Benefits of Holy Basil Herb

Holy basil herb is worshipped by Hindu cultures, has a great deal of religious significance for them, and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. The plant has small leaves which have a pleasant aroma.

There are two types of holy basil herb, a green variety and a red variety, which has a stronger aroma. The plant is one of a group known as adaptogens which have been used for centuries to promote general good health. Adaptogens are thought to be able to react to what the body needs.

Holy basil tea is easily made by steeping the leaves in hot water, or the herb is available as a capsule, tincture, or essential oil.

Benefits of holy basil include:

• Anti-inflammatory properties, which can soothe the digestive system and improve the body’s ability to detoxify. It can help to reduce muscle spasms, which can also relieve conditions of the digestive tract.
• Holy basil oil has anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. Some cultures have used the oil or juice from the leaves to combat scorpion stings or snake bites. The oil can also act as an anti-inflammatory and can be beneficial in pain relief and muscle spasms.
• The cooled holy basil tea can be gargled to relieve the pain of a sore throat and reduce inflammations. The herb can also be used to make a compress to treat skin disorders and infections.
• Holy basil is beneficial for problems with the respiratory system. It can fight the symptoms of allergies and asthma. Studies have shown that holy basil can increase lung capacity and relieve problems with breathing. It is beneficial in combating catarrh and can be used to treat fevers. The herb has expectorant properties and can help the body to expel mucus from the airways.
• It is thought to be useful for controlling blood sugar levels, though anybody already taking prescription medication for such a condition should consult with their medical practitioner before embarking on a course of treatment with holy basil herb. Studies have shown that it can also help with cholesterol levels.
• Holy basil could be beneficial for relieving tension and stress, and traditional medicine recommends chewing the fresh leaves for this. Chewing the leaves could also help to heal mouth ulcers and other infections.
• Holy basil can help to stimulate milk production in nursing women.
• It is a useful herb for treating problems with the liver and thyroid. Its anti-oxidant properties can help to support organ function.

Side Effects/Precautions
There have been no reported side effects from using holy basil herb, though there are some precautions that should be taken. It is best avoided during pregnancy, and nursing mothers should only use the herb under the guidance of a medical practitioner.

It may interact with some prescription medications, so anybody embarking on a course of treatment with holy basil should check first with their physician.

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