What is holy basil extract used for?
People use holy basil for anxiety, stress, diabetes, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses. Don’t confuse holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) with basil (Ocimum basilicum), which is very commonly used in cooking. Use caution when taking holy basil with the following: Blood pressure medications: Holy basil has demonstrated blood pressure-lowering effects. This may have additive effects with antihypertensives—like Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide). If your blood pressure is too low, you may experience dizziness and feel faint.Holy basil may also decrease fasting blood glucose, so patients taking antidiabetic medications should practice caution to avoid hypoglycemia. Finally, holy basil should not be used by people who are trying to get pregnant, who are pregnant or who are lactating.In early research, taking 400 mg of a holy basil extract (M/s Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd, India) by mouth in the morning and 800 mg at night for 6 weeks decreased symptoms of stress, including forgetfulness, sexual problems, exhaustion, and sleep problems.Improves cognitive brain health Magnesium increases memory and learning, while flavonoids have been linked to better brain function. By lower cortisol levels in the body, holy basil also helps improve mental clarity and may reduce the risk of age-related mental illnesses.Heart disease prevention. The eugenol in basil can block calcium channels, which may help to lower blood pressure. Its essential oils can help lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. Basil also contains magnesium, which can help improve your blood flow by allowing your muscles and blood vessels to relax.
Is holy basil the same as tulsi?
Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly known as tulasi, tulsi, or holy basil, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia and the western Pacific. Tulsi is the Sanskrit name for Holy Basil, grown for thousands of years in India and throughout Southeast Asia. It is an important medicinal herb, especially in Ayurvedic medicine, and is believed to help the body manage stress and promote overall well being.Antioxidant Properties: Basil seeds are rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A and C. These antioxidants help protect the liver from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This can help support overall liver function.Where basil excels is in areas of cancer prevention and liver health. Ingesting tulsi, or holy basil, has been shown to reduce the effect of ingested toxins that could cause liver damage.In India, people worship the plant and make a daily ritual of watering it in the morning. Regular consumption of basil leaves offers numerous benefits to the body, including prevention of kidney disease and improved heart health.Basil contains nutrients and compounds that can help stave off chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and arthritis,” says registered dietitian Gillian Culbertson, RD, LD. On top of that, basil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Who cannot take holy basil?
Holy basil may decrease the efficacy of thyroid hormone medications. The effect of holy basil to slow down blood clotting may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking antiplatelet or anticoagulation medications. Per animal data, holy basil may also enhance the sedating effects of barbiturates. In addition, Holy Basil can also help improve cognitive function and memory. It can increase blood flow to the brain and stimulate the activity of certain neurotransmitters, which can lead to better concentration and mental clarity.Taking holy basil might cause nausea or diarrhea. There isn’t enough reliable information available to know if it is safe to use long-term. When applied to the skin: Holy basil is possibly safe when used as a mouthwash, short-term.Indirectly mentioned in both the Quran and Hadith, symbolizing spiritual joy, divinity and purity, holy basil is celebrated for its culinary uses and traditional medicinal uses for things like nausea, indigestion, insomnia, colds among others.While holy basil and holy basil tea have several potential benefits, it may affect some people negatively. Consult with your doctor before adding holy basil tea to your daily routine. It isn’t fully known if drinking holy basil tea while pregnant or breastfeeding could result in health risks.
What does holy basil do to hormones?
Adaptogens such as Holy Basil may help regulate cortisol levels, which can also support mood and stress response. Stress can affect physical, mental, and internal organs, influencing hormonal regulation. Research out of Australia found that sipping one cup of holy basil tea can send cortisol levels plunging by 36% within 40 minutes. Tulsi’s ursolic acid boosts levels of GABA, a calming brain chemical that lowers cortisol spikes. And when taken regularly, holy basil has long-lasting results for anxiety, too.How fast does Holy Basil work for stress? Some people report feeling calmer within hours, while consistent daily use offers the best long-term support. When applied topically in a therapeutic blend, the calming effects can be felt within minutes.
Is holy basil the same as ashwagandha?
Unlike Holy Basil (to follow), which is more calming, Ashwagandha is known for its restorative and energy-boosting effects. It helps the body adapt to physical and mental stress by supporting the adrenal glands and balancing hormones. Ashwagandha is a highly prized Ayurvedic herb in traditional medicine for significantly boosting testosterone production and improving sexual health. Studies have disclosed that this wonder herb has the power to increase sperm count, the volume of ejaculation, sperm motility, and vigor.The idea is that ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which are plants that can reduce the amount of cortisol (stress hormone) your body releases,” Dr. Lin reports. Less cortisol can mean you feel less stressed mentally, and it can lessen the physical effects of stress.Vedic texts note that Ashwagandha has benefits for the nervous and endocrine systems, which may account for why it is used to calm anxiety. The plant is used as against inflammation and as a general rejuvenation tonic as well. Tulsi, also called Holy Basil, is said to promote whole body well-being.