Are you looking for a natural way to improve your health and well-being? Look no further than Holy Basil or Tulsi – the miracle herb with incredible health benefits. This adaptogenic herb has been used for centuries to reduce stress and inflammation, balance blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and promote overall health. In this article, the third in our series on adaptogenic herbs, we’ll explore the origins of this miracle herb, how it works, the benefits it can provide, and how to use it safely. You’ll also learn how to easily incorporate Holy Basil into your daily routine to start experiencing its fantastic health benefits. So let’s dive into the world of Tulsi and discover what this powerful herb can do for you.

Origins of Holy Basil

Before we dive into why you need this miracle herb in your life, let’s first explore its origins. Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, is highly regarded in Ayurvedic medicine and has been used for thousands of years in India as a sacred plant. In Hindu mythology, the herb is held in high spiritual and medicinal esteem, as it is considered the incarnation of the goddess Tulsi. 

This adaptogen is a member of the mint family, and some use its leaves and flowers for medicinal purposes. It grows abundantly in India and Southeast Asia, often found in gardens, courtyards, and outside temples. In addition to Ayurvedic medicine, Holy Basil is also common in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian traditional medicine. You can also find it in many popular and delectable Thai dishes, such as phat kaphrao. It is distinct from Thai Basil (horapha) and Thai Lemon Basil (maenglak), which also add flavor to Thai cuisine. Tulsi has a more peppery taste than other varieties. 

Now that we’ve explored the origins let’s take a closer look at how this miracle herb works to help you find your balance and glow from within.

How Holy Basil Works

The physiology of this plant is quite fascinating if you’re a plant nerd like I am and into that sort of thing. Scientific studies have demonstrated the herb’s therapeutic potential through its unique chemical composition. I’ve linked some of them in the next section if you want to dive deep into the data. 

For those who don’t want to data dive, the active compounds in Tulsi, such as eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and apigenin, provide the herb’s natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. These properties make it a potent herb for preventing and treating various illnesses. 

Moreover, Holy Basil’s adaptogenic properties are attributed to compounds such as ocimumosides A and B. These help the body adapt to stress and support the immune system. These compounds help to reduce the impact of physical, chemical, and emotional stress on the body. By doing so, they help to improve the overall resilience of the body, making it less susceptible to diseases. Holy Basil, where have you been all my life (besides hiding in Thai food)?

This miracle herb can provide various health benefits by working harmoniously with the body’s natural systems. In the next section, we’ll explore the many ways this remarkable herb can help you maintain homeostasis, find your balance, and enhance your inner glow. 

Benefits of Holy Basil

Holy Basil has a long history of use in traditional medicine practices, and modern research has confirmed many of its benefits. For example, this miraculous herb has been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-cancer properties. Its healing properties are attributed to various bioactive compounds such as eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid. These compounds work together to provide numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced anxiety and depression, and lower blood sugar levels. 

Holy Basil can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Its anti-inflammatory properties further support cardiovascular health by reducing the inflammation that contributes to the development of heart disease. 

Holy Basil can provide a wide range of health benefits. But, as with any adaptogen, to fully enjoy the benefits of Holy Basil, you must know how to use it safely.

How to Use Holy Basil Safely

While generally considered safe for most people, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement or herb to your routine. Holy Basil may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or diabetes medications, and it may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

It is also necessary to start with a small dose and gradually increase it to avoid potential side effects such as upset stomach or headache. Web MD recommends adults work up to 500mg for 60-90 days. Then, like the adaptogen ashwagandha, it’s necessary to take rest periods for optimal balance and performance. You can consume Holy Basil in various forms, including as a tea, supplement, or added to meals. When using it as a supplement, be sure to purchase from a reputable source and follow the recommended dosage. Remember, supplements are not tested or subject to FDA approval, so buying from a source and manufacturer you trust is crucial. Otherwise, who knows what you could be getting?!

By using Holy Basil safely and responsibly, you can fully reap its numerous health benefits. Next, we’ll look at some easy and practical ways to add Holy Basil to your daily diet.

Recipes Containing Holy Basil

You can buy Holy Basil supplements in liquid or capsule form online if you want to. But, as you know if you’ve followed my blog for a while, I’m a big fan of incorporating adaptogenic miracle herbs like Holy Basil and astragalus root into your diet whenever feasible. So, to make that easier for you, here’s a list of links to recipes I found that contain this secret ingredient for optimal health.

• Start your morning with this green juice recipe by Robin Frey.
• For lunch, you can try this recipe for chicken lettuce wraps by Oaktown Spice Shop.
• Or maybe this vegan Thai green curry by The Holistic Chef Academy.

• At tea time or on a chilly day, this soothing Tulsi tea hits the spot.
• On a hot afternoon, this Holy Basil Peach drink by Paula Saalfeld can help you beat the heat.
• Thanks to this recipe from Kathy Sadowski, you can use it to make a pesto pasta dish.

• Or this authentic stir-fried pork recipe from Thai Cookbook TV.
• And one of my favorites, drunken noodles with Holy Basil. This recipe is by Lauren Allen.
• Finally, for your sweet tooth, there’s this coconut Tulsi ice cream by Jessica Espinoza.

So now that you know how to cook with Holy Basil, let’s move on to some final fun facts about this miracle herb.

Fun Facts About Holy Basil the Miracle Herb

In addition to its spiritual and medicinal significance, according to Wikipedia, Holy Basil has some interesting other uses, including:

• Insect Repellant – a centuries-old practice; in some countries, they mix dried leaves with grain to keep pests away. Holy Basil is apparently particularly effective against the rice weevil.
• Pesticide (Nematicide) – Holy Basil in essential oil form also kills plant-parasitic nematodes. This is very helpful in potato farming, for example.
• Water Disinfection – an alcoholic extract of Tulsi can effectively disinfect water. The resulting liquid was safe to drink and antimicrobial based on studies published in 2009, 2012, and 2013.
• Mouthwash – some people use Holy Basil as a natural mouthwash substitute, and the National Institute of Health found in at least one study that it has anti-plaque properties. 

So, as you now know, Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is a miracle herb that is the secret ingredient to a balanced, healthy life. Consuming it intermittently in moderation may help you enhance your inner glow. And, if nothing else, you have some tasty recipes to try out. 

Final Words on this Miracle Herb

The power of Holy Basil is genuinely remarkable. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and adaptogenic properties can alleviate inflammation, help balance blood sugar levels, and reduce stress. Moreover, it can help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels to reduce the risk of heart disease. Through its versatile use in traditional and modern medicine, as well as delicious food recipes, Holy Basil is an excellent tool to help you maintain homeostasis and improve your overall health and well-being. So make sure to take the time to incorporate this powerful herb into your daily routine and to use it safely and responsibly. After all, it’s been revered for centuries and can help you achieve the balance and inner glow we all seek.

If you liked this article, please share it on your favorite social media channel so others benefit from learning about this adaptogen. And if you’re not already one of the cool kids on my email list, you should join us! Just click here to subscribe. I promise not to spam you! I send an email once a week with the link to my latest blog post. The emails also contain other helpful tips, tricks, tools, inspiration, and support around finding your balance and inner glow. 

Now get out there and try something with Holy Basil in it. You’ll thank me later!

Are you a single mother who feels less than confident in your worth and insecure about dating? Deep down, do you wonder if you can attract a healthy, loving, supportive relationship that lasts? If so, my 12-week transformational coaching program is perfect for you. Click here to take my research survey, and I’ll follow up with more information. If you’re a good fit, I’ll offer a complimentary coaching session so you can try it out. The program starts on June 1, 2023, so don’t delay!

I also offer 1:1 mindset and confidence coaching to women. So, if you’re not a member of the single moms club or group programs aren’t your thing, I’ve still got you. Click here for an assessment to see if my services are right for you. There’s no cost or obligation to enroll, so you have nothing to lose!