Health Benefits of Holy Basil
Article Sources
- 1. Cohen M. ‘Tulsi-Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.' J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014 Oct-Dec, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439.
- 2. Godhwani S, Godhwani JL, Vyas DS. ‘Ocimum sanctum: an experimental study evaluating its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity in animals.' J Ethnopharmacol 1987.
- 3. Yamani H. Pang E. Mantri N. Deighton M. ‘Antimicrobial activity of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum ) Essential Oil and Their Major Constituents against Three Species of Bacteria.' Frontiers of Microbiology. 17 May 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4868837.
- 4. Ezeani C. Ezenyi I. Okoye T. Okoli C.'Ocimum basilicum extract exhibits antidiabetic effects via inhibition of hepatic glucose mobilization and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes.' Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology 3 Jan 2017.
- 5. Dobrzynski. ‘Holy Basil to Beat Stress and Sleep Better.' Parkinson's Resource Organization, www.parkinsonsresource.org/news/articles/holy-basil-to-beat-stress-and-sleep-better.
- 6. Shimizu T et al. ‘Holy Basil leaf extract decreases tumorigenicity and metastasis of aggressive human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo: potential role in therapy.' Cancer Letters. 19 Aug 2013, www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23523869.
- 7. Sharma V. Chanda D. ‘Ocimum: the Holy Basil Against Cardiac Anomalies.' The Ocimum Genome, www.researchgate.net/publication/328069487.
For centuries, people have been using an aromatic shrub called holy basil to tackle a broad range of ailments. Researchers are looking at the herb's potential health benefits to decide whether it's a useful adjunct for various medical conditions. More research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Used as a tea or supplement, holy basil is said to promote the body's ability to cope with stress. For example, holy basil is reported to reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels that are known to be affected by stress.
1. Combats Physical & Emotional Stress
Stressors in our everyday lives can result in poor health and disease. Polluted air, soil and water, as well as noise pollution, can affect physical and psychological health. Chemicals, such as cleaners, insecticides and fertilizers used in the household or on the farm can cause reactions that can lead to asthma, skin problems and even digestive issues.1Cohen M. ‘Tulsi-Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.’ J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014 Oct-Dec, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439.
When taken daily in tea, powder or supplement form, holy basil is thought to help people adapt better to their environment, physically and psychologically, and relieve or prevent acute and chronic diseases.
2. Kills Bacteria
As more germs become resistant to antibiotics, researchers are trying to identify new antimicrobials to replace them. Holy basil's ability to kill bacteria is a new concept in the west.3Yamani H. Pang E. Mantri N. Deighton M. ‘Antimicrobial activity of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum ) Essential Oil and Their Major Constituents against Three Species of Bacteria.’ Frontiers of Microbiology. 17 May 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4868837.
The herb's antibiotic properties cover a broad range of microbes and uses. It may be an effective hand sanitizer, mouthwash and water purifier. Although more research is needed, holy basil shows potential to promote wound healing, help food preservation and maintain travelers' health.1Cohen M. ‘Tulsi-Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.’ J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014 Oct-Dec, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439.
3. Lowers Blood Sugar
Holy basil may help lower blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance. Stress can raise blood sugar, and the herb's potential to support the body's response to stress may improve how glucose is metabolized to help keep blood sugar levels healthy.
Animal studies have shown that holy basil helps decrease fasting blood sugar. It's thought the herb's metabolic action on carbohydrate processing through the liver is one of the reasons for this effect.4Ezeani C. Ezenyi I. Okoye T. Okoli C.’Ocimum basilicum extract exhibits antidiabetic effects via inhibition of hepatic glucose mobilization and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes.’ Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology 3 Jan 2017.
4. Reduces Pain, Fever & Inflammation
Scientists have tested the effectiveness of holy basil on inflammation, pain and fever, associated with osteoarthritis, back pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Results showed a reduction in acute and chronic inflammation and pain.1Cohen M. ‘Tulsi-Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.’ J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014 Oct-Dec, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439.
The test for fever showed reduced body temperatures, but the relief was weaker and of shorter duration than with aspirin. Further testing is ongoing, but a cup of holy basil tea might be just the thing for a mild fever.2Godhwani S, Godhwani JL, Vyas DS. ‘Ocimum sanctum: an experimental study evaluating its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity in animals.’ J Ethnopharmacol 1987.
5. Helps Fight Cancer
Cancer is partly caused by free radical molecules that cause oxidative stress. Holy basil contains substances that could impact severity and survival in cancer.
Holy basil's antioxidant components, such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids and triterpenoids, may help fight cancer. The herb is believed to have the ability to fight cancerous cells.1Cohen M. ‘Tulsi-Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.’ J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014 Oct-Dec, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439. Studies conducted in animal models on pancreatic cancer showed there is potential for using holy basil in standardized drugs in the future.6Shimizu T et al. ‘Holy Basil leaf extract decreases tumorigenicity and metastasis of aggressive human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo: potential role in therapy.’ Cancer Letters. 19 Aug 2013, www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23523869.
6. Beneficial for Brain Health
One potential benefit of holy basil is that it might be beneficial for brain health. It may have components similar to anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, and it's said to promote psychological balance by impacting brain chemicals involved in certain brain conditions.1Cohen M. ‘Tulsi-Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.’ J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014 Oct-Dec, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439.
In one study, holy basil was also found to reduce forgetfulness, symptoms of stress-related sexual problems and fatigue caused by sleep problems.5Dobrzynski. ‘Holy Basil to Beat Stress and Sleep Better.’ Parkinson’s Resource Organization, www.parkinsonsresource.org/news/articles/holy-basil-to-beat-stress-and-sleep-better. Studies are ongoing to substantiate these claims.
7. Protects Against Cardiac Disease
Cardiovascular diseases comprise a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, congestive heart disease and others. In many cases, it's believed that inflammation may play a key role. Holy basil may help treat these conditions and impact their effect on cardiac disease by reducing inflammation.
Holy basil may influence cardiac disease by lowering the blood's cholesterol levels, lowering high blood pressure and preventing clots in blood vessels.7Sharma V. Chanda D. ‘Ocimum: the Holy Basil Against Cardiac Anomalies.’ The Ocimum Genome, www.researchgate.net/publication/328069487.
8. Aids in Digestion
Problems with digestion and absorption of nutrients are common, but holy basil may help. The herb is said to provide an improvement in digestive conditions, such as heartburn, bloating, gas and ulcers.
Holy basil may also be useful in nutrient absorption by relaxing and easing chronic stress in the stomach and bowel. Diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease, are inflammatory disorders that may benefit from holy basil supplements.
9. Heals Skin & Wounds
Holy basil contains a combination of active ingredients that may aid in wound healing and promote skin health. In lab tests, animals experienced accelerated wound healing when given the herb. It may also help relieve pain at the site.
Many teenagers suffer from acne, a condition associated with skin inflammation and scars. Holy basil's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties might decrease the number and severity of outbreaks and prevent infection.1Cohen M. ‘Tulsi-Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.’ J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014 Oct-Dec, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439.
10. Metabolic Benefits
Holy basil may help support key organs involved in metabolism, such as the liver and pancreas. It's believed that holy basil protects these organs' cells from free radical damage. It may also improve fat metabolism by supporting healthy bile levels, which aids in digestion.
The adrenal glands produce cortisol. Under stressful conditions, the cortisol levels are increased. Some research shows that holy basil may be able to improve cortisol levels, which could have a positive effect on the body's ability to function optimally.1Cohen M. ‘Tulsi-Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.’ J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014 Oct-Dec, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439.
