Basil
Overview
Basil is an herb. The parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
Basil is commonly used for stomach problems such as spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, diarrhea, constipation, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
In foods, basil is used for flavor.
Classification
Is a Form of:
Herb
Primary Functions:
Stomach Problems
Also Known As:
Basilic Romain, Basilic aux Sauces, Basilici Herba, Basilici Herba, Common Basil, Garden Basil
How Does It Work?
Basil contains many chemicals. These chemicals might kill bacteria and fungi. Chemicals in basil might reduce symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Uses
- Acne.
- Mental alertness.
- Head colds.
- Loss of appetite.
- Gas (flatulence).
- Stomach spasms.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Kidney disorders.
- Infection of the intestines by parasites.
- Warts.
- Insect bite.
- Other conditions.
Recommended Dosing
The appropriate dose of basil depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for basil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Basil Supplements Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of basil?
Benefits of basil leaves you must know
- Good For Digestion.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Fights free radical activity.
- Skin Benefits.
- Fights Depression.
- Diabetes Management.
- Supports Liver Function and Helps Detoxify the Body
- Promote healthy gut.
What are the side effects of basil?
In some people basil can cause low blood sugar. The above-ground parts of basil and basil oil are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth as a medicine, long-term. These contain estragole, a chemical that might increase the risk of getting liver cancer.
Is it safe to take holy basil everyday?
Adding holy basil to your self-care
When used as a treatment, the recommended dosage is 600 mg to 1,800 mg taken in multiple doses throughout the day. All parts of the plant might be used in supplements and topical ointments. Essential oil of holy basil is distilled from leaves and flowers of the plant.
How does holy basil make you feel?
Holy basil is an adaptogen that's revered for its versatility of its benefits, making it a favorite tool of natural practitioners. Holy basil is often used to: Mitigate stress response and enhance a feeling of “calm” Promote better sleep.
Why basil leaves should not be chewed?
One reason is that Tulsi leaves contain a high amount of mercury and iron, which are released on chewing them. These minerals are known to damage your teeth and cause discoloration. But it is still advised to avoid chewing raw Tulsi leaves.
Can I eat basil leaves Raw?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it. Holy basil is also available as an essential oil.
Is Basil good for kidneys?
Basil is used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites.
Does basil need direct sunlight?
Basil needs a warm and sunny spot to thrive. Six to eight hours of direct sunlight is perfect, though if you live in a really hot climate, you may want to give your basil some afternoon shade. For basil to take off, the soil and air need to be fairly warm, so don't rush putting out your plants in the spring.
Is Basil a laxative?
Basil seed has been found to relieve constipation by acting as a bulk-forming laxative in one preliminary study. Basil is a gas-relieving herb that may be helpful in calming an upset stomach.
Who should not take Holy Basil?
You should be cautious about using holy basil if you: Have low blood sugar. Are trying to get pregnant. Take anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs.
How many basil leaves a day?
It is also often recommended to start your day by having two to three fresh Tulsi leaves on an empty stomach. It is a great blood purifier and is known to flush out toxins and clean your internal systems.
Does holy basil have side effects?
Taking holy basil by mouth might cause nausea or diarrhea. It's not known if long-term use is safe.
Does basil make you sleepy?
Fresh herbs can have a calming effect on the body. For example, sage and basil contain chemicals that reduce tension and promote sleep. Try making your own homemade pasta sauce with sage and basil. However, avoid herbs such as red pepper or black pepper at night, as they have a stimulatory effect.
Should I take holy basil at night or morning?
Stress. Early research shows that taking holy basil extract by mouth in the morning and at night decreases symptoms of stress, including forgetfulness, sexual problems, exhaustion, and sleep problems.
Does holy basil increase estrogen?
Ashwagandha and holy basil have very specific effects on your stress hormone (cortisol) as well as your sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone): Holy basil: Holy basil also helps to balance hormone levels, specifically by decreasing cortisol.
Can you eat Basil as a salad?
Basil pairs nicely with a wide variety of seasonal veggies. Just chop and toss into your favorite salad.
Does basil increase testosterone?
Tulsi may increase testosterone levels. Tulsi contains eugenol, a substance also found in the essential oil of cloves and balsam of Peru. While small amounts of tulsi may prevent toxin-induced damage to the liver, in greater amounts eugenol may cause liver damage.
Is chewing Basil good for you?
Good For Digestion
"Basil fortifies the digestive and nervous system and can be a good remedy for headaches and insomnia," notes the book. The eugenol present in the leaves ensures anti-inflammatory action in the digestive tract.
Is drinking basil water good for you?
One of the best health benefits of Basil is that it is another excellent source of antioxidants as well! Basil contains water soluble flavonoids called rientin and viceninare which can help to protect white blood cells. Basil has also been known to help fight free radical damage.
Is Basil good for hair?
Promotes Hair Growth
Basil oil is extremely beneficial to speed up hair growth. Massaging basil oil improves scalp circulation, that stimulates hair follicles and promotes the production of new healthy hair all over again.
Can Basil cause gas?
However, it contains fructans, which can cause bloating. Cooking garlic can reduce these effects. Or, flavor food with other spices and herbs like parsley, chives, thyme or basil. So, it contains both carbon dioxide (gas) and fermentable carbs, which both cause bloating.
Clinical Studies
- ^ Singh S, Majumdar DK. Evaluation of antiinflammatory activity of fatty acids of Ocimum sanctum fixed oil. Indian J Exp Biol. (1997)
- ^ a b Bhargava KP, Singh N. Anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum Linn. Indian J Med Res. (1981)
- ^ a b Ursolic Acid, a Pentacyclin Triterpene, Potentiates TRAIL-induced Apoptosis through p53-independent Up-regulation of Death Receptors.
- ^ Prakash P, Gupta N. Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: a short review. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. (2005)
- ^ a b c d Gupta P, et al. Constituents of Ocimum sanctum with antistress activity. J Nat Prod. (2007)
- ^ Hakkim FL, Shankar CG, Girija S. Chemical composition and antioxidant property of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) leaves, stems, and inflorescence and their in vitro callus cultures. J Agric Food Chem. (2007)
- ^ Bhattacharyya D1, et al. Controlled programmed trial of Ocimum sanctum leaf on generalized anxiety disorders. Nepal Med Coll J. (2008)
- ^ a b Mondal S, et al. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. (2011)
- ^ Mukherjee R, Dash PK, Ram GC. Immunotherapeutic potential of Ocimum sanctum (L) in bovine subclinical mastitis. Res Vet Sci. (2005)
- ^ a b Sethi J, et al. Effect of tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum Linn.) on sperm count and reproductive hormones in male albino rabbits. Int J Ayurveda Res. (2010)
- ^ Seth SD, Johri N, Sundaram KR. Antispermatogenic effect of Ocimum sanctum. Indian J Exp Biol. (1981)
- ^ Khanna S, Gupta SR, Grover JK. Effect of long term feeding of tulsi(Ocimum sanctum Linn) on reproductive performance of adult albino rats. Indian J Exp Biol. (1986)
- ^ Chattopadhyay D, et al. A potent sperm motility-inhibiting activity of bioflavonoids from an ethnomedicine of Onge, Alstonia macrophylla Wall ex A. DC, leaf extract. Contraception. (2005)
- ^ Ursolic acid generates symplasts in rat spermatogenic clones.
- ^ Ubaid RS, et al. Effect of Ocimum sanctum (OS) leaf extract on hepatotoxicity induced by antitubercular drugs in rats. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. (2003)
- ^ Hepatoprotective activity of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract against paracetamol induced hepatic damage in rats.
- ^ a b Lahon K, Das S. Hepatoprotective activity of Ocimum sanctum alcoholic leaf extract against paracetamol-induced liver damage in Albino rats. Pharmacognosy Res. (2011)
- ^ a b Bharavi K, et al. Prevention of cadmium bioaccumulation by herbal adaptogens. Indian J Pharmacol. (2011)
- ^ Ramesh B, Satakopan VN. Antioxidant Activities of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ocimum sanctum Against Cadmium Induced Toxicity in Rats. Indian J Clin Biochem. (2010)
- ^ Bharavi K, et al. Reversal of Cadmium-induced Oxidative Stress in Chicken by Herbal Adaptogens Withania Somnifera and Ocimum Sanctum. Toxicol Int. (2010)
- ^ Padalia RC, Verma RS. Comparative volatile oil composition of four Ocimum species from northern India. Nat Prod Res. (2011)
- ^ Kumar A, et al. Chemical composition, antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activities of Ocimum sanctum L. essential oil and its safety assessment as plant based antimicrobial. Food Chem Toxicol. (2010)
- ^ Singh S, Taneja M, Majumdar DK. Biological activities of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil--an overview. Indian J Exp Biol. (2007)
- ^ Devi PU, Ganasoundari A. Radioprotective effect of leaf extract of Indian medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum. Indian J Exp Biol. (1995)
- Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. (1996)
- Bhat J, et al. In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbs. Phytother Res. (2010)