Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Holy basil is a plant. It is originally from India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen” to counter life's stresses. It is considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines. The Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means "the incomparable one." Medicine is made from the leaves, stems, and seeds.

Holy basil is used for the common cold, influenza ("the flu"), H1N1 (swine) flu, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, earache, headache, stomach upset, heart disease, fever, viral hepatitis, malaria, stress, and tuberculosis. It is also used for mercury poisoning, to promote longevity, as a mosquito repellent, and to counteract snake and scorpion bites.

Holy basil is applied to the skin for ringworm.

In cooking, holy basil is often added to stir-fry dishes and spicy soups because of its peppery taste. Cookbooks sometimes call it "hot basil."

How does it work?

Chemicals in holy basil are thought to decrease pain and swelling (inflammation). Other chemicals might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.

There is interest in using holy basil seed oil for cancer. Beginning research suggests that the oil can slow progression and improve survival rate in animals with certain types of cancer. Researchers think this benefit may be explained by the oil's ability to act as an antioxidant.

Anxiety.
Diabetes.
Stress.
Common cold.
Influenza ("the flu").
Asthma.
Bronchitis.
Earache.
Headache.
Stomach upset.
Heart disease.
Fever.
Insomnia.
Viral hepatitis.
Malaria.
Tuberculosis.
Mercury poisoning.
Ringworm.
An antidote to snake and scorpion bites.

Holy basil is SAFE when used by mouth for short periods of time, up to six weeks. It's not known if long-term use is safe

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of holy basil during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Holy basil might slow blood clotting, so there is a concern that it could increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using holy basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.