Holy basil is a plant that is part of the mint family and is used for healing a wide variety of conditions and diseases. It was probably used as a medicinal tea, long before it was processed into tea leaves. As a tea, it was used in Italy during the Renaissance as a treatment for those who suffered from nervous exhaustion and who was suffering from convulsions. The leaves worked like a sedative and made the person sleep more. After a few years, the leaves worked their way down to the Middle Ages and then to Europe and became known as Holy Basil.
Benefits Of Holy Basil
Holy basil has had a history of successful use for curing many ailments and medical conditions but, quality clinical research needs to be done to establish how holy basil will benefit those who take it: Herpes. Genital herpes is a viral disease that attacks the genitals. A compound in holy basil called them which acts on the nerve cells has been proven to reduce the symptoms of herpes. Some anecdotal evidence of improved sexual desire and energy has also been reported by users.
Prevents Damage Cells
Oxidative stress is one of the causes of cellular aging. It causes DNA damage and prevents cells from functioning correctly. As well, oxidative stress contributes to cancer formation and premature aging. Basil leaves are known to be a powerful antioxidant that not only nourishes cells but also provides a source of nutrients for the immune system and protects cells against oxidative stress.
Help For Diabetes
Low blood sugar is a symptom associated with many illnesses, including coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical research shows that the extract from holy basil helps to reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The studies show that this improves cell function and prevents cell death, something that usually happens with low sugar conditions.
There have been numerous studies performed on the effect of Holy Basil on blood sugar levels. In one study, diabetic rats were given twice daily doses of the herb. Those rats that received the highest doses had lower blood sugar levels than those receiving a lower dose. Another study performed by James Parkinson at University College London, UK, showed that the herb reduced excessive locomotor activity in animals suffering from Parkinson’s disease. He explained that the herb increases the amount of dopamine that is released from the synapses, which improves the sensitivity of the nervous system to insulin. The increase in dopamine prevents the cell membranes from responding to the insulin signal damaging the cells.
Holy Basil Help for Muscle Pain
There are many uses for Holy Basil. People have used it to relieve muscle pain, reduce headaches, increase the appetite, improve memory, increase energy, treat depression, strengthen the immune system, and treat nausea and vomiting. One way to use the herb to treat diabetes is to make an infusion that is taken three times a day with meals. Taking this Holy Basil infusion in a tea has proven beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels. Patients taking this treatment for diabetics have had positive results; however, further studies must be conducted to confirm these claims.
Antioxidant Properties
Holy Basil has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It acts as an adaptogen, meaning it slows down the aging process and improves vitality. Because it contains a high level of antioxidant compounds, Holy Basil also reduces the symptoms of allergies and protects against cancer. Some of the plant’s components have been found to inhibit melanin production; this feature makes it an excellent natural sunscreens.
Because of its powerful adaptogenic and antioxidant properties, Holy Basil may help to reverse or prevent some forms of aging. Because the herb can slow down the aging process and improve vitality, people who suffer from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, should consider using it to control their diseases. This is because it may help reduce the effects of disease by reducing the production of glucose in the body and by enhancing the immune system. As a result, people with chronic diseases may be able to use the benefits of Holy Basil to improve and possibly ease the effects of their diseases.
Ayurvedic Herbs
Holy basil name in hindi Tulsi is one among few ayurvedic herbs which act as a powerful antioxidant. The therapeutic action of this herb is due to the presence of four main essential oils. The essential oils include: kalmegh (also known as turmeric), shatavari (also known as Indian ginseng), balm (also known as Indian gingko) and garbanzo (also known as Indian saffron). All these ingredients have their own unique property to get rid of free radicals from the body. Apart from fighting harmful bacteria and viruses, the free radicals also cause cellular damage leading to several aging disorders.
Ayurvedic treatment using Holy Tulsi and its other ingredients is thus believed to provide multiple health benefits. It is also used in the treatment of disorders like Crohn’s disease, hepatitis, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, asthma, skin disorders, migraine, anxiety, depression, diabetes, and digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. Tulsi is used in a mild therapeutic dose for inducing sleep, relaxation, and meditation. A higher dosage is prescribed for inducing calmness and a positive mental attitude in stressed individuals.