You know how some foods are so amazing they get deemed “superfoods”? Well, there are some herbs that are so powerful and versatile that they are super herbs (sometimes called superior tonics in the Chinese medicine tradition, or Rasayana herbs in the Ayurvedic tradition). One such herb is holy basil (Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as Tulsi. It is a relative of the common basil that we use for cooking, but has unique medicinal properties that differentiate it from culinary basil. Holy basil is originally from India, where it is considered to be a sacred plant, but now it grows all over the world.

Holy Basil for Stress

So what exactly makes holy basil so great? One of the main reasons is that it is an adaptogen, meaning it’s a normalizing, non-toxic plant that helps the body better cope with chronic stress. It can help to regulate the HPA axis and adrenal system. Plus, some people consider it to have mood-lifting and nootropic properties, so it can help people feel happy and focused, especially if they need the boost during stressful times.

Holy Basil for Blood Sugar

Traditional practice and preliminary modern evidence suggest that holy basil can be useful for managing blood sugar. Tulsi can actually lower blood sugar, so people who already have hypoglycemia should use caution to ensure they their blood sugar doesn’t drop too low while using holy basil.

Holy Basil for Digestion

Like many other herbs rich in volatile oils, holy basil can soothe digestion. It acts as a carminative, relieving gas in upset stomachs.

Holy Basil for Pathogenic Microbes

Pathogens encompass bacteria, viruses, fungi, and bad yeasts, like Candida albicans. Holy basil is rich in volatile oils that are at least partially responsible for many of its effects, including its antimicrobial activity. One study suggests holy basil may be effective against fungal skin infections. Another in vitro study showed holy basil’s activity against Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that contributes to tooth decay. Some studies have shown holy basil to be effective against Candida, even Candida that is prone to turning into a more severe mycelial form. Plus, on top of direct action against pathogens, holy basil has immunomodulatory effects that help one’s own body resist illness!

Holy Basil and Cancer

Holy Basil photo by Thangaraj Kumaravel

When you perform a search of recent scientific research on holy basil, many studies on holy basil’s role in cancer care appear. Studies suggest that the abundant volatile oils in holy basil are at least somewhat responsible for holy basil’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and radioprotective effects. Scientists are also starting to explore specific mechanisms through which holy basil might affect aspects of cancer, such as metastasis and apoptosis.

Best Way to Take Holy Basil

There is not a single best way to take holy basil, so the best way will be however you prefer! You should use holy basil daily for at least a month to experience the full benefits. It is available in capsules, tea, and tincture. It tastes good and mixes well with other herbs for herbal tea, so if you are a tea drinker, try that. Organic India makes a line of Tulsi teas that are delicious. There are also gel caps that have concentrated amounts of some of Tulsi’s active ingredients.