Holy Basil, known as Ocimum sanctum in Latin and India’s greeting mark since Vedic times, is a sacred plant for Hindus.
The sacred plant known as Ocimum sanctum L., or Tulsi for short, is an- erect, much-branched subshrub 30 – 60 cm tall with simple opposite green leaves that are strongly scented and hairy.
The stems also have petiole’s which can measure up to 5 centimeters long in some cases; they’re ovate shaped like a dollar bill when mature but not very thick at all (making them easy enough to recognize). These herbs usually occur when grown outdoors due their invasive nature however many varieties exist indoors too!
Hindus around the world consider Tulsi to be a sacred herb, and it’s easy to see why. The plant is associated with Hindu Goddesses like Kali or Lakshmi who are said to have originally come from India before spreading throughout Asia Pacific regions as well other parts on earth where they continue their work aiding those seeking healing through prayer & meditation while also acting like an ointment for our skin when applied topically!
The use of this remedy is beneficial for a variety of problems that may arise due to inflammation, including tonsillitis and bronchitis. It can also be used when there are remittent fevers during dental work like teeth cleaning appointments in children who have been diagnosed with diarrhea virus infections from stool transmitted diseases (STIs).
Health Benefits of Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil)
Holy Basil is often planted around Hindu shrines. The name tulsi means “the incomparable one.” In Western medicine it’s valued as an adaptogen; that something helps your body cope with stress or illness by balancing the immune system response
Might sound funny but there are some benefits from this herb! They have been known since ancient times because they believed its medicinal properties could promote health in both mind & spirit
The plant has been used to:
- Combat negative effects of stress
- Stabilize blood sugar levels
- Promote longevity
Studies show holy basil has a wide range of health-promoting properties. It’s an:
- Adaptogenic
- Anti-arthritic
- Anti-coagulant
- Anti-diabetic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-pyretic (prevents fever)
- Antidiarrheal
- Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and more)
- Antioxidant
- Antitussive (treats cough)
- Liver-, brain-. and heart-protectant
Traditional Uses of Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil)
Holy basil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy, and recent research is starting to back up these claims. This plant can help with everything from mental clarity and weight loss all the way down through treating common colds or flu symptoms!
The list of conditions this spice might treat continues on: Infectious conditions:
- Bronchitis, Cold/Flu, Earache ,Fever, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Viral hepatitis
Gastrointestinal problems:
- Nausea and indigestion, Dysentery, Diarrhea
Other conditions/symptoms:
- Genitourinary disorders (conditions involving the urinary system and genitals),Headache, Stress, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Back pain, Anxiety, Asthma
It can also be used to treat snakebites, ringworm and as a mosquito repellant.
How Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil) works
Holy basil is not just an appetizer, it has a complex makeup of phytochemicals (plant substances). Researchers have found its leaves contain several bioactive compounds including antioxidant defenses and anti-inflammatory agents.
- Eugenol (clove oil): May lower blood glucose levels, treat digestive and respiratory problems
- Ursolic acid: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal properties
- ß-caryophyllene: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic (painkiller), antipyretic
- Linalool: Insecticide (kills insects)
- 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol): Cough, allergies, and asthma relief, immune support, anti-inflammatory, anti-leukemia cells.
Possible Side Effects & Safety of Holy Basil
In a review, there was only one specific reported side effect- this was mild nausea that went away over time with continued use. All other reviews or studies reported either no side effects or very mild one.
Holy Basil may pose a risk in the two situations mentioned below
Pregnancy: Avoid Holy basil if you are already pregnant or trying to conceive. There has not been any safety established for use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Blood Clotting: Holy Basil may slow down blood clotting. Do not take Holy basil for two weeks leading up to surgery or after.
Holy basil isn’t recommended if you’re taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as : Coumadin(warfarin),Heparin, Aspirin, Plavix, Fragmin, LovenoxanTiclid
Wrapping up on Holy Basil
Holy basil is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries in the Indian subcontinent. It can be brewed as an alcoholic beverage, cooked on flavor dishes like curry or fried into snacks called “curries.” The roots also hail from this region but were introduced to other parts of Asia before being transported back home by British merchants who brought them along during their travels around India.
Holy Basil contains anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce joint pain associated with arthritis among others things; antioxidant dominance protecting cells against free radicals (which cause aging); Carvacrol –one type of henan compound found exclusively among plants belonging to family Solanaceae.
Choose holy basil products that are organic and certified by a third-party lab. You can make it into tea or essential oils. It’s available in supplement form as well.
Dosages aren’t established. Studies have used between 300 mg per day and 1200 mg a day (in doses of 400 and 800.)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions in this blog should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your medical professional before ingesting or using anything. This blog is intended for informational purposes only.
