PRIMARY USES:

Stress, Anxiety, Irritability, Mild Depression, Maintenance of Healthy Blood Sugar and Cortisol Levels, Antioxidant Protection, Inflammation and Pain

PROPERTIES:

Adaptogen, Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral, Hypoglycemic, Immuno-Supporting

INDICATIONS:

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Tulsi, is one of the most highly 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 rigger 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 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.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS AND CAUTIONS:

Pregnant, Nursing

COMPLIMENTARY FORMULAS & SINGLE HERBS:

St. John’s Tonic/Mood-Aid (formula for depression)

Kava Gold (formula for anxiety)

Adrenal Rx (formula for adrenal fatigue, blood sugar balance

B-Complex (nutritional and cardiovascular support)

Joint-Tonic (if arthritis)

Kava (for anxiety, pain)

Turmeric (Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory)