Holy Basil benefits and health properties

Whether you’re struggling with stress, feel as if your immune function is lacking, want to improve lung and heart health, or are interested in optimizing digestion - you need to learn about the holy basil properties.

Also known as Tulsi, this potent herb offers a range of effects that make it a compelling consideration as part of your health and wellness routine. We’ve created this guide to unpack all the noteworthy holy basil benefits and show you how to reap these benefits yourself through a science-backed supplement from ResBiotic.

What is Holy Basil?

Before we get into the health benefits of holy basil, what exactly is this herb? As the name suggests, it is native to the basil family. 

It’s considered an ethereal and divine herb worshiped as a goddess in Hinduism. Known as the "Queen of Herbs," Tulsi has a compendium of scientifically-based healing properties that rivals some of the world's preeminent botanicals.

Tulsi is a sacred shrub native to India; however, it is also cultivated across East Asia and South America. Botanically, there are three common variations; Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Ocimum gratissimum. 

Used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, this top-shelf herb does deserve a special reverence in the world of plant medicine.

Tulsi is commonly consumed in tea form, by steeping dried leaves in hot water. The leaves are also ground up and used as a seasoning agent in cooking. However, all plant parts of Tulsi have been studied in clinical research, from the seed to the flower.

Bioactive Compounds in Holy Basil

Tulsi is a rich source of the terpene, eugenol, which lends to the shrub's aromatic nature. Terpenes such as eugenol are considered the largest naturally occurring plant compounds group. 

They are responsible for the flavor, aroma, and pigmentation of plants. This powerful terpene in holy basil is considered the active constituent of the plant, owing to its beneficial effects on health. 

Eugenol has been demonstrated in animal models of upper respiratory infection to reduce lung imbalance.* Literature reveals antioxidant and antibacterial properties of eugenol as well.

Ayurvedic Uses of Tulsi

Historically, in Ayurvedic medicine, one primary use of Tulsi was as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are classified as botanicals that help the body adapt to and lessen the physiological effects of stress. 

Contemporarily, cell, animal, and human models of tulsi have demonstrated antioxidant, immune-modulating, lung-protective, metabolic, and toxicant-protective properties.

The Science of Tulsi

Hundreds of scientific studies have explored the wide range of benefits that span far beyond the few listed above. Holy basil presents immune-modulating capacity in both animal and human models. 

In one small study of healthy human subjects, consumption of tulsi leaf extract led to a statistically significant increase in immune cells utilized during infections.

In another study, tulsi was demonstrated to be immune-protective against rats with immune toxicity induced by pesticide chemicals. Beyond pesticide toxicity, tulsi reflects an ability to protect cellular tissues against radiation damage with DNA protective effects. It has also shown antioxidant restoration qualities when paired with other botanicals, including ginkgo.

In the gastrointestinal system, ulceration of the tissues can occur for a few different reasons. This leads to painful symptoms and possible complications if not properly managed. Tulsi has been shown to protect gastrointestinal tissues against ulcer formation through its ability to both reduce acid secretion and increase protective mucus secretion.

Eugenol, the terpene compound present in tulsi, has also been demonstrated to have lung-protective effects in cell and animal models. In one animal study of chemical-induced lung imbalance, eugenol improved lung function and reduced lung imbalance. Other studies demonstrate positive metabolic and antioxidant effects generated by tulsi leaves.

Overall, tulsi seems to be an all-encompassing plant with many effects on the human body. More studies are needed to confirm these effects.

Holy Basil Benefits and Health Properties

Now, let’s narrow our focus and look specifically at the health benefits of holy basil below to show you why it’s worth adding to your regimen.

Stress Reduction*

Holy Basil is an adaptogen that enhances the body's natural response to physical and emotional stress. Adaptogens help stabilize the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is central to the stress response system. 

By modulating this axis, Holy Basil properties reduce the secretion of stress hormones like cortisol, helping to alleviate symptoms of stress such as anxiety and mental fatigue. This makes it effective in promoting mental clarity and calmness.*

Immune Boosting*

Holy Basil boosts the immune system by increasing the production and activity of immune cells, such as natural killer cells and T-cells. This enhancement strengthens the body’s defense mechanisms against pathogens. 

The herb’s immune-modulating properties also help in orchestrating an appropriate immune response, reducing the likelihood of an overactive immune system that can lead to imbalance.

Balancing Properties*

The eugenol and other phytochemicals present in Holy Basil have potent balancing properties. These compounds inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are proteins that signal the immune system to help support balance. 

Antioxidant Effects

Holy Basil is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, eugenol, and carotenoids. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage cells. 

By combating oxidative stress, Holy Basil helps protect cellular health and reduces the risk of chronic issues associated with oxidative damage.

Lung Protection

Eugenol, a key component of Holy Basil, has specific protective effects on the lungs. It reduces imbalance in the respiratory tract, which can help alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions.

Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of eugenol help combat infections that can affect lung health, further supporting respiratory function.

Heart Health

Holy Basil can have a beneficial effect on heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Components in the herb help dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the strain on the heart.

Additionally, its antioxidant properties help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, which is a major contributor to heart complications.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Holy Basil helps regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and reducing fasting blood glucose levels. This regulation helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevents the spikes and drops that can lead to complications.

Liver Health

The hepatoprotective Holy Basil properties protect the liver from chemical-induced damage. Compounds in the herb help boost the liver's detoxification enzymes, aid in the breakdown of toxins, and reduce liver imbalance. This supports overall liver function.

Digestive Health

Holy Basil supports digestive health by increasing mucus secretion in the stomach, which acts as a protective barrier against stomach acids. It also reduces the secretion of excess stomach acid.

Anti-microbial Properties

Last but not least on our list of holy basil benefits, the herb exhibits strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. It disrupts the growth and reproduction of pathogens and also supports the body’s immune response. 

Are There Any Risks or Concerns Associated With Holy Basil?

In a systematic review of 24 studies evaluating the safety of tulsi, no significant adverse events were reported. In this study, tulsi was consumed in many different formats and doses over short and long periods of time.

Tulsi is commonly consumed as a tea infusion of the leaves and can also be found in some dietary supplement products. Before adding tulsi to your diet, make sure to discuss it with your doctor!

Bringing Our Guide on the Holy Basil Properties to a Close

As we wrap up this guide on holy basil health benefits it’s clear why this revered herb holds the title “Queen of Herbs”.

From its potent stress-reducing properties as an adaptogen to its impressive role in boosting immune health and reducing respiratory issues, Holy Basil stands out for its comprehensive health benefits.*

Its powerful compounds, such as eugenol, enhance its antioxidant, balancing, and antimicrobial effects, making it a cornerstone in both traditional and contemporary wellness practices.

You can learn more about the vasaka leaf benefits, probiotics for lung health, breathing exercises to increase lung capacity, or getting started with a gut health detox in our blog.

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These are expert opinions on lifestyle from professionals who are board-certified physicians, registered dietitians, or healthcare professionals. This content does not represent any medical advice for the prevention or treatment of any medical diseases.