Holy BasilFamiliar name: Holy Basil, Sacred Basil
Latin name: Ocimum sanctum
Sanskrit name: Tulsi
Tulasi Holy basil has both medicinal and spiritual significance in Ayurveda. It is sacred to Lord Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation and is considered purifying to body, mind and spirit. A living Tulsi plant is kept in many Indian homes where it is endowed with a sacred aura and believed to provide divine protection for the household. Rosaries made from its cut stems are commonly used as meditation beads. Closely related to the sweet basil plant widely available in the West, holy basil has been used as a valued culinary and medicinal herb. Its traditional use has been in the treatment of colds and flues where its purifying actions are believed to cleanse the respiratory tract of toxins. It is also helpful in the relief of digestive gas and bloating. Recent scientific reports have confirmed the healing properties of holy basil in medical conditions ranging from diabetes to cancer. The Science of TulsiHoly basil oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Several studies have demonstrated that constituents of holy basil can neutralize free radicals and inhibit the production of inflammatory prostaglandins. An animal study found an extract of holy basil to be essentially equivalent to a standard dose of aspirin. These effects may explain one of Tulsi's traditional roles in the treatment of pain and arthritis. The antioxidant properties of holy basil may also underlie its effectiveness in dampening the effects of stress on the physiology. In addition to its ability to dampen the chemical changes of stress, holy basil also appears to influence the neurochemistry of the brain in a manner similar to antidepressant medications. These interesting pharmacological properties have recently been applied to different clinical situations with potentially important results. A number of studies have looked at the ability of holy basil to protect healthy cells from the toxicity associated with radiation and chemotherapy for cancer. Components of holy basil consistently limit the damage that radiation causes to the bone marrow and digestive tract in animals. When the cells were looked at microscopically, those animals that received holy basil had less chromosomal damage than those that received a placebo. Holy basil has also been shown to protect the heart from damage caused by a widely used chemotherapy drug, adriamycin. It seems to work by protecting components of heart and liver cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals generated by the chemotherapy. Other studies have shown holy basil to have a protective effect against chemical carcinogens.
Adding to its potential value in the prevention and treatment of cancer, holy basil has also been shown to enhance different aspects of the immune response in animals. Another medical condition that holy basil may benefit is diabetes. Studies have shown holy basil to have substantial blood sugar lowering effects, similar to standard oral diabetes medications. It also appears capable of lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Diabetes is one of the few areas where holy basil has been formally tested in people. In a recent study of forty patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) people taking two and one-half grams of dried Tulsi leaf powder every morning showed significant reductions in their blood glucose levels first thing in the morning as well as after their meals. In addition to lower glucose levels, they also had a mild reduction in their cholesterol levels. This simple intervention could have a substantial impact on this common health problem, particularly in regions where expensive diabetes medications are out of reach for many people. One of Tulsi's traditional uses has been in the treatment of digestive disorders ranging from heartburn to bloating. Studies in animals have suggested that there is a scientific basis to these longstanding claims. Holy basil has been shown to have significant anti-ulcer activity. It reduces the effect of peptic acid or irritating drugs on the stomach lining and increases the production of protective stomach mucous. This popular plant has many potential therapeutic applications. In addition to the uses reviewed above, Tulsi may possess useful antibiotic activity, have a blood pressure lowering effect and be effective as a birth control agent.
This sacred healing plant deserves further scientific attention. Tulsi and AyurvedaAccording to Ayurveda, Tulsi creates purity and lightness in the body. It carries the bitter, pungent and astringent tastes and generates a warming influence on the physiology. It has a sweet post-digestive effect. It has a predominantly Kapha reducing effect on the doshas, but can be used to pacify Vata and Pitta as well. In severely overheated individuals, Tulsi can have a mildly Pitta aggravating effect. PrecautionsHoly basil is generally a very safe healing herb. Studies from the 1970's suggested that holy basil might have a mild anti-fertility effect in animals. Although this has not been shown to occur in people, if you are pregnant or trying to be, do not take medicinal doses of holy basil.
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