Holy Basil OCIMUM SANCTUM #368 $22.00 (Organic) AWEO Holy basil, known as tulsi (also spelled tulasi) in its native India, is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Holy basis has been used to treat a variety of health concerns from headaches and stomachaches to inflammatory problems and common colds. This herb is classified as an adaptogen, a substance that increases the body’s resistance to internal and external stress. Therefore, it makes sense that holy basil would relieve panic attacks and depression. There is a long history of holy basil benefits and safety, with no known drug interactions, but it may have slight blood thinning and hypoglycemic effects. As with most herbs, holy basil is not recommended for use if you are pregnant or nursing. Holy basil has been used medicinally in India for over 3,000 years and it’s known there as the Queen of Herbs. It has been one of India’s most important healing plants throughout history. Its other name is Tulsi which means incomparable one as according to Ayurveda, the herb also has effect on the spiritual aspects facilitating expanded states of awareness. Others call it an elixir of life as it promotes longevity and relaxation or a rasayana a herb that nourishes a person’s growth to perfect health both physical and spiritual. With such a rich history of traditional use and therapeutic actions Holy basil has a broad range of applications and indications, its main effects and benefits include: Endocrine system stress modulation/ reduction*, fatigue*, promoting longevity*, lowers blood sugar levels in diabetes (type 1 and 2)*, metabolic syndrome Nervous system improves memory and cognition*, anxiety and depression, insomnia, migraine headaches, headaches, Alzheimer’s disease Immunity systemic anti-inflammatory, infections and problems of the respiratory tract including asthma; microbial and viral infections colds, flu, coughs; cancer prevention; lessens the side-effects of radiotherapy treatments in cancer; anti-fungal (e.g. candida infections) Cardiovascular system heart disease*, known to be good for the heart*, high cholesterol*, atherosclerosis* Digestion ulcers (peptic, gastric and duodenal ulcers)*, diarrhoea, flatulence, leaky gut, liver disease (e.g. drug/ alcohol induced liver injury) Skin wound healing, skin infections *Uses verified by current research Stress and nervous system applications Holy basil is a relatively well-studied herb, with research that has demonstrated that it can radically and speedily improve anxiety and depression, and reduce stress both physical and emotional. The exact mechanism of action is yet to be determined although research has shown that holy basil decreases the amount of cortisol released during stress without the adverse side-effects of prescription medications. In addition, holy basil has the capacity to increase physical and emotional endurance thus increasing the resilience to all stressors.