Holy basil is an herb native to India, and it is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Holy basil is also known by its Latin names, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum santum, and by its common name in India, tulsi. Holy basil grows throughout the South Asian tropics, and may have green or purple leaves. It is distinct from sweet basil and Thai basil, which are often used as spices in cooking. Holy basil is considered sacred in Hinduism and is one of the most important plants in Ayurveda.
Stress Management
Holy basil is an adaptogen--an herb that enhances your body's capacity to cope with stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. Holy basil also helps increase your physical and emotional endurance. A 1991 study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology compared holy basil's anti-stress properties with those of Siberian ginseng and Asian ginseng, and found that holy basil was a more potent herb. According to the researchers of this study, holy basil also showed the highest margin of safety. Along with helping your body react to stress, holy basil calms anxiety and relieves depression, according to Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual."
Pain Relief
Consider taking holy basil to relieve your various pains, including headaches, stomach disorders and arthritis. A 2005 review article in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology states that tulsi acts as a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern anti-inflammatory painkillers. Holy basil may be used in scenarios where you might otherwise take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID.
Cardiorespiratory Health
Dr. Andrew Weil, noted integrative medicine specialist, states that tulsi has been used for centuries for heart problems, asthma and bronchitis. This may be because of its high anti-oxidant content. According to the Organic Facts website, tulsi promotes cardiovascular health, which may include heart attack prevention, blood pressure regulation and a reduced risk of stroke.
Blood Sugar Control
According to the Hypoglycemia Association of Australia, holy basil acts as a hypoglycemic, which means that it lowers your blood sugar by balancing your insulin metabolism. Herbalist Ed Smith notes that holy basil is a useful adjunct in the treatment of non-insulin dependent or Type-2 diabetes. However, if you already have hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, exercise caution when using this herb.
An Ayurvedic Panacea
While Ayurvedic medicine has long recognized the diverse and powerful effects of holy basil, modern biomedical research is beginning to catch up. Dr. Ralph Miller, former Director of Research for the Canadian Department of Health and Welfare, states that modern scientific research is validating tulsi's ability to reduce stress, improve stamina, decrease inflammation, regulate cholesterol, eliminate toxins and protect your body from radiation. Evidence is also showing that tulsi helps prevent stomach ulcers, reduces the severity of fevers, improves digestion and provides you with an abundant supply of anti-oxidants and nutrients. Tulsi may be particularly effective in bolstering your heart function, regulating your blood pressure and blood sugar and improving the health of your blood vessels, liver and lungs.
References
- Indian Journal of Pharmacology; A Comparative Evaluation of Some Anti-Stress Agents of Plant Origin; N. Singh et al.; 1991
- Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology; Therapeutic Uses of Tulsi; P. Prakash & Neelu Gupta; 2005
- Weil: Holy Basil to Combat Stress?
- Organic Facts: Nutritional Value of Tulsi (Basil or Holy Basil)
- Hypoglycemia Association of Australia: Research Evidence for Hypoglycemia
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