Holy basil has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years in India and S.E. Asia. Its distinct cooling mellow and peppery flavor distinguishes it from other varieties of basil. The aroma is a blend of peppermint, cloves, licorice and lemon. This flavor and aroma make holy basil an essential ingredient for Thai cooking.
In addition to its culinary use, Holy basil is a medicinal herb in the category labeled as adaptogens.
Health Benefits
- Soothes physical, mental and emotional stress.
- Balances adrenaline, cortisol and corticostrone stress hormone levels
- Enhances mental clarity
- Helps with weight loss regimens
- Aids skin health
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-viral
- Helps sooth the respiratory system
- Lowers bad cholesterol
- Detoxifying agent
- Anti-aging effects
- Contains Vitamins A & C
Interesting Facts
The anti-microbial essential oils contained in Holy basil are efficacious in the prevention and cure of a wide range of infections ranging from malaria, typhoid, flu and acne.
The Hindu name for holy basil is “Tulsi” which means “the incomparable one.” Tulsi holds a special status in Hindu mythology where it is considered sacred.
Today clinical research and scientific studies are verifying many of the medical claims of the ancient masters. Aromatic compounds found in holy basil (particularly eugenol) combat stress and enhance mental clarity. Additionally, triterpenoic acid and caryophyllene (a primary terpene) found in holy basil enhance the body’s adaptive stress response.
Daily supplementation of holy basil has been shown to significantly reduce corticosterone levels helping the body to handle stress, elevate mood, and improve mental clarity.
In Depth Look
Adaptogens are the precious gemstones of botanical medicine. Ancient traditions gave them spiritual significance and made amazing claims of supernormal healing abilities based on their consistent extraordinary results.
The wide range and depth of healing abilities of adaptogens is due to their ability to promote homeostasis (balance) throughout the body.
Chronic stress contributes to a wide spectrum of health problems. Holy basil enhances the body’s ability to function optimally in the face of physical, mental and emotional stress. The primary adaptogenic metabolic pathway taken by holy basil is to balance adrenaline, cortisol and corticostrone stress hormone levels. While a certain level of stress is healthy, chronic and on-going stress is damaging and requires therapeutic intervention.
Holy basil contributes significantly to maintaining levels of stress hormones such as cortisol within normal (healthy) parameters thereby reducing the damaging effects of chronic stress on many aspects of your health and well-being.
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