Holy Basil – Called the Queen of Herbs for a Reason

The Holy Basil plant is a well-known herbal remedy that has been used through most parts of Southeast Asia for its high medicinal properties. In Indian holistic Ayurvedic medicine, Holy Basil is used to treat stress due to its adaptogen contents. Adaptogen can help relax and calm the nerves as well as boost the body’s immune system. Holy Basil extract has also been proven through scientific tests to help alleviate and cure other ailments.
The Benefits of Cultured Holy Basil Plants

Some years ago, studies have shown that cultured Holy Basil plants can contain more antioxidants than their field grown counterparts. The same studies conducted showed that there were higher levels of rosmarinic acid antioxidants. Cultured Holy Basil plants show a lot more potential as a remedy and are now being viewed as the optimum way to develop Holy Basil based medicines.

1. Anti-Stress Capability

One of Holy Basil’s most well-known uses is to alleviate stress. Research has also proven this claim as the plant exhibits adaptogen agents that help lower cortisol levels in the body. Not only did it show cortisol lowering effects, it also managed to regulate glucose levels in the body and decrease adrenal size, as well as lowering cholesterol. In this area, Holy Basil has proven and passed with flying colors making the herb a highly recommended natural stress managing remedy.

2. Provides Detoxification

Another health benefit of Holy Basil is its exceptionally high level of detoxifying agents. Studies that were conducted in 2007 had researchers giving extracts in doses of 100 mg to 400 mg per kg body weight to laboratory rats. During the 5 day testing, results came in that showed how laboratory rats that were given 300 mg / kg had higher levels of immunity to liver disease. Given these promising results, Holy Basil can be a great alternative herbal medicine for those suffering from urinary tract infection (UTI) as it can help break down kidney stones and strengthen the integrity of the liver.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Holy Basil also contains fatty acids that are an effective treatment for inflammation or swelling of certain parts of the body. Studies on the plant yielded positive results and showed that Holy Basil plants have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid and they have one of the highest inhibiting inflammation capabilities in the body.

4. Prevent Seizures

Holy Basil has also proven to have powerful anticonvulsant agents that are actually rated higher than several known anti-seizure drugs. Studies that were made in 2003 gave impressive results when extracts taken from Holy Basil’s leaf and stems were given to several laboratory animals, all of which showed increased resistance to muscle spasms and seizures.

The Holy Basil plant has effectively shown its worth in the world of medicine. As research continues underway, experts are discovering more and more medicinal properties and uses for the plant named after the Hindu Goddess of Wealth and Consort of Vishnu.