The alternative name for holy basil is Tulsi. It is a very common herb of the ancient Indian history. It was firstly mentioned in around 1500 B.C. in the Rig Veda, and it was celebrated for the many benefits in the Ayurvedic medicine. It helps with anxiety, fat burn and much more.

Its origination is from tropical Asia, but today it grows in tropical climates all throughout the world. It is one of the most highly utilized and important plant in a large number of countries. The leaves are considered as adaptogen herbs that can provide different benefits for the whole body.

The adaptogen herbs are unique healing plants, which balance, protect and restore the body. One naturopath, Edward Wallace, explains that adaptogen does not have any specific action but it helps the body to respond to the stressors, and therefore normalizes the physiological functions.

Some of the popular adaptogen herbs include ashwagandha, astragalus, licorice root, ginseng, holy basil, Rhodiola and some medicinal mushrooms.

Benefits of holy basil

Nowadays, the holy basil is mostly used in the form of tulsi tea or supplement form. Mostly, it is used for treating acne, high blood sugar, anxiety, adrenal fatigue and thyroid problems.

1. Acne

Some researchers from Thailand have conducted a study in order to find out whether the essential oils of tulsi can fight the bacteria that causes acne and provide optimal skin care. When the antimicrobial capability was being tested, researchers discovered that a 3 percent concentration of tulsi is the most potent substance against the bacteria that can cause acne. Eugenol, which is the primary compound of Tulsi is an active ingredient in the potent clove oil. One of the very celebrated benefits of the clove’s oil is that it effectively treats numerous skin conditions. If using tulsi for treating acne, please make sure to use unrefined virgin coconut oil as a carrier because when melted, it can be absorbed into the skin far more quickly than any other oil.

2. Cancer

In accordion to one review published in Nutrition and Cancer, the holy basil contains potent immune-boosting as well as anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against pain, stress as well as fever. So, the people who consume holy basil on a daily basis are much less susceptible to poor immunity and developing cancerous cells. Contained phytochemicals in holy basil protect against lung, oral, liver and skin cancer. The tulsi extract can prevent radiation- induced mortality and sickness and are known to protect the normal tissues from the rough effects of radiation.

3. Diabetes

The holy basil’s ability to keep blood glucose in check has been widely known since the mid-1900s. For example, in order to investigate its ability to reverse and treat diabetes, a team of researchers from Azad University of Agriculture and Technology (India) have studied the effects that holy basil leaves has on rats. The group that has been given holy basil has showed incredible results. The fasting glucose dropped by 21mm/dl, post meal glucose dropped by 15.8 mm/dl, which showed a reduction of 17.6 percent and 7.3 percent. Additionally, the cholesterol levels were also hugely decreased. A research that was published in the Journal od Ethnopharmacology, has proved that the extract of tulsi has decreased glucose by more than 36 percent in normal rats and up to 18 percent in diabetes-induced rats.

4. Balances hormones and lowers stress

An article published in the journal Doe Pharmazie has pointed out that the hypoglycemic effects of tulsi are because of its ability to regulate the cortisol levels. The cortisol, or as it is also called the stress hormone in responsible for a large number of diabetes cases throughout the world. The adverse effects it has can damage memory, bone density, learning, heart disease, immune function and weight gain. According to Psychology Today, a high level of cortisol is viewed as a number one public enemy. Yet another benefit of holy basil is that it can very successfully decrease emotional stress and anxiety. A few of the symptoms of high cortisol level include the following: weight gain (in the abdomen/stomach area), puffy, flushed face, mood swings, high blood pressure, acne or some other skin condition, high level of anxiety, poor sleep/fatigue, muscle pain and aches, excessive thirst, increased urination.

5. Helps the fever

The holy basil is recommended as a natural fever treatment, especially by practitioners of Ayurverdic medicine. Holy basil leaves act as antibiotic, germicidal and disinfectant agents, which means that they will protect us from bacteria and viruses. In times we have a fever, its proof that our bodies are fighting against an infection and thus, with its infection fighting properties, tulsi helps fight a fever and restore the health in a quick way.

6. Relieves headaches

Some practitioners of Ayurveda recommend the holy basil as a natural headache medicine that helps relieve the migraine pain.

Holy basil tea recipe

Ingredients:

• 1-quart water
• 4 teaspoons tulsi leaf or 2 teaspoons powder
• 1-inch ginger root or 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon raw, organic honey (optional)

Instructions:

• Infuse all the ingredients in boiling water for about 20 minutes
• Strain, then add the honey
• Drink as tea

The most common things nowadays, unfortunately, are stress and anxiety. We experience these on a daily basis.

If you are stressed, then, the amygdala (the brain that contributes to emotional processing) sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus. Also, it uses the nervous system to communicate with the rest of the body this way stimulating the fight-or-flight response.

This leads to outward physical reaction connected to stress like increased heart rate, deeper intake of oxygen, heightened senses, and a rush of adrenaline. This releases cortisol. This hormone will restore all the energy that the body used and when the stress is gone, the levels will drop, thus making you tired.

According to the Mayo Clinic:

‘Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is to blame for that nagging headache your frequent insomnia or your decreased productivity at work.

But stress may actually be the culprit. Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.’

Common Effects of Stress and Anxiety

• Headaches
• Muscles tension or pain
• Change in sex drive
• Upset stomach
• Irritability or anger
• Sadness or depression
• Overeating or undereating
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sleep problems
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Lack of motivation or focus

Still, we would recommend you, if you have time to do the following exercise daily.

How to Relax Your Mind and Body with the Following Exercises

Meditation

Meditation can relax and heal the body and the mind. This is so because it focuses on the inside of the body instead of all the factors around you.

Adult Coloring Books

According to clinical psychologist Scott M. Bea, Psy. D:

‘Adult coloring requires modest attention focused outside of self-awareness. It is a simple activity that takes us outside ourselves. In the same way, cutting the lawn, knitting, or taking a Sunday drive can be relaxing.’

Essential Oils

These have been used for a long time to treat anxiety in a natural way. They can help you fall asleep, improve your health and lower stress.

Writing Down Your Feelings

Writing down feelings can help you control your feelings and thoughts, lower the stress and analyze all traumas in life.

Chewing Gum

Some studies have proven that chewing gums can lower stress and improve your mood. Moreover, it can fight anxiety and fatigue.

Laughter

Laughing can improve your mood and decrease the amount of stress. Therefore, if you are feeling anxious you can find or do something funny to laugh in order to solve the problem.

Listen to Music

Music can impact your mood immensely. Therefore, if you are feeling stressed, listen to some of your favorite songs.

Mindful Breathing

Mindful breathing means focusing your breath in order to soothe your nerves and relieve stress. This will also soothe the body.

Hold an Ice Cube in Your Hand

Holding an ice cube can fight acute anxiety. Just hold the ice cube and the system will want to focus on your hand rather than whatever might be causing your panic. Moreover, the discomfort from the cold will act as an intentional distraction.

Cuddle

One of the best ways to reduce stress is cuddling. This is because our hormone releases the oxytocin hormone which inhibits cortisol and improves the mood.

Get a Pet

Getting a pet will be the perfect antidepressant which will lower the stress levels and will boost the mood.

The Mayo Clinic also suggests taking steps to manage your stress. Do the following:

• Regular physical activity
• Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai chi or a massage.
• Keeping a sense of humor.
• Socializing with family and friends.
• Setting time aside for hobbies, like reading a book or listening to music.