Top 2 Benefits of Holy Basil, A Sattvic Herbal Rasayana

Superfood Evolution presents Top 2 Benefits of Holy Basil, a Satvic herbal rejuvenating Rasayana. Holy basil, also called Tulsi in Ayurvedic herbalism, has been one of the top herbs utilized in East Indian therapies for centuries. Known for its versatile and potent medicinal qualities as well as its tasty flavor, it is most commonly prepared as a tea infusion. Now also becoming increasingly popular here in the West, it is definitely one of those Rasayanas or rejuvenating tonics that is worth testing out for yourself. It makes a delicious hot morning beverage and offers a broad spectrum of benefits suitable for most body types. Also spelled and pronounced Tulasi, its Sanskrit name means the incomparable one, signifying its multi-purpose benefits as both a sacred and therapeutically valuable herb. What is Holy Basil? Indigenous to the subcontinent of India and tropical regions of Southeast Asia, the Ossumum sanctum, Ossumum tenuiflorum plant species is a green leafy plant similar in appearance to that of culinary basil, Ossumum basilicum. It is often in fact confused with basil but is not the same species. Although Tulsi is sometimes used in Thai cuisine, referred to as Thai holy basil, it is a different species from the popular culinary herb known as Thai basil, a variety of Ossumum basilicum. The fragrant fresh leaves and steep tea is often described to have a flavor similar to a combination of clove, mint, and anise. Keep in mind that holy basil is a very easy plant to grow as a perennial in the tropics or as an annual in temperate northern climate zones. The three most common types of holy basil are called Rama, Krishna, and Vana. They are often combined together when sold as a dried herb for the highest medicinal value. Rama is by far the most popular variety. Krishna, with its purple-tinned stems and leaves, is next in line, while Vana, a wild species, is used less frequently in India. Vana, Ossumum critissimum, is however the main species utilized in East Africa and parts of the Caribbean. Holy basil is also conveniently available as a powder, capsule, tablet, or liquid solution and can be used for a wide range of conditions. Here in this video, we touch upon the top two health-enhancing benefits of this powerful herb. Top 2 Benefits of Holy Basil 1. Asatvic Herbal Rasayana for Stress and Anxiety Holy basil leaves are among a group of herbs classified as Rasayanas in Ayurveda, known to adaptogenic properties. These are herbal or plant-based substances that help to increase the body's resilience to chronic daily life stress, trauma, and bodily fatigue. They, in essence, make one more adaptable to its negative impacts, offering anxiety-relieving attributes. Teas and Tulsi supplements, in essence, help to support a healthy response to mental and stress as well as physical exertion. In one study using a plant extract, findings identified that it was 39% more effective in the management of stress symptoms in comparison to placebo group. It has also been demonstrated effective for those with generalized anxiety disorder. A 500mg capsule dose of Ossumum Sanctum extract, given twice daily after a meal for a two-month period, was shown to reduce general anxiety as well as associated depression. In other research on mice, alcohol extracts of holy basil were found to exhibit anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties and was concluded to be a potential therapeutic agent against mixed anxiety and depressive syndrome. 2. Asatvic Herb Nourishing to the Adrenals Although holy basil acts as a non-caffeinated herbal energizer, it is also simultaneously calming to the nervous system without having a sedative effect. Traditionally used in East Indian Hindu culture, it is considered a premier asatvic herb, consumed as a daily tea for both medicinal as well as spiritual purposes. In Ayurveda, sattva is one of the three gunas that is believed to offer peaceful and balancing qualities. Likewise, regular use of holy basil is nourishing to the adrenals. Long-term coffee drinkers or anyone recovering from adrenal fatigue could find teas, powders, or capsules very therapeutic for such purposes. Holy basil tea infusions using prepared bags or loose dried leaves make a great, tasty, hot morning drink. We often blend the fresh or dried leaves with other naturally stimulating herbs like gynostemma, godukola, and ginkgo. Tulsi can be a great herbal ally for today's busy modern-day lifestyle, helping one to cope with stress that comes with overwork, overwhelm, or a general feeling of ungroundedness. It is particularly appropriate for vadabadi types or imbalances. Its sattvic qualities can impart clear thinking and a relaxed energy, a characteristic of holy basil tea that is commonly described as liquid yoga. In a researched overview, it was stated that substantial evidence has accumulated that in addition to Tulsi's many specific therapeutic applications, the herb's powerful general adaptogenic properties offer significant preventative and curative potential with respect to the stress-related degenerative diseases endemic to industrialized societies. Holy basil is a sacred Hindu herb traditionally grown outside of one's home to purify and protect the household. It is associated with the god Vishnu and sometimes regarded as the earthly embodiment of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The plant, with its aromatic essential oil-condensed leaves, stems, and blossoms, is viewed as both spiritually as well as physically cleansing to the body. This fragrant and purifying feature is due in part to a number of constituents such as eugenol, camphene, eucalyptol, linalool, camphor, and estrogol. In 2016 scientific reports, camphor, eucalyptol, and eugenol were found to be the top three respectively dominant volatile oil compounds present. These elements, plus various triterpenes and antioxidants like urosolic acid and rosmarinic acid, were additionally shown to offer an antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative influence. Its combination of specific phytonutrients and warming nature promotes healthy circulation and helps remove excess kapha or phlegm from the lungs and upper respiratory tract. Teas are likewise consumed to help reduce ama, or toxins, assisting in the body's natural detoxification process. Supplementation can also help to protect against any number of modern-day environmental toxins that we are all invariably exposed to in our daily lives, shown to protect against radiation and liver damage. In the same way holy basil teas and extracts protect and modulate immune response, they are also considered to be radioprotective and beneficial for repairing damage due to high-intensity radiation exposure. In 2014 research, two antioxidant flavonoids isolated from holy basil, orientin, and vicinin, were identified to be two of the primary compounds responsible. Such properties could be potentially beneficial to those undergoing radiation therapy or also used to protect against other types of man-made and naturally occurring sources. In further research, the alcohol leaf extract of the Osamum sanctum species has been identified to have hepatoprotective influence and demonstrated to protect against drug-induced liver damage, working synergistically with milk thistle seeds or silamarin. How to Use Holy basil is most frequently used as a tea, especially in India, but it is also available as a tincture, capsule, or in tablet form for greater convenience. Dried bulk leaves or ground powders can be simply added to hot water infusions and left to steep for 15 to 20 minutes. The tea also makes a great herbal iced tea in the summer seasons. Generally, two teaspoons of dried leaves or one teaspoon of powder per cup of hot water or tea will offer a good therapeutic dose. We actually prefer a stronger holy basil tea using one tablespoon of the dried herb. Remember that the bulk herb can also be blended with other herbs and spices, as well as utilized with many cleansing herbs, like milk thistle and dandelion root, when preparing teas and tinctures. Liquid extracts or tinctures can likewise be added to hot teas, kombucha, or other beverages. Precautions Holy basil is warming to the body and should be avoided if excess heat or high Pitta conditions persist. Consult your health care practitioner if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have serious health conditions and or are taking prescription medications. Thanks for watching! 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