Holy Basil- The Incomparable One
My friend Charlene introduced me to Holy Basil while we were in the acupuncture master’s program. She is a very dear friend and always on the “up-and-up” when it comes to new products, herbs, vitamins, superfoods, etc. She was the type of kid that saved money to get massages in middle school instead of buying toys or clothes, so I trust her option when she says I need to try something. Especially if it involves relaxation! She gave me a couple of capsules to try at school and I instantly felt myself relax. That summer, I even grew some in a small container garden my roommate and I tended (until mid-summer when we both let it grow over because we were out of town so much)! I love how it makes you instantly relax without feeling tired. I’ve used it in stir fry dishes, and it has a great taste. I also love Ayurvedic medicine and knew it had to be an ingredient in the Stress Support formula for Elemental Compounds.
Tulsi (also known as holy basil) is an aromatic medicinal herb native to India. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. The leaves can be taken orally in teas or supplement form, as well as applied topically as a balm or ointment. It is believed to promote energy, vitality, and mental clarity. Tulsi is also revered in Hinduism and associated with spiritual healing and protection rituals.
Tulsi is known to relax the body due to its anti-anxiety and calming properties. It has a mild sedative effect that helps reduce stress, tension and nervousness. It is an herb belonging to the mint family and is classified as an adaptogen. It helps the body adapt to stress. Tulsi can be taken as an herbal tea or supplement form to help promote relaxation. It is also be used topically as an essential oil or balm for massage therapy
In Ayurvedic medicine, Tulsi is known for its balancing properties. It is said to be a tridoshic herb, meaning it can help balance all three doshas due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A dosha is one of the three energy forces that help to make up an individual's unique constitution. The three doshas in Ayureveda are vata, pitta and kapha. Each dosha is composed of two elements, and each has a different role: Vata is composed of air and space; Pitta is composed of fire and water; and Kapha is composed of earth and water. In future blog posts, I will do a deeper diver into Ayredvic medicine, and it view on mental health.
All-in-all, Holy Basil is a wonderful with many different properties-with its ability to calm the nervous system being a key attribute. It is delicious as a tea and Yogi Tea and Organic India are sold at most major retailers. Below is some of the current research on the efficacy of Holy basil.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
https://examine.com/supplements/holy-basil/research/
https://ejmcm.com/article_4989_ce3b6d4c20e190bd2bbf7389e7b2d147.pdf
If you have any questions, please email me at: info@elementalcompounds.com
-Patrick