What is holy basil?
Holy basil is all the hype. While we often think of basil used in routine cooking, holy basil has also been used for thousands of years in ancient medicine traditions.
Dubbed by some as the “yoga of herbs” or “queen of the herbs,” holy basil is also known as tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.), a sacred meditation herb originally from India, but now grown in Australia, West Africa and some Middle Eastern countries.
Holy basil uses
Holy basil can be used to turn up the heat in our favorite Thai dishes due to its lemon peppery taste, but it’s a plant more commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where the leaves, stems and seeds are turned into teas, tinctures or oils.
The benefits to holy basil are many. Here are just a few reasons why you may consider adding this herb to your daily routine.
Holy basil supports your respiratory health
Research shows that holy basil supports your respiratory health†. That’s likely one of the reasons that people have turned to it in all its forms as a traditional medicine, including holy basil tea.
There’s nothing like a cup of hot tea when you’re feeling under the weather! Note to holy basil drinkers: this herb can be very bitter and spicy, but many report feeling the same benefits of yoga after drinking the tea: a sense of calm for your mind, body and spirit.
Holy basil supports your immune system
Holy basil is filled with antioxidants that help support your immune system†. Think of holy basil as one more step in supporting your body’s natural defense mechanisms, in addition to a healthy lifestyle, washing your hands regularly and getting your vaccinations.
Holy basil may help relieve occasional stress
Your body experiences all types of stress – whether it’s from pollution, physical exertion, extreme cold or too much noise. Exercise, good sleep and a proper diet can only go so far.
Research calling holy basil “an herb for all reasons” reports mounting evidence that holy basil can help address some of these occasional stressors.
Holy basil is rich with nutrients
The fresh, aromatic leaves are an excellent source of needed nutrients, including iron, zinc, calcium, manganese and vitamins A, C and K. The amount of vitamin K found in a half cup of fresh holy basil leaves delivers nearly all the vitamin K you need for the day.
Getting your daily dose of holy basil
Holy basil can be consumed in a number of ways, including teas, extracts or supplements in addition to the plant itself.
Chew some holy basil leaves daily for full immersion, eat the leaves fresh to spice up your favorite soup or stir-fry or add a few leaves in boiling water for tea. You can even soak some leaves in water overnight and drink the infused beverage first thing when you wake up in the morning.
Can’t find holy basil at your grocery store? We provide supplement Zinc + Holy Basil. A daily serving of two tablets provides you with 400mg of holy basil extract in addition to zinc and other immune-supporting ingredients.