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Where is holy basil found?
Indian subcontinentHoly basil is native to the Indian subcontinent and grows throughout Southeast Asia. The plant is widely used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine, often as an herbal tea for a variety of ailments, and is considered sacred in Hinduism.
What is holy basil called in English?
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a plant that is native to India. It is commonly used in the traditional Indian medicine system, Ayurveda. Holy basil is sometimes called "hot basil" because of its peppery taste.
How do you get holy basil?
Propagating Holy Basil To start holy basil from seed, do so indoors four to six weeks before the first frost. Sow seeds in a good quality seed starting mix. Using a heat mat will increase the speed and germination rate. Placing a fan to circulate air over the seedlings will produce stronger plants.
Where is basil most commonly found?
IndiaBasil is one of the most popular herbs grown in the world. It is native to Asia (India, Pakistan, Iran, Thailand and other countries) and can be found growing wild in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Because of its popularity, basil is often referred to as the "king of the herbs".
Who should not take holy basil?
Holy basil is probably safe for most people; however, Pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who are trying to become pregnant, and people with type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and those undergoing surgery should avoid holy basil.
What does holy basil do for the body?
Holy basil has been shown to boost your body's health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach.
What does holy basil do to the brain?
Holy Basil is a powerful nootropic supplement. It should help improve memory by boosting acetylcholine in your brain. And may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. You can safely take up to 3,000 mg of Holy Basil daily if needed.
What does holy basil taste like?
All varieties of Holy Basil are astringent, pungent, warm and sweet, with notes of peppermint, cloves, licorice, or lemon. Rama has a flavor profile that is more spicy or clove-like, while the Vana variety is more fragrant and sweet, with an anise taste.
Is holy basil a drug?
Holy basil is a highly valued medicinal herb. It's often used in Thai food. Research shows that it's an adaptogen, which means it helps your body deal with stress. It may also be used to treat many conditions, including diabetes, the common cold, and fever.
Is basil poisonous to humans?
When taken by mouth: Basil is LIKELY SAFE when consumed in food amounts. When taken by mouth as a medicine, basil is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil herb and basil oil contain estragole. Estragole is a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Is basil healthy to eat?
Basil contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Many of basil's health benefits come from these antioxidants, as well as its essential oils.
Is basil same as tulsi?
But tulsi and basil are two different plants; the botanical name of tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas the botanical name of basil is Ocimum basilicum. Both tulsi and basil belong to the Lamiaceae family.
Is holy basil same as oregano?
For instance, lemon basil has a citrusy taste, and Holy Basil is slightly spicy with sweet undertones. Oregano is a very aromatic herb that isn't as sweet as basil. Instead, it has a slightly bitter taste and a pungent flavor. It's also noted to have an earthy or musty taste with minty tones.
Is holy basil the same as regular basil?
Holy basil, although it has the name 'basil' on it, is a different species from the regular one you are used to. It has a stronger flavor and mainly used in Thai cuisine. It is quite famous with chicken dishes such as Pad Gaprao.
Is holy basil the same as Ashwagandha?
While there are some differences between holy basil and ashwagandha, they are both adaptogenic herbs and therefore offer many of the same benefits. They are, however, very different in how they taste. Holy basil has a spicy note to it, much like a pepper or clove. It is used in Thai cooking and in teas.
Is sweet basil and holy basil the same?
Although the names may sound similar, the origin of these plants are different. The biological nomenclature of Holy Basil is Ocimum Tenuiflorum whereas the scientific name for Basil is Ocimum Basilicum. However, both Basil variants belong to the same Lamiaceae family.
What is holy basil?
Holy basil is related to the familiar sweet basil that's used in cooking. Its leaves are pale green and have a somewhat hairy appearance. Holy basil has long been used as a traditional medicine in China and India. Some cultures regard the plant as sacred.
Why do people take holy basil?
Holy basil has a history of use for treating many diseases and conditions however, quality scientific research is needed to show how holy basil may benefit people is needed:
Does holy basil lower blood sugar?
For treating lowering blood sugar; in one study, people with diabetes had lower blood sugar while they were taking holy basil.
Can you take holy basil while pregnant?
Take anticoagulant ( blood -thinning) drugs. Women who are pregnant should avoid holy basil, since it might cause the uterus to contract. Interactions. Research on animals suggests that holy basil might change the effect of many medications, including these drugs: Diazepam ( Valium) Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
Can holy basil cause low blood sugar?
Research on animals shows that holy basil may: Cause low blood sugar (animals and humans) Promote bleeding. Decrease fertility. Risks. Avoid using holy basil if you're allergic or sensitive to it or members of the Lamiaceae (mint) plant family. Side effects of holy basil also include upset stomach.
What is holy basil?
From the leaves to the seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Different parts of the plant are recommended for treating different conditions: Use its fresh flowers for bronchitis. Use the leaves and seeds, with black pepper, for malaria.
Where does holy basil oil come from?
Essential oil of holy basil is distilled from leaves and flowers of the plant.
How long does it take for holy basil to lower blood sugar?
in blood sugar after 30 days. Blood sugar in rats that were fed holy basil leaf powder also decreased after a month. Talk to your doctor before adding holy basil to your diet. If you’re already taking medications to control blood sugar, it may lower your blood sugar levels even more.
How long does it take for blood sugar to drop after taking holy basil?
In the early animal study cited, rats that received holy basil extract saw a 26.4 percent decrease in blood sugar after 30 days. Blood sugar in rats that were fed holy basil leaf powder also decreased after a month.
Why do people use holy basil after surgery?
Some people even use holy basil after surgery to heal and protect their wounds. Holy basil increases your wound’s breaking strength, healing time, and contraction. Breaking strength refers to how much pressure or weight a wound can take before it breaks.
How long does it take to steep holy basil?
The herb can also be used to make freshly brewed tea by placing 2–3 teaspoons of holy basil in a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 5–6 minutes. The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. Summary.
What is the purpose of basil extracts?
Extracts made from its leaves are thought to boost wound healing speed and strength. Holy basil is:
Where does holy basil come from?
It is a member of the mint family ( Lamiaceae ). The wonder herb holy basil, often called “The Queen of Herbs”, is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly used in Ayurveda (traditional medicine in India) to make healing teas, oils, and poultices.
How to grow holy basil?
Water. Keeping the soil moist but not drenched and soggy is the key to growing healthy and abundant holy basil. This rule applies to growing the plant indoors or outdoors. Another consideration when watering basil is a disease; basil downy mildew is often spread by infected soil being splashed up on the leaves.
How to start holy basil from seed?
To start holy basil from seed, do so indoors four to six weeks before the first frost. Sow seeds in a good quality seed starting mix . Using a heat mat will increase the speed and germination rate. Placing a fan to circulate air over the seedlings will produce stronger plants.
What is a vana tulsi?
Vana tulsi is actually the species O. gratissimum. The very tall variety is incredibly aromatic with a strong clove scent . Vana has green leaves and stems with white blossoms. It is used mostly for medicinal purposes.
What is the color of Krishna basil?
Krishna holy basil is dark green with violet stems, foliage, and light purple blossoms. It grows in the meadows of the Indian Sub-Continent and has been successfully cultivated for private gardens and use in temples. Kapoor tulsi the most widely cultivated variety you will find in the United States.
Is Amrita tulsi a perennial?
Amarita tulsi means immortality, and that is fitting for this plant. It is a perennial that is nearly indestructible and simple to grow. If you plan to grow holy basil in a container, this is the variety to select.
Does holy basil need sun?
Giving holy basil plenty of sunlight will ensure large healthy leaves. This plant will tolerate some shade, but anything more than dappled shade and you will notice a decline.
Where does holy basil come from?
Overview. Holy basil is a plant. It is originally from India but now grows in Australia, West Africa, and some Middle Eastern countries. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine. The leaves, stems, and seeds are used to make medicine. Holy basil is used for anxiety, stress, diabetes, high cholesterol, and many other conditions, ...
What is holy basil?
A grouping of symptoms that increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke ( metabolic syndrome ). Mosquito repellent. Ear infection ( otitis media ). Ringworm (tinea corporis). Tuberculosis. Other conditions. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of holy basil for these uses. Side Effects.
How long can you use holy basil?
Holy basil has most often been used by adults in doses of 500 mg daily, for 1.5-3 months. A 4% holy basil leaf extract mouthwash has also been used twice daily for 30 days. Speak with a healthcareprovider to find out what dose or product might be best for a specific condition.
How long is holy basil good for?
When taken by mouth: Holy basil is POSSIBLY SAFE when used for up to 8 weeks. Taking holy basil might cause nausea or diarrhea. There isn't enough reliable information available to know if it is safe to use for longer than 8 weeks. Special Precautions and Warnings.
What drugs interact with holy basil?
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with HOLY BASIL
Does basil cause hypothyroidism?
In theory, holy basil might worsen hypothyroidism. 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.
Does basil extract help with anxiety?
Early research suggests that taking holy basil leaf extract twice daily after meals reduces anxiety, stress, and depression in people with GAD. A mild form of gum disease ( gingivitis ).
What Is Holy Basil?
Holy basil ( Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum) is an aromatic shrub in the Lamiaceae basil plant family. It’s thought to have originated in north central India and now grows throughout the Eastern world.
Where did basil originate?
It’s thought to have originated in north central India and now grows native throughout the Eastern world. Also known as tulsi, which means “the incomparable one” in Hindu, the holy basil plant is a perennial that has a light lemon scent and purple-pink flowers.
What is the name of the leaf that makes tulsi tea?
The holy basil leaf, an oval-shaped leaf with a slightly sharp tip is used to make tulsi tea, is where the majority of the plant’s healing compounds are found. There are two common types of tulsi: Rama tulsi, which has a white stem and green leaves, and Shyam tulsi, which has a dark pinkish-purple stem and leaves.
How many different types of basil are there?
More than 40 different basil varieties (and possibly as many as 150) are grown around the world for their edible and medicinal uses. All types of basil are species of the genus Ocimum . Compared to the commonly sold type of “traditional” basil ( O. basilicum) that has a sweet taste, holy basil is described as being more peppery, spicy and also minty, which is why it’s sometimes called “hot basil.” There are also many other varieties of basil that have aromas and tastes of lemon, cinnamon, clove, etc.
How many tulsi leaves are in a tulsi juice?
You can also prepare tulsi juice, which includes five tulsi leaves that have been infused in water.
Why is Tulsi prescribed?
Tulsi is commonly prescribed in Ayurveda to fight against conjunctivitis — also commonly known as pink eye — thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Why do people eat tulsi?
They’re also commonly used to make juices, flavored water and tulsi tea. For example, in India people eat tulsi raw in order to fight off a cough or cold.
Why is basil good for you?
Some of those include: In an October–December 2014 article, the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine ( J-AIM) notes that many of holy basil's benefits are attributable to its ability to assist in detoxifying the body and protecting it from toxin-induced damage.
What is the oldest herb in Ayurvedic medicine?
Image Credit: anand purohit/Moment/GettyImages. Holy basil, aka tulsi, is one of the oldest medicinal herbs, frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various disorders, according to February 2019 research published in the Journal of Plant Medicines.
Is holy basil a culinary basil?
Although holy basil shares some commonalities with culinary basil, their genetic sequences differ, adds the Journal of Plant Medicine s. Certain compounds in holy basil, including eugenol and sesquiterpenoids like beta-caryophyllene, contribute to a pungent quality of holy basil.
Is holy basil good for detox?
In an October–December 2014 article, the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine ( J-AIM) notes that many of holy basil's benefits are attributable to its ability to assist in detoxifying the body and protecting it from toxin-induced damage.
Does basil help with stress?
By incorporating holy basil into your diet, you may be able to combat some of the effects of stress. Indeed, holy basil may help lower levels of stress and regulate blood sugar, says the Parkinson's Resource Organization (PRO).
Does basil help with glutathione?
These functions may be due to holy basil's high content of phenolic compounds. Holy basil may also help to increase the body's levels of important antioxidants, such as glutathione, and enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, says J-AIM.
Is holy basil addictive?
Unlike caffeine-containing substances like coffee and tea, which may cause physical or mental agitation or physical dependency, holy basil is non-addictive and will not produce withdrawal effects, adds J-AIM. The tulsi plant is a staple in Hindu households, with every part of the tulsi plant considered sacred, including its leaves, stem, flower, ...
What is the Queen of Herbs?
Considered the queen of herbs this plant is used for the treatment of asthma, common cold, diabetes, cholesterol. It has anti-microbial properties and is also used for the treatment of arthritis. The herb finds a place of significance in any household. However this herb is not without its draw backs.
Does holy basil affect casual drinkers?
This is a long term effect of holy basil and will not affect casual drinkers, who intake it once in a while. This is however one of the major problems of holy basil. This plant can easily grow in areas with high levels of chromium as it is tolerant of this metal unlike other plants.
Can you take holy basil with other herbs?
If you are taking any other herbal drugs, you must consult your doctor before consuming holy basil. Given the way this herb is processed in the liver, it can interfere with the way your other drugs are being absorbed in the body. Holy basil can intensify the effect of some drugs resulting in adverse effects in the body.
Is holy basil toxic?
Eugenol Overdose Concern: The primary constituent of holy basil is eugenol. Eugenol is a hepatotoxic, meaning that it can cause damage to the liver. Excess consumption is very harmful for health. Symptoms like shallow breathing, blood during cough, blood in urine, nausea, throat and mouth burns are noticed.
Can you eat basil after surgery?
7. Not To Be Consumed After Surgery: People who have just had a surgery must refrain from consuming this holy basil. It has properties for thinning the blood and so it does not allow the blood to clot, making the recovery a much longer and painstaking process.
Does holy basil affect the body?
Holy basil can intensify the effect of some drugs resulting in adverse effects in the body. Now that we have enumerated a large number of side effects of holy basil, and after reading them you must be thinking whether you should continue relying on this herb or not.
Does basil affect fertility?
Effect On Fertility: A study was published in the year 2000, in the International Journal of Ayurveda Research, claiming that holy basil has the potential ability to decrease the fertility of men. The study was conducted on rabbits and a positive result was found showing a decrease in the sperm count.
Where does holy basil grow?
What Is Holy Basil – Holy Basil Uses And Growing Conditions. Native to South and Southeast Asia, holy basil is an herb with important cultural and religious significance. In other parts of the world, this herb is most familiar as a common flavor in Thai food, but it is a sacred plant for Hindus.
What is Holy Basil?
It is a short-lived, woody, herbal perennial that grows best in tropical and subtropical climates. It grows well in containers for gardens too, and homes in colder regions.
Is basil good for nausea?
There is some evidence that it is effective in treating and relieving certain symptoms. Holy basil is used for nausea and other stomach ailments, to reduce inflammation, to promote relaxation and alleviate stress, and to relieve headaches, toothaches, ear aches, joint pain, cold and flu symptoms, and fevers.
Can you grow holy basil in the summer?
You can grow holy basil much as you would other herbs, but it does need warm temperatures. Grow it outdoors in the summer, year-round if you are in a tropical or subtropical climate, or keep it in containers that you can move inside in winter.
Can you use sweet basil in sauce?
You can use it in any way that you would use sweet basil: in sauces, salads, stir fries, chicken dishes, pastas, and more. Holy basil’s flavor is spicier than that of sweet basil. Holy basil herbs have long been used medicinally as well. There is some evidence that it is effective in treating and relieving certain symptoms.
Overview
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Holy basil ( Ocimum tenuiflorum) isn’t like the sweet basil in your mom’s marinara sauce or the Thai herb you use to flavor a steaming bowl of pho. - This green leafy plant, also known as Ocimum sanctum L. and tulsi, is native to Southeast Asia. I…
From the leaves to the seed, holy basil is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. Different parts of the plant are recommended for treating different conditions:
Protect against infection and treat wounds
- Extracts made from its leaves are thought to boost wound healing speed and strength. Holy basi…
Some people even use holy basil after surgery to heal and protect their wounds. Holy basil increases your wound’s breaking strength, healing time, and contraction. Breaking strength refers to how much pressure or weight a wound can take before it breaks.
Lower your blood sugar
- If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, all parts of the holy basil plant can help reduce your b…
hyperinsulinemia, or excess insulin in the blood - In the early animal study cited, rats that received holy basil extract saw a 26.4 percent decrease i…
Talk to your doctor before adding holy basil to your diet. If you’re already taking medications to control blood sugar, it may lower your blood sugar levels even more.
Lower your cholesterol
- Since holy basil targets metabolic stress, it can also help with weight loss and cholesterol levels.
Animal studies saw significant changes in rabbits’ fat molecules when they ate fresh holy basil leaves. They had lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and higher “good” cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol).
Ease inflammation and joint pain
- Imagine being able to tackle stress, anxiety, and inflammation with a relaxing cup of tea made w…
As an adaptogen with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, holy basil provides all of these benefits. It can even help people with arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Protect your stomach
- Holy basil can counteract the effects of stress-induced ulcers. It naturally increases your stoma…
extending life of mucus cells - Many drugs for peptic ulcers have side effects and can cause discomfort in some people. Holy b…
Holy basil has been shown to boost your body’s health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach.
How we vetted this article
- Medically reviewed by Miho Hatanaka, RDN, L.D. — By Brian Krans — Updated on November 3, 2020