Holy Basil: a Herb for Respiratory system and Anxiety!

One of the holiest plants in India, Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil has been used for many years, both in their traditional medicine, Ayurveda, and in their religion as a means of purification. In fact, the ancient scriptures describe it as “the protector of life that accompanies man from birth to death”! It is no coincidence that it is often found outside homes or temples to cleanse the air, thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

But apart from Southeast Asia, where it is widely cultivated, it is now found in the Middle East, Australia and West Africa, and is constantly gaining interest in the US and other countries.

Name

Its scientific name is Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum, in Ayurveda it is known as tulasi or tulsi and we find it commercially as Holy basil. But its most impressive name is “Queen of Herbs“, which testifies to its valuable properties! (1).

Properties

All parts of the plant have something to offer: leaves, flowers, seeds, stems. Holy basil is considered to be a tonic herb for body and mind and is traditionally used for the health of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular system, in headaches, coughs and fevers, while its effect on stress and anxiety is impressive. It is also used in stomach disorders, skin diseases, inflammation, rheumatism and arthritis (2).

• Respiratory health

Holy basil has strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties due to substances such as eugenol, camphor, cineole, etc. These, as volatiles, help airways open and release the breath, thus reducing the duration and symptoms of a cold (1). Animal studies have shown that supplementation with tulsi oil for 30 days protects against bacterial colonization in the lungs (3).

For these reasons it is an excellent aid in bronchitis, rhinitis, respiratory infections, but also in asthma. At the same time, as an expectorant, it removes the mucous secretions from the lungs and the upper respiratory tract and also improves the cough. In a related study in 20 patients treated with aqueous extract of dry holy basil, an increase in vital lung capacity and relief from heavy breathing was observed (4). Also, holy basil leaf tea is a very common recipe for colds, coughs and mild indigestion.

• Anxiety

Holy basil is an adaptive herb that helps our body respond better to stress from physical, environmental and emotional factors. It is believed that it can directly affect the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), balancing the function of the adrenal glands, thus reducing its excess in the blood (1). Thus, it is considered an excellent choice in cases of mourning, intense stress or frustration.

In fact, in Ayurveda, the herb tulsi is considered to open the heart and mind and increase clarity and reverence. Thus, it is suggested by many experts to consume tulsi tea daily to cope with the stress of everyday life. The unique combination of its active ingredients enhances well-being, mood and mental strength (5). Tulsi tea has a spicy-bitter taste, so if you find it difficult to consume it, you can find it in a pill form, as a dietary supplement or as an extract (6).

• Stomach upset and ulcers

Holy basil can alleviate the effects of stress-induced stomach ulcers. Its presence naturally increases the defense of the stomach, reducing acids and increasing the secretion of protective mucus. Various studies show that taking it can significantly reduce the number and size of gastric ulcers (6). In addition, it seems to help digestion, and as we know a healthy digestive system also benefits our immune system.

• Inflammation and joint pain

The anti-inflammatory action of Holy basil makes it a very good choice for people with arthritis and rheumatism. This property is due to the substance eugenol and the linoleic acid it contains.

Ways to use

There are many ways to consume Holy basil. The most common forms are that of tea and dietary supplements. Some people use its leaves in cooking, while you will also find it in the form of essential oil. As a tea, you can consume a cup daily for general health and wellness, while in case of illness e.g. cold, increase in two cups. In the form of a supplement, the dose is legitimate to be determined by a specialist.

Side effects

Holy basil has many benefits, but it can also have side effects in some cases. As there is not enough scientific evidence for its use in pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended to avoid it during these periods, as well as in cases of trying to conceive, as it may affect the amount and motility of sperm. In addition, it is better not to be consumed by children. Anticoagulants should be avoided as there is a risk of bleeding or bruising (1).

In general, Holy basil is a promising herb, which although we are now discovering in the West, in the East have benefited from its use for centuries!

Find supplements with Holy basil at Vita4you.gr!

References

1.   Holy Basil: Are there Health Benefits?
2.   Radioprotective Effects of the Ocimum Flavonoids Orientin and Vicenin: Observations from Preclinical Studies
3.   Induction of resistance to respiratory tract infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae in mice fed on a diet supplemented with tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and clove (Syzgium aromaticum) oils.
4.   Antioxidant Activity of The Ancient Herb, Holy Basil in CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Rats.
5.   Tulsi-Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.
6.   The health benefits of Holy basil