Holy basil, also known by its Sanskrit name, tulsi, has been used medicinally in India and other parts of the world for over 2,000 years, says Medicinal Herb Info. This herb is a close relative to the familiar culinary basil. Before beginning to use holy basil medicinally, ask the advice of your health care provider.
History
The Holy-Basil.com website gives a very detailed history for this herb. Holy basil is revered in the Hindu religion for its spiritual effects. There is also documented proof in ancient Ayurvedic texts of its use thousands of years ago to treat snakebites and the stings of scorpions. The use of holy basil has become popular in other areas of Asia, too, such as Thailand, and in South America. It is still relatively unknown in North America and Europe, however.
Holy Basil Uses
Drugs.com reports that holy basil is known as an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it counteracts the body's reaction to stress. It has been shown to lower the stress-induced production of chemicals such as corticosterone, dopamine, and serotonin, says the site. Holy-basil.com reports that it is used to lower blood sugar levels, treat ulcers, protect the heart, have antibacterial properties, and fight cancer and the effects of radiation. Holy-Basil.com adds that the herb is used to treat allergies, reduce symptoms of asthma, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, to boost the immune system function as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory.
Research
An article published on the PubMed.gov website describes research on the antifungal properties of holy basil and other herbs. The study concluded that holy basil had the most effective antifungal effects of any of the herbs studied. Drugs.com describes several other studies that show promise for the medicinal use of holy basil for several conditions, but it says that more research is necessary to prove its effectiveness. The site does warn that pregnant or breast-feeding women avoid using holy basil since not enough is known about its effects on the unborn or nursing infant. Holy-Basil.com explains that the herb is considered to be safe except that animal research from the 1970s suggests that it may cause problems with fertility.
Possible Side Effects
Both Drugs.com and Holy-Basil.com sate that use of holy basil in moderate amounts is considered to be quite safe. However, they both also say that until more is known about its effects on fertility, people who are trying to conceive should avoid its use.
Potential Interactions
Drugs.com explains that some people experience a sedative effect from using holy basil, so it should not be used if you are already taking any sedatives. If holy basil is taken while also taking acetaminophen, it may cause liver toxicity, adds the site.
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