In today’s modern world the continued levels of anxiety, depression, and stress are taking their toll. One of the great herbs used in ayurvedic medicine that can help manage mental health and wellness is holy basil. It has a lemon, mint, licorice, and clove flavor tone.
History and Culture
Also known as Tulsi, it is a plant native to India and used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used to treat a range of ailments, from colds and flu to asthma and bronchitis. In recent years, holy basil has gained attention for its potential benefits for mental health.
This is a sacred plant in Hinduism and Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine in India. It is also known as tulsi, which means "the incomparable one" in Sanskrit.
Holy basil has many medicinal and spiritual benefits, such as purifying the air, enhancing immunity, reducing stress, and promoting longevity. It is often grown in temples and homes as a symbol of devotion and protection.
What is Holy Basil and How Can It Help Your Mental Health?
Studies suggest that holy basil can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost mood, and improve cognitive function.
Holy basil contains compounds that can help regulate the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and promote feelings of relaxation and calm.
With the protective properties, this makes holy basil an adaptogen as it helps the body mitigate the impacts of mental stress on the mind and body.
Holy basil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and brain. Inflammation has been linked to several mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, and reducing inflammation can improve overall mental health and well-being.
The Adaptogenic Benefits
Holy basil is a well-rounded herb for helping with our mind and body health. Here are a few ways you could benefit from it.
- Stress Reduction: Holy basil has stress-reducing properties and can help alleviate symptoms of psychological stress. It may lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Supplementation with holy basil extract may improve subjective measures of sleep quality. While further research using objective sleep measures is needed to confirm these findings, preliminary results suggest potential benefits for sleep.
- Normalized Glucose, Blood Pressure, and Lipid Profiles: Holy basil may assist in normalizing glucose levels, blood pressure, and lipid profiles. Studies indicate that it could have positive effects on these physiological markers, promoting overall health and well-being.
- Psychological Support: Holy basil has been found to aid in dealing with psychological stress. It may provide support for individuals experiencing emotional challenges by helping to alleviate symptoms associated with stress and promoting a sense of emotional balance.
- Immunological Support: Research suggests that holy basil may have immunological benefits. While further studies are needed, preliminary findings indicate that it could have a positive impact on immune function, supporting the body's natural defenses.
How to Incorporate Holy Basil into Your Mental Wellness Routine
One of the easiest ways is to drink it in the form of tea. Here is how to make it.
- 1-2 teaspoons of holy basil leaf.
- 8oz of water at 212 degrees.
- Steep leaves for 5-10 minutes.
- Mixes well with lavender and chamomile.
With its calming properties, anti-inflammatory benefits, and potential to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, holy basil is a herb worth trying in most any herbal tea blend.
Options
When it comes to picking the right tea for the right moment, it is really up to your preferences. However, we recommend if you want a relaxing moment to unwind, stay clear of caffeinated teas.
Our Bear Hug blend is paired with holy basil to support a strong balance for mental health and rejuvenation.
Precaution
When drinking herbal tea for anxiety or depression, it's important to remember that it's not a substitute for professional help. If you're struggling with mental health issues, it's important to seek help from a qualified healthcare provider. Herbal tea can be a supportive addition to your treatment plan, but it's not a replacement for professional care.
Citations
- Link - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of an Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract (HolixerTM) on stress, mood, and sleep in adults experiencing stress
- Link - The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature
- Link - Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons
- Link - Controlled programmed trial of Ocimum sanctum leaf on generalized anxiety disorders.