Description
INDICATIONS:
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Tulsi, is one of the most highly
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regarded plants in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for centuries in India to
treat an array of conditions such as inflammation, digestive complaints, asthma,
arthritis, and skin conditions. In the West it is most well known for its ability to
counteract stress, calm the mind and lift the spirit. Holy Basil is an adaptogen that
promotes a healthy stress response and can protect one from breakdown due to
chronic stress, emotional turmoil or work overload. Research shows that Holy Basil
counteracts stress-induced changes in neurotransmitters and enzymes. It normalizes
and brings balance to biochemicals in the body’s stress center such as cortisol,
epinephrine and dopamine. Holy Basil is helpful for individuals with stress-related
conditions, such as anxiety, irritability, depression, irritable bowel, digestive disorders,
hormonal fluctuations, adrenal fatigue, insomnia, and immune deficiency. Holy Basil
encourages emotional well-being and restores homeostasis to individuals who feel
like stress has gotten the best of them.
Holy Basil has also been found in numerous studies to have hypoglycemic effects.
A 1996 study involving patients with type 2 diabetes reported a significant decrease
in the patients’ fasting blood glucose levels when treated with holy basil compared
to treatment with placebo. Total serum cholesterol levels were also reduced. A
more recent 2006 study found that Holy Basil stimulates insulin secretion from the
pancreas, which contributes to the plants anti-diabetic action. In addition, Holy Basil
decreases the stress hormone cortisol, which rises when one is exposed to chronic
stress. Elevated cortisol levels trigger the body to produce more glucose causing
an unhealthy increase in blood glucose levels. This can also result in weight gain.
Holy Basil can be helpful for those with type-2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, or rapid
blood sugar swings.
Holy Basil contains numerous polyphenols such as eugenol, ursolic acid and
rosmarinic acid that act as powerful antioxidants to fight free radicals and protect
cells from oxidative damage. These compounds also fight inflammation and
inhibit production of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. A study published in
Phytomedicine measured the activity of Holy Basil’s phenolic compounds and found
the COX-2 inhibitory activity of the compounds to be comparable to ibuprofen,
naproxen and aspirin. Holy Basil is therefore indicated for relieving inflammation
and pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, sports injury and physical overuse.
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