Have you ever heard of holy basil?
Holy Basil is not the typical supermarket basil. It’s slightly pepperier in flavor than Italian basil and has many healing properties that ordinary basil does not have.
Here are 9 mesmerizing benefits to using this herb for your health!
Let’s start by knowing what is the holy basil first.
What is Holy Basil?
Holy Basil leaf is also known as Tulsi in Hindi. It’s commonly found in India and other South Asian countries, where it has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times.
It is prized for many medicinal uses, such as treating colds, headaches, stomach problems, and high blood pressure. Some of the Holy Basil Benefits in Ayurvedic medicine are to help reduce stress and treat common ailments.
What are Holy Basil's other names?
- Kala tulsi
- Tulsi
- Sacred basil
- “Queen of Herbs” from India
- Indian basil
- Big-leafed Basil
- Krishna tulsi
- Ocimum Sanctum L.
- Ocimum tenuiflorum
- Manjari
What are Holy Basil forms?
- Holy Basil leaf extract (Ocimum Sanctum leaf extract)
- Holy Basil Oil
- Holy Basil Powder (Less efficient)
The 9 Healing Properties (Benefits) of Holy Basil
#1. Treats Common Cold & Boosts Immunity Against Other Upper Respiratory Infections
If you often catch a cold, you should try holy basil. It is known to be an effective treatment for upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and flu, bronchitis, and sinus problems.
According to a study conducted by researchers at Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that extracts of this wonder herb can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, boost immunity, kill bacteria and viruses associated with upper respiratory infections.
#2. Fights Against Diabetes
This is one of the strong holy basil benefits. It can also help people suffering from diabetes by balancing blood sugar levels because it contains chlorogenic acid which has been shown to prevent blood glucose absorption. It can lower insulin resistance & increase insulin sensitivity.
#3. Relieves Headaches & Migraines
If you often get headaches, holy basil can help relieve them because this herb contains eugenol which is an antimigraine compound. If you suffer from tension or cluster headaches, holy basil can help with that too!
#4. Helps Kidney Stones, UTIs, Prostate & Bladder Problems
If you’re suffering from repeated urinary infections, a study suggests that holy basil can reduce these infections. It can also help relieve kidney stones and prostate problems.
#5. Combats Heart Disease & High Blood Pressure
In traditional medicine, holy basil is used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease.
In a study, scientists found that extracts of this herb can relax blood vessels and reduce oxidative stress in the body which is linked to heart disease. It’s also known to lower cholesterol levels!
#6. Fights Cancer Cells
A study suggests that holy basil can help treat cancer because it has anti-carcinogenic properties. It can also help fight against breast, colon, and prostate cancer cells.
#7. Treats Bad Breath & Gum Disease
Holy basil can be used to treat bad breath because it contains substances called eugenol which is effective in killing bacteria linked to dental problems such as gingivitis or periodontitis. It can also help kill viruses and fungi that cause bad breath.
#8. Aids in Weight Loss
Preliminary evidence suggests that this herb can increase weight loss because it has certain fat-burning compounds and antioxidants which boost metabolism and the immune system, too!
In addition, and as holy basil helps reduce blood sugar levels, your body fat storage will be decreased.
But that’s not everything, LDL cholesterol levels will also be lowered, meaning your heart will be healthy and happy.
#9. Helps Fight Stress, Anxiety & Depression
Holy Basil has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help calm the body and enhance mental clarity. It can relieve stress and anxiety to help you relax and sleep better!
How to Use Holy Basil (6 Ways & 2 Warning), Users Reviews, Dosage, and Storage
Safe Use Cases
- Spray Holy Basil on your skin to treat infections and acne.
- Chew a few leaves to relieve a headache or migraine.
- Take a tea of the leaves to reduce stress, boost immunity and treat common colds.
- Use it in cooking soups, stews, and curries.
- Apply poultices of tulsi leaves on the skin to cure skin infections.
- Drink it as Tulsi Tea or Tulsi Juice if you’re suffering from common colds, stress, anxiety, or hypertension.
Not Safe Use Cases:
- If you are pregnant, you should avoid holy basil. This is because it can lead to uterine contractions.
- In the case of breastfeeding, you should also avoid it unless you consult your physician.
Recommended Dosage
It’s recommended to take 300-500mg of Holy Basil leaf extract per day.
If you are using tulsi tea, it is recommended to drink 2-3 cups of tulsi tea per day.
As a spray, it is recommended to use holy basil before going to bed and on an empty stomach.
Storage
It’s recommended to store Holy Basil in a cool, dry place away from the sunlight.
In case of pills, powder, leaf extract, please use them as per their company instructions.
Users Reviews Around The Web:
You can find the reviews here: WebMD
The Best Holy Basil Supplements
The best way of obtaining the benefits of holy basil is to take it as a supplement. You can buy capsules or tablets online or at health stores.
Here are the top 3 supplements we recommend:
Best Holy Basil Supplement For Weight Loss: Puravive
This supplement is a weight loss supplement made of natural ingredients. It is specially designed for weight loss.
Furthermore, it is made of 100% pure holy basil and does not contain any artificial ingredients. It has 30 vegetarian capsules.
This supplement also comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose!
What makes Puravive special is the fact that it is a triple-action formula. It contains ingredients that can help with weight loss, digestion, and stress relief!
But, it’s not a magic supplement, your health requires time to be recovered naturally.
The ONLY Official Puravive Website:
Our Review On It:
Puravive Review [The STEALTHY Truth]
Best ONLY Holy Basil Supplement For Stress Relief: New Chapter Holy Basil Force
This supplement is made of 100% holy basil extract, with no added preservatives or ingredients.
New Chapter Holy Basil Force is one of the best-selling supplements on Amazon! Not only that but it’s also formulated by a highly reputable company – New Chapter.
This supplement has 120 capsules.
It can help reduce stress, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability while enhancing mental clarity!
Official Retailer Website (Amazon but low in stock):
Amazon.com/New-Chapter-Supercritical-Support-Ingredients/dp/B014REOZWI/
Best Holy Basil Essential Oil For Beautifying Skin: Greenwood Essential Oil
Greenwood essential oil is made of 100% organic holy basil.
It can fight acne, eczema, inflammation, get rid of dark circles under the eyes, remove blemishes and get rid of wrinkles!
The best thing about Greenwood Essential Oil is that it has no added preservatives or ingredients. It does not contain any toxins, chemicals, or additives.
Official Retailer Website (Amazon):
Amazon.com/Greenwood-Essential-sanctum-Therapeutic-Distilled/dp/B08KWGSVCB/
Top 3 Recipes With Holy Basil
#1. Holy Basil Green Tea
Ingredients:
- Hot water
- Green tea bag
- 5 holy basil leaves
- Honey, or any sweetener of your choice
Preparation:
Boil water and pour over a green tea bag. Add 5 leaves to the tea and leave for 10 minutes. Sweeten with honey or your choice of sweetener. The last thing, enjoy the holy basil tea.
#2. Holy Basil Smoothie
Ingredients:
- Blender of choice
- 1 cup almond milk (or any dairy-free milk)
- 2 Tbsp honey, or any sweetener of your choice
- 10 holy basil leaves
- Ice cubes, as desired
Preparation:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. Enjoy!
#3. Holy Basil Tea Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or white whole-wheat flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp fresh holy basil, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup (or honey), divided
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and basil until combined. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the butter, 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons warm water. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir until dough comes together in one large mass.
Place dough on a floured surface and knead gently with floured hands about 12 times. Gently roll the dough into ¾-inch thickness using a rolling pin. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart and brush with remaining maple syrup (or honey). Bake until golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Holy basil isn’t just some herb or something. It’s a powerful cure and extremely helpful for all kinds of things, from stress and anxiety to acne and dark circles under your eyes!
As you read in the benefits above, you can see how Holy Basil got its popularity. It’s easy to use, healthy, and has all kinds of beneficial properties.
Feel free to share this article with your friends and family – it’s time for everyone to know how great Holy Basil is.
Thank you for reading, my dear friend! If you liked the post, please share it on social media. 🙂
FAQ about Holy Basil Plant
What does holy basil do for you?
Holy Basil helps improve body health. It reduces blood glucose levels, lowers the risk of cancer, and improves the immune system. Take advantage of turmeric to increase your immune system.
Is holy basil hard on your liver?
No. Holy basil is not hard on your liver at all and even helps protect it from infections.
What does holy basil do for the skin?
In combination with other topic-based skincare products, holy basil can improve the appearance of acne, reduce inflammation and improve skin tone if used as part of the daily routine.
What are the side effects of holy basil?
Holy Basil has no known side effects for healthy adults. However, it may interact with aspirin, diabetes medications and reduce blood sugar levels to dangerous levels.
Resources
Here are the references our researchers used when writing this article:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5919802_Chemical_Composition_and_Antioxidant_Property_of_Holy_Basil_Ocimum_sanctum_L_Leaves_Stems_and_Inflorescence_and_Their_in_Vitro_Callus_Cultures
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientreview-1101-holy-basil?drugid=1101&drugname=HOLY-BASIL
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25692494/
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/holy-basil-benefits/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/basil-benefits
