Holy basil is a plant. It is originally from India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen” to counter life’s stresses.
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Uses
- Anxiety. Early research found that taking 500 mg of holy basil leaf extract twice daily after meals for 60 days reduced anxiety and associated stress and depression in people with anxiety.
- Diabetes. Some early research suggests that a holy basil leaf extract might decrease blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Stress.
- Common cold.
- Influenza (“the flu”).
- Asthma.
- Bronchitis.
- Earache.
- Headache.
- Stomach upset.
- Heart disease.
- Fever.
- Insomnia.
- Viral hepatitis.
- Malaria.
- Tuberculosis.
- Mercury poisoning.
- Ringworm.
- An antidote to snake and scorpion bites.
Benefits
- Heals Wounds
Holy basil not only has a supernatural mythos, it also holds a superhuman secret. Extracts made from its leaves are thought to boost wound healing speed and strength. - Fights Bacteria
Bacterial infections can complicate even the smallest of wounds. Staph infections are a growing problem across the globe, but holy basil appears to naturally exorcise those demons. Research suggests that holy basil may be a powerful antibiotic against these debilitating and deadly bacteria. - Prevents Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes manage their condition by tracking and making changes to their diet. Holy basil may be a good addition. Preliminary research indicates that including holy basil in your diet can help control blood sugar levels. Just be careful if you have diabetes — because it has been shown to lower blood sugar, it could potentially cause low blood sugar levels in those who are on medications to control blood sugar. - Cuts Cholesterol
Animal research suggests that fresh holy basil can significantly lower harmful cholesterol in the blood. Other research indicates that holy basil extracts may help guard the heart against chronic stress. - Protects Your Stomach
Stress can do a number on your stomach. It can contribute to acid reflux and ulcers. But holy basil has anti-ulcer properties. Not only does it reduce stomach acid, it increases the production of protective mucus. - Protects Your Joints
Chronic inflammation affects millions of Americans, but holy basil contains several compounds that can help ease inflammation just as well as aspirin. - Boosts Your Brain
Extracts made from the root of holy basil have been shown to have mentally stimulating and de-stressing capabilities. While that sounds like the perfect cocktail after work, more research is needed before you’ll be able to get it at Starbucks.Other research suggests it may have other natural barriers against other mental problems besides sluggishness, such as anticonvulsant and anti-dementia, but the medical jury is still out on those claims
Cautions
- Surgery: Holy basil might slow blood clotting, so there is a concern that it could increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using holy basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Other Names
Ajaka, Albahaca Santa, Bai Gkaprow, Baranda, Basilic Indien, Basilic Sacré, Basilic Sacré Pourpre, Basilic Saint, Brinda, Green Holy Basil, Hot Basil, Indian Basil, Kala Tulsi, Kemangen, Krishna Tulasi, Krishna Tulsi, Manjari, Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Parnasa, Patrapuspha, Rama Tulsi, Red Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Sacred Purple Basil, Shyama Tulsi, Sri Tulasi, Suvasa Tulasi, Tulasi, Tulsi, Tulsi Patra
References
Healthline, http://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/basil-benefits