Holy Basil: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage

Basil is a famous ayurveda herb. Holy basil benefits and uses are quite known to people now. There are different varieties of basil found in different regions with different names, taste, flavor,s and medicinal properties.  Hence, those interested in herbal remedies for health and wellness want to explore beyond with facts like the difference between holy basil and basil, thai basil vs basil, holy basil in Ayurveda and its uses, benefits and reviews, etc. Anything that we use, be it basil, comes with a handful of benefits and may cause side effects if not used in the right way. So here in this blog, you will find all the much-desired information regarding the queen of herbs – Basil.

 What is the difference between basil, tulsi, and holy basil?

Basil and tulsi is a common names for different varieties of basil/tulsi like Shyama Tulsi, Rama Tulsi, Vana Tulsi, etc. Holy basil is Shyama tulsi which is considered “ Mother medicine of nature” and revered in every Indian home for its spiritual and medicinal properties.

Holy basil is warm in nature and tastes sweet & pungent. 

Thai basil is used in cooking a wide array of Thai food. It’s a part of food throughout South East Asia. It is different from Holy Basil.

Shyama Tulsi or Holy Basil is an aromatic shrub with exceptional medicinal value usually found in every Indian home.

Holy Basil/Tulsi’s scientific name is Ocimum Sanctum. Holy basil Hindi name is Shyama Tulsi.

In Ayurveda, the holy basil is known as “Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs”. With its spiritual and medicinal properties, the herb is revered as the elixir of life. The emerging science on holy basil suggests basil leaves as a tonic to the human body with pharmacological benefits.

Holy basil may be useful:

Holy basil is considered the best and superior breed of basil amongst all other breeds available. It contains a rich profile of nutrients that work to heal & repair the human body. It provides an effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and recuperative boost to the body. 

As per scientific research on holy basil, the herb is a solution to many lifestyle-related chronic ailments related to poor eating habits, insomnia, obesity, metabolism disorder, etc. Shyama Tulsi has been found to control metabolic stress (blood pressure/blood glucose), respiratory concerns(cold/cough & lungs infection) inflammatory cells/tissues, and overall health. 

This one herb can be used for multiple purposes from being a hand sanitizer to mouthwash to an all-time must-have elixir at home. 

It is helpful in Kapha & Vata body doshas all around the year. People with pitta should avoid basil intake or application in excessive dosage, especially during summers. 

What are the benefits of Holy basil/tulsi?

Holy basil benefits are popular amongst the natural enthusiasts. Tulsi is the best to use to pacify Vata and Kapha imbalances in the body. Tulsi intake can help in respiratory disorders, sore throat, treat physical, metabolic, and mental stress, protect against radiations, scalp itch and dandruff, immunity booster, and much more.

• A plant of tulsi or a bottle of tulsi ark or essential oil is a must at home to use for multiple purposes like a
• Flavor to food or beverages,
• Preventive care medicine that boosts immunity and prevents the frequent occurrence of cold & cough/fever.
• Skin toner to balance the skin microbiome especially suitable for acne-pimple prone skin. 
• Mouthwash to keep the mouth microbiome healthy
• Curative medicine to use as a tonic to the body. 

Health Benefits of Holy Basil

 Health benefits of basil are commonly known to people and therefore basil tea, basil decoction, basil oil etc. are easily found in the market. Intake of Holy basil can be helpful in these conditions

• Depression – alleviates the mood and promotes well-being. 
• Insomnia – Ease stress & anxiety thus promote calmness in mind. 
• Indigestion – improves metabolism and functioning of the liver
• Cold & cough – whooping cough (works for both dry & wet cough)
• In protect & fight against cancer
• Dental health/ bad breath
• Pain relief
• Eye infections – It benefits in eye conditions like conjunctivitis, swelling and redness. 
• Body tonic – Purifies the blood and removes the toxins making body function efficiently 

Holy basil is regarded as the queen of herbs because of its wide nutrient profile that acts on the human body with holistic effective action. The herb contains  

• Adaptogenic
• Anti-arthritic
• Anti-coagulant
• Anti-diabetic
• Anti-inflammatory – Muscle relaxant 
• Antipyretic (prevents itching)
•  Antidiarrheal
• Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and more)
• Antioxidant – Recuperative 
• Antitussive (treats cough)
• Liver-, brain-. and heart-protective

All parts of the holy basil plant act as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance.

Holy Basil (Tulsi) Skin Benefits

Benefits of basil (tulsi) for skin to improve the skin texture and glow are creating a buzz amongst the beauty bloggers. Basil or Tulsi is alkaline in nature which enhances its excellent anti-inflammatory properties to work well in warding off skin irritations, small wounds and acne. Also rich in Vitamin C, it boosts skin cells metabolism and elasticity to the skin. Hence, it is very much helpful for acne-pimple-prone skin. 

The traditional Indian healing system emphasizes the benefits of tulsi for day to day skin concerns.

HOLY BASIL TEA DROPS

Holy basil tea’s benefits are known to everyone; however, people find it very difficult to stick to the routine of drinking it in regular for a purpose because of the induced laziness. Hence the traditional preparations like ark of tulsi are making a comeback to the market. The healthy chemical & preservative free tulsi water act as instant tea drops for a healthy cup of tulsi chai. 

Potent nutrient drops of Holy Basil ( Tulsi drops) – Flavonoids rich

Add about 1-2 teaspoons or 10 -15 drops to a cup of warm water. And enjoy the holy basil tea. Holy basil water is water-soluble nutrient-rich water of basil leaves & stems. This simple, quick, and convenient way of making tea help stick to the regular routine of drinking holy basil tea at home and while you are on a trip.

Intake of holy basil leaves & stem ark in-season change helps increase the immunity in the body and may prevent seasonal sickness.

Why SNAANA Holy Basil Herb Water the best?

• Steam distilled – using ancient technique
• 100% Chemical free and preservative free – A traditionally prepared ark with no use of any synthetics.
• Edible
• Expensive as technique produces low yield but free from solvents
• Best used in health care and skin care.

The making of Holy basil/ Shyama tulsi herb water/ark at SNAANA using the centuries old technique also known as deg bhapka method.

 Can holy basil be given to children safely?

Yes, holy basil water can be given to children above 3 months. Always make sure to dilute the herb water with normal drinking water. For babies – use 1-2 drops diluted in about 6-7 drops of water 2-3 times a day or as guided by an ayurvedic practitioner. 

Basil essential oil is quite common in aromatherapy as it is found to bring harmony to the mind. It is helpful in strengthening the body and mind as it has a strong effect on emotion, overcoming sadness or depression. It is good to pacify vata and kapha doshas in a body as it is warm in nature. People with pitta dominant body constitution and during pregnancy should avoid its excess usage. Its aroma is sweet -spicy  with faint balsamic woody undertones. 

It can be used to ease conditions like cold and cough, sinus congestion, headache, fever, abdominal pain, asthma and poor clarity (confused) mind.

It can be used in cooking, inhalation and skin care. Just make sure to use a pure edible steam distilled basil essential oil. Here’s why?

SNAANA

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