referenced to, in, or by any multimedia content.
To be clear, the multimedia content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any website, video, image, or media of any kind.
Dr. Farrah® hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is, and without warranties.
