The Benefits of Holy Basil
Herbal Protection against Chronic Stress
While there are at least 150 varieties of basil, holy basil herb, also known as tulsi, is revered in herbal medicine for its ability to fight fever and stress. Just by drinking a cup of tea, many benefits of the phytochemicals in tulsi can be accessed.
History of Holy Basil
The Greek Orthodox Church traditionally used holy basil to prepare holy water. The plant is placed in pots at the alter and can be found planted around cemeteries and places of worship, hence the name. In Europe, India, and Ancient Egypt, holy basil was thought to help the souls of departed persons cross over safely. Native to tropical regions of Asia, tulsi has been cultivated for over 5,000 years in India and Iran. Tulsi is the Hindu name for Holy Basil. The plants are perrennials in warm climates and behave as annuals in areas where there is frost.
Tulsi Studies Show a Wide Range of Benefits
Much of the research concerning tulsi has come from studies done in India. Animals studies supported tulsi as having anticancer (Magesh V., Phytotherapy Research, 2009), heart protective (Panda, VS, Alternative Medicine Review, 2009), and immunostimulant properties (Saini, et.al.,Journal of Microbial Immunology, 2009). One human study focused on tulsi's effects on diabetes and found the plant did lower blood sugars in the study group (Kapoor S. Hormone and Metabolic Research, 2008). Other studies suggest tulsi has radioprotective, antiulcer, and hypocholesterolemic properties, and that large doses of holy basil may temporarily reduce male fertility, but not sexual behavior, in mice (Kassinathan S, et. al., Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 1972).
Tulsi Herb is Adaptogenic
The adaptogenic effects of tulsi have also been studied (Regg N., et. al., Phytotherapy Research, 1999). It seems that holy basil has the ability to protect mammals from problems associated with chronic stress. David Winston and Steven Maimes in their 2007 book Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina and Stress Relief define this type of plant as one that can “increase the body’s resistance to physical, biological, emotional and environmental stressors and promote normal physiologic functions.” One way tulsi accomplishes this is by lowering cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone involved in the body's flight or fight response to stress. A hospital-based clinical trial in India concluded tulsi is a promising treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (Bhattacharyya D., et.al., Nepal Medical College Journal, 2008)
Home Uses of Tulsi
Tulsi leaves have a clove-like flavor that is noticeably stronger than its relative the Italian culinary herb, sweet basil. Tulsi is propagated by cuttings and seed. The plant's leaves are the most harvested part; buds are removed prior to flowering so that more of the active holy basil oil will be in the leaves.
To brew a cup of tulsi tea add 1/2 tsp. of dried leaves to 8 oz. boiling water and steep from 5 to 10 minutes. Buy holy basil extract, capsules, or tea in healthfood stores or use the fresh herb to add gourmet flavor in curries or spicy stir-fry.
Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi)
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