Therapeutic Uses
From the leaves to the seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Different parts of the plant are recommended for treating different conditions:
- Use its fresh flowers for bronchitis.
- Use the leaves and seeds, with black pepper, for malaria.
- Use the whole plant for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Use the pill and ointment form for eczema.
- Use an alcohol extract for stomach ulcers and eye diseases.
- Use an essential oil made from the leaves for insect bites.
Many studies support the use of the entire plant of holy basil for human use and its therapeutic value. The nutritional value is also high, as it contains: vitamin A and C, calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll.
- Reduce stress and anxiety – All parts of the holy basil plant act as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance. The concept of an adaptogen is a holistic approach. But scientific research shows that holy basil has pharmacological properties to help your mind cope with many types of stress. The source of your stress can be: chemical, physical, infectious, and emotional. In the case of physical stress, holy basil is known to increase endurance in animals. Animals who had holy basil leaf extracts and went through environment-induced stress scenarios showed: enhanced metabolism, improved swimming time, less tissue damage, and lower stress levels in loud environments. Human and animal studies saw reduced: stress, sexual problems, sleep problems, forgetfulness, and exhaustion.
- Antidepressant and Antianxiety – According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, holy basil has antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties comparable to diazepam and antidepressant drugs. These studies examined the leaves. One study found that people who took 500 milligrams (mg) of holy basil extract each day felt less anxious, stressed, and depressed. People also felt more social. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend drinking holy basil as tea using the leaves. And since it’s caffeine-free, it’s okay and even recommended to drink daily. The act of drinking tea can be ritualistic and as calming as yoga. It fosters clear thoughts, relaxation, and a sense of well-being.
- Stimulate and vitalize your body – Holy basil is also high in anti-oxidants and helps your body detox. Studies show that holy basil can protect your body against toxic chemicals. It may also prevent cancer by reducing the growth of cancerous cells.
- Protect against infection and treat wounds – Extracts made from its leaves are thought to boost wound healing speed and strength. Holy basil is: antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic (a painkiller). Some people even use holy basil after surgery to heal and protect their wounds. Holy basil increases your wound’s breaking strength, healing time, and contraction. Breaking strength refers to how much pressure or weight a wound can take before it breaks. Research shows that holy basil may work against infections and wounds, such as: mouth ulcers, keloids, raised scars, and acne.
- Lower your blood sugar – If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, all parts of the holy basil plant can help reduce your blood sugar. Animal and human trials have shown that holy basil can help prevent symptoms of diabetes such as: weight gain, hyperinsulinemia, or excess insulin in the blood, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, and hypertension. In these studies, rats that received holy basil extract saw a 24% decrease in blood sugar after 30 days. Blood sugar in rats that were fed holy basil leaf powder also decreased after a month. Talk to your doctor before adding holy basil to your diet. If you’re already taking medications to control blood sugar, it may lower your blood sugar levels even more.
- Lower your cholesterol – Since holy basil targets metabolic stress, it can also help with weight loss and cholesterol levels. Animal studies saw significant changes in rabbits’ fat molecules when they ate fresh holy basil leaves. They had lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and higher “good” cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol). One animal study found that the oil in holy basil (eugenol) lowers stress-induced cholesterol levels. There was a reduction of total cholesterol in the kidney, liver, or heart in rats with and without diabetes after they ate holy basil leaf powder.
- Ease inflammation and joint pain – Imagine being able to tackle stress, anxiety, and inflammation with a relaxing cup of tea made with the leaves of holy basil. As an adaptogen with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, holy basil provides all of these benefits. It can even help people with arthritis or fibromyalgia.
- Protect your stomach – Holy basil can counteract the effects of stress-induced ulcers. It naturally increases your stomach’s defense by: decreasing stomach acid, increasing mucus secretion, increasing mucus cells, and extending life of mucus cells. Many drugs for peptic ulcers have side effects and can cause discomfort in some people. Holy basil may be a preferred alternative. One animal study showed that 200 mg of holy basil extract reduced both the number and index of ulcers significantly in two-thirds of the animals.
Medicinal Uses: * Ayurvedic * Colds * Congestion * Flu * Herbal Teas * IBS * Memory/Focus * Nausea * Stress
Holy Basil Side Effects: None Noted
Holy Basil Drug Interactions: Taking holy basil along with medications that also slow clotting (aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others) might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. But there isn’t enough information to know if this is a big concern.
