Holy Basil

Holy basil is closely related to the sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) used in kitchens around the world. It is revered as being without equal for both its medicinal and spiritual properties. Along with “queen of herbs” and “elixir of life” holy basil is also known as tulsi, which means “beyond compare” in Sanskrit. It is also referred to as “Mother Nature of medicine” in the Hindu culture. In the Hindu religion every part of the plant, including the surrounding soil, is venerated and considered sacred.

The emerging science on holy basil, which reinforces ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, suggests that it is a tonic for the body, mind and spirit, that offers solutions to many modern-day health problems. Regular, ongoing, daily consumption of holy basil is recommended to prevent disease, assist in adaptation to the stresses of daily life and to promote general health, wellbeing and longevity. Human studies suggest it may assist in dealing with psychological and immunological stress. According to one of Australia's pioneers in integrative and holistic medicine, Professor Marc Cohen,“many of the physiological benefits of [holy basil] can be attributed to its ability to assist with the body's internal housekeeping and protection of the body from toxin-induced damage.” The question remains: “What can’t holy basil do?”.

Holy basil has become known as “liquid yoga” because, like yoga, it has a calming effect unlike caffeinated beverages, such a black and green tea and coffee, which are more like stimulating aerobic exercise. Prof. Cohen says holy basil can be considered adaptogenic through nurturing and nourishing the body, mind and spirit while fostering a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. “Like yoga,[holy basil] has a calming effect that leads to clarity of thought, along with a more relaxed and calm disposition. The cognitive and memory-enhancing properties of [holy basil] therefore differ from those of caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee and tea, which heightens arousal and may cause physical and mental agitation. Furthermore, [holy basil] does not produce the same physical dependence as caffeine and can be safely consumed on a regular basis without the fear of withdrawal effects,” he says. 

References

HEC Holy Basil monograph