Holy Basil has been extensively used for its medicinal
HOW DO I USE IT?
values by a number of cultures. Chinese medicine utilizes it
Here is a guide to dosages based on the different forms
for stomach spasms, kidney conditions, and promoting blood
of Holy Basil:
circulation, as well as for treating snake and insect bites. Topi-
cally, Holy Basil has been used for ringworm.
• Softgel capsules containing standardized Holy Basil leaf
extract in an oil base (look for supercritical extract): Take 2
WHAT HAS BEEN PROVEN:
capsules daily with 8 oz. water, or as directed on the label.
Modern research has classified Tulsi as an adaptogenic
herb. In simple terms that means that adaptogens have been
• Whole dried leaf capsules: Take enough capsules to pro-
shown to support the body’s natural immune system while
vide 2.5gm daily, or as recommended on the label.
relieving the body’s negative reaction to stress. Adaptogenic
herbs have been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese
• Tea (Holy Basil is commonly referred to as tulsi on tea
herbal medicines for thousands of years to promote and main-
packages): Drink 3 cups daily.
tain wellness. Many adaptogenic herbs have been referred to
by herbalists as rejuvenative herbs or restorative herbs. They
• Holy Basil seed oil: Use 2-5 drops on affected areas
help the body adapt to environmental, physical and emotional
three times daily.
stressors, support normal functions, and restore balance.
GROW YOUR OWN TULSI PLANT
WHAT NEW RESEARCH CONFIRMS:
If you are taking tulsi for stress relief, we recommend
In an older human study from the International Journal of
growing your own plant from seeds or cuttings. To benefit
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Holy Basil leaf was
from their health-promoting effects, nibble on a few leaves
found to be more effective than a placebo at lowering blood
every day. You can also use Holy Basil freely in your cooking
sugar. A recent test tube study from the Journal of Endocrinol-
and in making freshly brewed tea.
ogy may explain how this happens: The herb is thought to
Starting with seeds: Place the seeds between warm, moist
stimulate the secretion of insulin, the blood sugar regulating
paper towels for a day, and then plant them a half-inch below
hormone produced by the pancreas.
the surface in rich potting soil. A sprout will start to break
Holy Basil contains polyphenols (antioxidants also found
through in 10 days. Once the plant reaches a height of about
in green tea and other herbs) that theoretically could help re-
12 inches, you can 1) pinch back any flowers to keep it from
duce cardiovascular disease risk: Some test tube studies sug-
going to seed; or 2) allow the plant to seed and start a new
gest that polyphenols from Holy Basil inhibit the function of
generation.
genes involved in fatty plaque formation. Eugenol, ursolic acid
While basil is found on every continent, tulsi or holy basil
and rosmarinic acid are the three active compounds that have
(Ocimum sanctum) is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent.
been identified.
It is a bushy shrub that grows to about 18 inches in height. Its
leaves are oval and serrated, with colors ranging from light
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