According to Brian Krans of Healthline, holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is not the same as the sweet basil in your mother's marinara sauce or the Thai herb you use to flavor a steaming bowl of pho. This plant has green leaves and is also known as Ocimum sanctum L. Tulsi is a Southeast Asian native. It has a long history of use in Indian medicine as a treatment for everything from eye diseases to ringworms. Holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit, from the leaves to the seed. Further, this plant has green leaves and is also known as Ocimum sanctum L. Tulsi is a Southeast Asian native. It has a long history of use in Indian medicine as a treatment for everything from eye diseases to ringworms. From the leaves to the flowers and the seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit.
Many studies have been conducted to support the use of the entire plant of holy basil for human consumption and its therapeutic value. According to a study conducted by Priyabrata Pattanayak and colleagues, the nutritional value is also high, as it contains vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll. Always consult your doctor before taking supplements. Holy basil, like many supplements, is not approved as a first-line treatment. It may also interact with other medications you're taking. The holy basil plant, in its entirety, functions as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural substance that aids in stress adaptation and promotes mental balance. An adaptogen is a comprehensive approach. However, scientific evidence suggests that holy basil has pharmacological properties that can help your mind cope with various types of stress. Holy basil has antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties comparable to diazepam and antidepressant drugs, according to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine. These studies focused on the leaves. One study found that taking 500 milligrams (mg) of holy basil extract daily reduced anxiety, stress, and depression. People also reported feeling more social.
Holy basil is also high in antioxidants and aids in detoxification. Marc Maurice Cohen's 2014 research found that holy basil can protect your body from toxic chemicals. It may also be used to prevent cancer by slowing the growth of cancerous cells. Its leaf extracts are also thought to improve wound healing speed and strength. Holy basil contains antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties (a painkiller). Furthermore, studies indicate that holy basil may be effective against infections and wounds such as mouth ulcers, keloids, raised scars, and acne. All parts of the holy basil plant can help lower blood sugar if you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. In an early animal study, rats given holy basil extract experienced a 26.4 percent decrease in blood sugar after 30 days. Blood sugar levels in rats fed holy basil leaf powder fell after a month. However, before incorporating holy basil into your diet, consult your doctor. If you are already taking blood sugar control medications, it may cause your blood sugar levels to drop even further. Holy basil has also been shown to improve the health of your body in a variety of ways. It can help prevent infection, lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol, relieve joint pain, and protect your skin.
Holy basil extract supplements are available in pill or capsule form. For general preventive purposes, the recommended dosage ranges from 300 mg to 2,000 mg per day. The recommended dosage for treatment is 600 mg to 1,800 mg taken in multiple doses throughout the day. Supplements and topical ointments may contain all parts of the plant. Before incorporating holy basil or any other supplement into your diet, always consult with your doctor. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend use for infants, children, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. There are numerous varieties of basil. While this herb does not provide many nutrients, it can add flavor to your meals. Though holy basil is commonly used in herbal teas and supplements, research suggests that sweet basil may have similar health benefits, such as stress reduction and blood sugar control. Keep in mind that more research on both types of basil in humans is required. Grow your own basil and use it in sauces, salads, and soups — your taste buds will thank you.
DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
1. The Health Benefits of Holy Basil
Medically reviewed by Miho Hatanaka, RDN, L.D. — By Brian Krans — Updated on November 3, 2020
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/basil-benefits
2. Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview
Priyabrata Pattanayak Pritishova Behera, Debajyoti Das,1 and Sangram K. Panda
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249909/
3. Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons
Marc Maurice Cohen
