If you think Holy basil is the sweetened basil your mum uses in her marinara sauce or the flavour in the Thai herb, then you are actually wrong.

Also called Ocimum sanctum L. and commonly as tulsi, holy basil is a plant native to Southeast Asia. Its history shows us that it has had immense uses in the Indian culture as medicine for the treatment of several conditions. This plant is also found in the Middle East, Australia, and West Africa. Tulsi is widely used and holds immense value in Ayurvedic medicine. Several parts of the plant, including the stem, leaves, and seeds, are utilized to produce medicinal properties.

Phytochemical Constituents Of Holy Basil

High in its nutritional value, holy basil contains:

• calcium

• vitamin A and C

• iron

• zinc

• chlorophyll

The main chemical components of holy basil are Oleanolic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Ursolic acid, Eugenol, Linalool, Carvacrol and β-caryophyllene.

Phytochemical studies have shown that it contains alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins. Salkowski’s test presented negative results for saponin, protein, oil, and steroids. It is these phytochemical constituents that give tulsi its antibacterial potential in the plant’s leaf extract. The flavonoids have also been shown to be highly beneficial for your health.

Health Benefits Of Holy Basil

1. Helps Alleviate Anxiety And Stress

Holy basil acts as an adaptogen, which is a substance that promotes your body to adjust to stress and enhances mental health. Studies have reported that the properties of holy basil enable your mind to handle stress effectively. The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine has reported that the anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties of holy basil are similar to antidepressant drugs and diazepam.

2. Helps Heal Wounds And Infection

Tulsi benefits on the skin are tremendous. It is used after surgery for the healing of and protection of wounds. Studies have found holy basil to help combat infections and wounds, including mouth ulcers, raised scars, keloids and acne.

3. Reduces Blood Sugar Level

Human and animal studies report that holy basil may help to prevent diabetes symptoms. An animal study showed that rats that were given tulsi extract had a 26.4% reduction in blood sugar levels after 30 days.

4. Reduces Cholesterol

Animal studies were carried out on rabbits’ fat molecules. It was reported that rabbits that were given fresh tulsi leaves had reduced levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol and increased levels of good (HDL) cholesterol.

5. Decreases Inflammation

Have you ever thought of coping better with anxiety, stress and inflammation with a cup of tea? Benefits of drinking tulsi tea include just that. The adaptogenic potential of tulsi imparts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. One such recommended herbal tea is Relax and Unwind Herbal Tea that offers all of these merits.

6. Supports The Digestive System

Holy basil enhances your stomach’s protection naturally by:

• Improving mucus secretion

• Reducing stomach acid

• Increasing number of mucus cells

• Prolonging mucus cells’ life

Digest Calm Herbal Tea can help you have the aforementioned benefits.

Takeaway

Holy basil is a remarkably beneficial herb that nature has blessed humankind with. Its characteristic features help improve the immune system activity as offered by Immune Herbal Tea. You can add tulsi to your meals and use it as a tea. However, it is best to consult your health practitioner and discuss the right amount for you.

References:

1. Christiansen C. The Health Benefits of Holy Basil. Verywellhealth. Mar, 2020. https://www.verywellhealth.com/holy-basil-4766587

2. Anonymous. Holy Basil. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1101/holy-basil

3. Panchal, P, and N Parvez. “Phytochemical Analysis of Medicinal Herb (ocimum Sanctum).” International Journal of Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine 5.2 (2019): 008–011. https://www.peertechzpublications.com/articles/IJNNN-5-129.php