HOLY BASIL OVERVIEW INFORMATION

Holy basil is a plant. It is originally from India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as
an adaptogen to counter lifes stresses. It is considered a sacred plant by the Hindus
and is often planted around Hindu shrines. The Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi,
means "the incomparable one." Medicine is made from the leaves, stems, and seeds.
Holy basil is used for the common cold, influenza ("the flu"), H1N1 (swine)
flu,diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, earache, headache, stomach upset, heart disease,
fever, viral hepatitis, malaria, stress, and tuberculosis. It is also used for mercury
poisoning, to promote longevity, as a mosquito repellent, and to counteract snake and
scorpion bites.
Holy basil is applied to the skin for ringworm.
In cooking, holy basil is often added to stir-fry dishes and spicy soups because of its
peppery taste. Cookbooks sometimes call it "hot basil."
How does it work?
Chemicals in holy basil are thought to decrease pain and swelling (inflammation).
Other chemicals might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.
There is interest in using holy basil seed oil for cancer. Beginning research suggests
that the oil can slow progression and improve survival rate in animals with certain
types of cancer. Researchers think this benefit may be explained by the oils ability to
act as an antioxidant.

Holy Basil: Relieve Anxiety and Stress Naturally

Common Name
Holy Basil
Botanical Name
Ocimum sanctum
AKA
The Incomparable One
Tulsi
Holy Basil
Ocimum sanctum
The Incomparable One
Tulsi
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Stress is a normal and natural part of everyday life. Stress occurs when the
demands placed upon us exceed our body's ability to cope. The body's response
to stress, often referred to as the flight-or-fight response, occurs automatically
at these times.
What is it?
Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is a member of the mint, or Labiatae, family. Though it
is closely related to the sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) frequently used in cooking,
holy basil has a much richer history. The plant, which is native to tropical Asia, is
now found in most tropical parts of the world. It has only recently gained popularity
in the United States although it has been grown in India for more than 3,000 years.1,2
Also known as Tulsi or The Incomparable One, holy basil is one of the most
sacred plants in India. In Hindu mythology, Tulsi symbolizes the goddess Lakshmi,
the wife of Vishnu, who is one of the religion's most important deities. The herb has
been valued for centuries because of its benefits for the mind, body, and spirit.2
But while its history is deeply rooted in religion and mythology, it has also been used
in several ancient systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Greek, Roman, and
Siddha for thousands of years.1,2
For what health conditions can holy basil be used?
Holy basil is a powerful antioxidant with demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, and
anti-inflammatory properties.1,3 In Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil has been used to

treat a variety of conditions - everything from the common cold to bronchitis to fever
to certain digestive complaints, including ulcers.1,2
Although many of these treatments are still unproven by conventional testing,
modern science is now taking a closer look at this fascinating herb. In the past
decade, a number of scientific studies have focused on the effects of holy basil. Some
investigations have shown great promise - suggesting holy basil may indeed prove
effective in those customary uses. But science has even looked beyond the traditional
scope, studying the herb for its therapeutic potential in cancer, specifically as an
adjuvant to radiation therapy, and even for its stabilizing effects in diabetes.1,2,4,6
The most compelling data, however, suggests that holy basil possesses its greatest
potential in the areas of stress relief and relaxation. And in the fast paced world in
which we live, these findings may prove to be extremely significant.1,7
So, what exactly is stress? What happens to my body during stress?
Stress is a normal and natural part of everyday life. Stress occurs when the demands
placed upon us exceed our body's ability to cope. The body's response to stress, often
referred to as the flight-or-fight response, occurs automatically at these times. The
adrenal glands release stress hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline and
corticosterone, which give you a boost of energy and strength to fight or flee.
This makes sense when faced with a physical threat, but this same response also helps
you deal with a more subtle, but equally stressful psychological or emotional
demand. For example, this energy boost can enhance your focus helping you to
perform optimally at work or improve mental clarity allowing you to quickly deal
with a conflict at home. So in this sense, some stress (and our body's response to it) is
good for you - it helps us respond in emergencies. When the stressful situation has
passed, the hormone levels naturally decline.
It's when stress becomes chronic, or on-going, that it can create problems. Stress
hormones have other, not-so-obvious effects. They play a role in metabolism,
inflammation, and immune system responses. So when our body is continually
stressed, that is, continually bombarded by high levels of cortisol and corticosterone,
our digestive function can become impaired - leading to increased appetite and
weight gain, our nervous system can be damaged - leading to anxiety or depression,
and our immune system can be suppressed - leading to sickness or even autoimmune
diseases.8-10
So, while we don't want to turn off the stress response, we also don't want to
remain in a state of continual stress. This is where holy basil comes in.
How does holy basil combat stress?
Holy basil functions as an adaptogen, enhancing the body's natural response to
physical and emotional stress. Adaptogenic herbs do not alter mood, but rather, they
help the body function optimally during times of stress.1,7
Multiple scientific studies examining this property of Ocimum sanctum have found
that supplementation with various extracts of holy basil decrease stress hormone
levels, corticosterone in particular.11-16
Lower levels of corticosterone are associated with improved mental clarity and
memory, and long-term, can reduce the risk of age-related mental disorders.17
So, exactly what makes it work?

Holy basil leaves are a natural source of many important compounds that provide a
wide variety of health benefits.1,2
Eugenol and caryophyllene are aromatic compounds, so named because of their
pleasing fragrance or aroma. These compounds are present in many plants,
including holy basil, and have long been used in essential oils because their fragrant
scent is said to elevate both mood and spirit. Scientific studies have shown that
eugenol, in particular, helps to combat stress and enhance mental clarity. Research
has also shown that the triterpenoic acids isolated from holy basil effectively improve
the body's response to stress.13-16
What studies support holy basil's stress-alleviating effects?
There are several studies which examine the anti-stress effects of different
components of holy basil. An herbal preparation, which combined a standardized
holy basil extract along with three other Ayurvedic herbs, has been shown to improve
the body's ability to adapt to stress. The subjects were continually subjected to stress
leading to elevated levels of stress hormones. Administration of the combination of
herbs brought the hormone levels back to normal. Further testing revealed the
combination also exhibited preventative effects against stress. When taken on an ongoing basis, the combination reduced the level to which the hormones were raised
following exposure to stressful situations.11,12
When isolated and examined individually, holy basil significantly contributed to these
effects. Several studies have shown that certain alcohol extractions of holy basil
combat the effects of stress. Supplementation dramatically reduced the corticosterone
level, helping the body cope with stress, elevating mood, and improving mental
clarity.13-15
Eugenol has been shown to possess similar effects.16
These key components of holy basil help the body respond to both physical and
mental stressors, reducing the damaging effects that on-going stress can have on other
aspects of health.
What should I look for in a holy basil dietary supplement?
Because multiple constituents of holy basil have been shown to combat stress, an
effective supplement must provide each of these key active components at therapeutic
dosages. In particular, the supplement should be standardized for eugenol,
caryophyllene and triterpenoic acids, such as ursolic and oleanolic acids. As these
constituents differ significantly in their chemical structure, alternate extraction
methods are needed to obtain beneficial levels. It is important to look for a dietary
supplement which utilizes multiple extracts of holy basil, such as alcohol extracts,
supercritical (or CO2) extracts, and distillation extracts, to provide the most complete
supplement.
Why are different methods of extraction important?
Different botanical extraction methods allow for the separation, isolation, and
concentration of key active components naturally found in the herb. Extraction is also
useful for producing a consistent product; one that will deliver the same benefits with
each dose. While there are many methods for extracting botanical compounds, each
will affect the herb and the key component in different ways. Certain extraction
methods will isolate lipophilic (fat-loving or insoluble in water) components, such

as triterpenoic acids, whereas other methods yield the hydrophilic (water-loving or

water soluble) components, eugenol and caryophyllene.18,19
When both lipophilic and hydrophilic components are required for support, as is the
case for holy basil, a combination of extraction methods is necessary.
So, how do the extraction methods differ?
As I mentioned, there are numerous botanical extraction methods available. Many
herbs require unique extraction methods because of the complexity of the key
components. I'm going to focus on three of the most common - steam distillation,
alcohol extraction, and supercritical extraction. During steam distillation, the plant
material is permeated with steam. As the plant tissues break down, the essential oils,
key compounds, and water vapor are released, then collected and cooled. The volatile
essential oil condenses and separates, and the key hydrophilic components can be
easily isolated.18,20
Alcohol extraction is slightly more complex, but still one of the most frequently used
methods for extracting botanical compounds. The plant constituents are fully
dissolved, then purified through a distillation process. An alcohol is then applied to
extract the key components from the other alcohol-insoluble plant constituents. A
secondary distillation process removes the alcohol, leaving only the pure,
concentrated key components.18,19,21,22
Finally, supercritical extraction, which has become increasingly popular, uses carbon
dioxide (CO2) under extremely high pressure to isolate key components. The process
involves low temperatures, ensuring the ingredients are not affected by high heat that
could alter or weaken the beneficial compounds. Once the extraction is completed,
the carbon dioxide is re-released into the atmosphere.22,24
Each of these methods can be utilized to create pure, concentrated extracts, and when
these extracts are combined, they can yield a high potency dietary supplement with a
broad range of activity.
Conclusion
Stress is linked to many aspects of both physical and mental health. Over time, stress
can negatively affect the health of the digestive, immune and nervous systems. While
the underlying causes of stress must be examined before one can truly heal oneself,
dietary supplements can aid in the process. Holy basil, in particular, is an effective
way to both prevent and combat the damaging effects of everyday stressors.
References
1. Gupta SK, Prakash J, Srivastava S. Validation of traditional claim of Tulsi,
Ocimum sanctum Linn. as a medicinal plant. Indian J Exp Biol. 2002
Jul;40(7):765-73.
2. Uma Devi P. Radioprotective, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties of the
Indian holy basil, Ocimum sanctum (Tulasi). Indian J Exp Biol. 2001
Mar;39(3):185-90.
3. Geeta, Vasudevan DM, Kedlaya R, Deepa S, Ballal M. Activity of Ocimum
sanctum (the traditional Indian medicinal plant) against the enteric pathogens. Indian
J Med Sci. 2001 Aug;55(8):434-8, 472.
4. Prakash J, Gupta SK. Chemopreventive activity of Ocimum sanctum seed oil. J
Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Sep;72(1-2):29-34.

5. Vrinda B, Uma Devi P. Radiation protection of human lymphocyte chromosomes

in vitro by orientin and vicenin. Mutat Res. 2001 Nov 15;498(1-2):39-46.
6. Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of
holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J
Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1996 Sep;34(9):406-9.
7. Bhargava KP, Singh N. Anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum Linn. Indian J Med
Res. 1981 March;73:443-451.
8. Dallman MF, Pecoraro N, Akana SF, La Fleur SE, Gomez F, Houshyar H, Bell ME,
Bhatnagar S, Laugero KD, Manalo S. Chronic stress and obesity: a new view of
"comfort food". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Sep 30;100(20):11696-701.
9. Sapolsky R. Stress, Glucocorticoids, and Damage to the Nervous System: The
Current State of Confusion. Stress. 1996 ;1:1-19.
10. Elenkov IJ, Chrousos GP. Stress hormones, proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines, and autoimmunity. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 Jun;966:290303.
11. Bhattacharya A, Muruganandam AV, Kumar V, Bhattacharya SK. Effect of poly
herbal formulation, EuMil, on neurochemical perturbations induced by chronic
stress. Indian J Exp Biol. 2002 Oct;40(10):1161-3.
12. Muruganandam AV, Kumar V, Bhattacharya SK. Effect of poly herbal
formulation, EuMil, on chronic stress-induced homeostatic perturbations in rats.
Indian J Exp Biol. 2002 Oct;40(10):1151-60.
13. Sembulingam K, Sembulingam P, Namasivayam A. Effect of Ocimum sanctum
Linn on the changes in central cholinergic system induced by acute noise stress.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 15;96(3):477-82.
14. Sembulingam K, Sembulingam P, Namasivayam A. Effect of Ocimum sanctum
Linn on noise induced changes in plasma corticosterone level. Indian J Physiol
Pharmacol. 1997 Oct;41(4):429-30.
15. Archana R, Namasivayam A. Effect of Ocimum sanctum on noise induced
changes in neutrophil functions. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Nov;73(1-2):81-5.
16. Sen P, Maiti PC, Puri S, Ray A, Audulov NA, Valdman AV. Mechanism of
antistress activity of Ocimum sanctum Linn, eugenol and Tinospora malabarica in
experimental animals. Indian J Exp Biol. 1992 Jul;30(7):592-6.
17. Montaron MF, Drapeau E, Dupret D, Kitchener P, Aurousseau C, Le Moal M,
Piazza PV, Abrous DN. Lifelong corticosterone level determines age-related decline
in neurogenesis and memory. Neurobiol Aging. 2005 Jun 10.
18. Kaufman PB, Cseke LJ, Warber S, Duke JA, Brielmann HL. Bioseparation of
Compounds. In: Kane H, ed. Natural Products from Plants. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press; 1999:212-225.
19. Cannell RJP, ed. Approaching an Isolation. In: Walker JM, ed. Methods in
Biotechnology: Natural Products Isolation. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press Inc;
1998:40-48.
20. Distillation Wikipedia web site. Available
at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distillation. Accessed August 12, 2005.

21. Cannell RJP, ed. Product Capture: Solvent Extraction. In: Walker JM, ed.
Methods in Biotechnology: Natural Products Isolation. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press
Inc; 1998:59-68.
22. Solvent Extraction International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
(IUPAC) web site. Available at: http://www.iupac.org/goldbook/S05752.pdf.
Accessed July 28, 2005
23. Cannell RJP, ed. Supercritical Fluid Methods. In: Walker JM, ed. Methods in
Biotechnology: Natural Products Isolation. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press Inc; 1998:91109.
24. Supercritical Fluid Wikipedia web site. Available
at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercritical_fluid. Accessed August 12, 2005.
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Holy Basil Benefits

Holy Basil is great for reducing depression, stress and anxiety. It promotes health and
wellbeing and protects the mind and body in a very positive way.
It is an adaptogen, meaning it brings balance to the entire body and protects it from stresses of
all kinds. It increases strength, stamina and endurance and allows the body to utilize oxygen
more efficiently while it promotes proper protein synthesis in the body. In Ayurvedic medicine, it
is a very important herb.
It can improve digestion, boost the immune system and promote cardiovascular health. Holy
Basil has stood the test of time, being used in India for thousands of years for its medicinal
properties.
In India, it is used to promote a relaxed, balanced state that is helpful for meditation. It was
widely used be holy men for that purpose. It was considered helpful for spiritual growth.
Holy Basil enhances cerebral circulation and improves memory. It reduces unclear thinking
and mental fog. For these reasons, it has been used to treat ADD and ADHD and depression.
It balances the hormones and helps maintain healthy cortisol levels. It has anti-inflammatory
properties as well. It is helpful in maintaining normal blood sugar levels too.
Holy Basil is often used to treat coughs, sore throats and the common cold, as it boosts the
bodys ability to resist viral and bacterial infections and fevers. It promotes a healthy respiratory
system and can be used to treat bronchitis, asthma and allergies.
Its also good for maintaining a healthy digestive system, relieving cramps and gas. It is good
for the eyes and protects against some forms of radiation. It contains compounds that are
antioxidant in nature, helping protect the body against dangerous free radicals and oxidation.
Holy Basil is good for the liver and promotes its healthy functioning. It can eliminate harmful
chemicals in the bloodstream and protects against liver disease. It also has the ability to
strengthen the kidneys.
This herb is also useful in maintaining dental health and reduces bad breath as well.
It also has some topical applications like the treatment of bug bites and skin disorders. It is a
very versatile plant witch is very beneficial to health.
Because Holy Basil is so beneficial to the entire body, it is considered a longevity enhancing
herb and has often been taken for this reason alone.
If You Are Over 30
If you are over 30, you'll want to take some GF20 with this. Then you'll be able to run circles
around people your own age.What is GF20?

Holy Basil Uses

Reduce stress, depression and anxiety

Treat panic attacks
Promote mental relaxation
As an adaptogen
Treat convulsions
Treat cancer
Increase strength, stamina and endurance
Utilize oxygen more efficiently
Promote proper protein synthesis
Aid digestion
Boost the functioning of the immune system
As an aid to meditation and spiritual growth
Promote cerebral circulation
Improve memory
Promote clarity of thought and focus
Treat diabetes
Treat ADHD and ADD
For faster wound healing
As a pain reducer
Treat kidney stones
Treat high cholesterol
Treat heart disorders
Treat mouth infections
Treat headaches
Treat poisoning
Balance hormones
Maintain healthy cortisol levels
Maintain proper blood sugar levels
Treat inflammation
Treat colds, sore throat and coughs
Treat snakebite and scorpion stings
Resist bacterial and viral infections
Treat malaria
Reduce fevers
Maintain respiratory health
Treat asthma, allergies and bronchitis
Treat arthritis
Relieve gas and stomach cramps
Protect vision and eye health
Protect against radiation

As a powerful antioxidant
Protect the liver and kidneys
Maintain dental health and reduce bad breath
Treat insect bites and skin problems

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Where Its Found

Holy Basil is native to India
Which Part Is Used
The leaves,stems and seeds

Holy Basil Leaves and Stems

How It Works
Though the workings of Holy Basil are still largely unknown to modern science, it is known to
contain many phytochemicals, nutrients, triterpenes, essential oils and flavonoids that are
helpful to the body.
How Its Used
It is usually used as a tea or dried and powdered and put into capsules.
Precautions and Side Effects:
Holy Basil has the ability to slightly thin the blood and shouldnt be taken by people taking
blood thinning medications. It may also lower the blood sugar and shouldnt be taken by
anyone with hypoglycemia. It may decrease fertility and should never be taken by women
trying to conceive. Never take if pregnant or nursing without first talking to your doctor.

Description and History Of Holy Basil

This herb belongs to the mint family. It is an annual herb. It is bush-like and grows up to one
and a half feet tall. The plant has numerous small leaves and purple flowers which grow on
hairy stems. There is a red variety and a green. The red has a much stronger scent.
In India, for thousands of years, Holy Basil has been considered a holy herb. It was often taken
by the Hindu holy men to induce clarity of mind and as an aid to meditation and spiritual
growth. They called it the elixir of life and used it for its ability to promote longevity and good
health.
It is associated with the Hindu God Vishnu and is often used at morning prayer time to promote
spiritual purity. Beads are made from the plants stems and used in meditation for protection
and clarity of mind.

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References

Holy Basil research paper

Natural database Holy Basil
Organic India What is Tulsi (Holy Basil)

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