Holy Basil Benefits & Healing Properties
Holy basil is a sacred plant used for thousands of years in India and other parts of the world as a herb to treat many ailments. It is also known as tulsi, sacred basil, or Ocimum sanctum.
Holy Basil (Tulsi) is a herb used for centuries to support the nervous system and calm the body. It helps with meditation and can also be used as an adaptogen. Holy Basil’s ability to help people relax and calm their minds has made it one of the most popular herbs in Ayurveda. This makes it useful for those who suffer from insomnia or anxiety disorders. But beyond its calming properties, holy basil has many other therapeutic uses.
Benefits of using Holy Basil
Holy Basil has been proven to enhance the body’s ability to fight viruses and bacteria that cause colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections. The active ingredient in basil helps boost the defense system by increasing white blood cells (lymphocytes), which are responsible for fighting bacteria and viruses. Several studies have shown that this herb can provide positive effects against asthma and may facilitate breathing, which is why Ayurvedic medicine recommends it for respiratory issues.
The chlorogenic acid in holy basil also helps to prevent diabetes by balancing sugar levels in the body. Chlorogenic acid reduces the glucose absorbed into the bloodstream by insulin-producing cells called beta cells. This property also helps lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
The herb can also be used to combat high blood pressure and heart disease. Its extracts relax blood vessels, reduce oxidative stress, and reduce inflammation of the arteries. Also, it lowers cholesterol levels.