In preliminary studies, taking 400 mg of holy basil extract in the morning and 800 mg at night for six weeks decreased many symptoms associated with stress, these included: Select one or more newsletters to continue. Yes, holy basil has many nutrients including vitamins (such as vitamin A) and minerals (like calcium, iron, and zinc). This article was co-authored by David Schechter, MD.Dr. David Schechter is a physician in Culver City, California. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reserved Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Because the effects of stress on the body play such a huge role in the aging process, adaptogens are also considered to have anti-aging properties. A 2014 review of tulsi suggests that modern-day science is beginning to gather enough medical research data to back up claims of the many touted health benefits of holy basil. Holy basil is possibly safe when taken for periods of up to six weeks, but long-term safety has not yet been fully established. Studies have shown that holy basil has a wide range of health-promoting properties including: In a 2017 systematic review, study authors suggest that holy basil may be an effective adaptogen, helping to “address the psychological, physiological, immunological, and metabolic stresses of modern living.” The tulsi plant (Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a member of the mint family closely related to culinary basil (Ocimum basilicum), but it is differentiated by its medicinal properties and some physical characteristics.It's been harvested for use in Ayurvedic treatments for 5,000 years and has a strong aroma and a flavor that can range from peppery to astringent. Purchased tinctures, dried herb, and supplement pills should be stored according to the instructions provided. Sherry Christiansen is a medical writer with a healthcare background. You can buy dried tulsi leaves in bulk and use a tea ball to make this beneficial and tasty tea. Medicine is made from the leaves, stems, and seeds. But a range of dosages was used in short-term studies, these include: We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information - The phytochemical (bioactive compounds in plants) makeup of holy basil is considered very complex. That’s the reason for choosing a product that is certified organic, ethically wild-harvested, all-natural and certified by a third-party organization such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF International, or ConsumerLab.com. Read our Holy basil is not the same as the common green cooking herb found in the produce aisle at the grocery store. The sacred plant is often planted around Hindu shrines. Also, one study found that holy basil may be useful as an aid to other drugs or nutritional interventions for the treatment of metabolic disorders (such as Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function. What Is Tulsi Tea? If you are growing holy basil, you can harvest the stems and leaves before the flower appears. Tulsi Ginger Green Tea is a remarkable combination of sacred Tulsi leaves and every Indian’s favourite spice – ginger. Herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA like prescription drugs. See references Available for Android and iOS devices. Holy basil is used for its many health benefits, and is used widely in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, but there is insufficient evidence for the treatment of many conditions, including: They may perform many different functions including: Holy basil whole-plant aqueous extract of 6 to 14 grams is an average daily dose. This does not diminish the many potential health benefits that have been identified by scientific studies. Because holy basil’s adaptogenic properties are known to induce relaxation, people who take drugs that also cause drowsiness should not use holy basil. Preliminary studies have shown that holy basil normalizes blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid (fat) levels. Cephalosporins are semisynthetic b-lactam antibiotics that are structurally and pharmacologically related to penicillins, carbacephems (e.g., loracarbef), and cephamycins (e.g., cefotetan, cefoxitin). Holy basil is an adaptogenic herb. Medicinal preparations are made from the leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant. When it comes to a good cup of tea, these two herbs are like the first preference for every tea lover. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Some chemicals in holy basil are thought to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. In the 2017 review study, holy basil leaves were reported to have several bioactive compounds, including eugenol, a compound that has Holy basil is used to treat many conditions, including H1N1 (swine) flu, diabetes, the common cold, headache, fever, stress, upset stomach, earache, and more. Ⓒ 2020 About, Inc. (Dotdash) — All rights reservedThe Benefits of Pueraria Mirifica for Women's HealthCan Osha Root Really Treat Cold, Flu, and Sore Throat?