What is holy basil?
Holy basil is a flowering plant from the mint family that typically grows purple or pink flowers and emits a faint lemon scent. Native to India, holy basil is commonly used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medical systems, as Indian houseplants, and in holy basil tea. Additionally, its seeds, leaves, flowers, and stems can be used to make oils and supplements.
What is the difference between holy basil and traditional basil?
Across the globe, there are between 50 and 150 different types of basil plants. Although all types of basil belong to the mint family, there are key differences between holy basil and traditional basil.
Traditional basil is mostly used for culinary purposes due to its sweeter taste. It is not known to have therapeutic effects, though it does contain several nutrients. Holy basil has more of a “bite” due to its spicy and peppery flavor, and is not commonly used in cuisine.
Benefits of holy basil and basil oil
Holy basil has dense phytonutrients which contribute to its medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Below are some of the most interesting use cases.
Fighting bacteria and infections
Thus far, published research has indicated that holy basil may be effective in fighting a wide variety of bacteria and infections—both in humans and in animals. A 2016 research study demonstrated holy basil’s “antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (including MRSA) and E. coli” and suggested that it appears to be very effective against skin infections in particular. An invitro study from the same year found that holy basil showed antimicrobial activity against Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, which is often associated with periodontitis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers from Rush University Medical Center conducted a study on holy basil, stating that it would be necessary to find another means of reducing COVID-19 after the majority of the population had been vaccinated. They found that a specific compound in Tulsi reduced lung inflammation and decreased fevers. They also studied a mouse model of COVID-19, learning that holy basil helped restore normal heart function. However, it is likely that more research will be needed to acquire consistent results.
Holy basil and diabetes
Researchers in 2017 reviewed relevant literature about the effects of Tulsi on type II diabetes and found that, although the studies were small and short-term, most reported a reduction in blood sugar. More recently in 2021, researchers conducted randomized trials on type II diabetes patients, during which they monitored blood sugar levels before and after holy basil leaves powder consumption. They determined a positive impact.
Holy basil and cancer
One of the more interesting use cases of holy basil is for cancer treatment. Research suggests that holy basil can inhibit COX-2, an enzyme that triggers inflammation, pain, and sometimes cancerous cells. Although most research is in its early stages and hasn’t been conducted on humans, the results are promising. For instance, a 2007 study involving a mouse model of skin cancer found that holy basil, when combined with an alcoholic extract, helped reduce tumor production. In 2013, researchers found that holy basil reduced lung cancer cell growth in mice. There are numerous similar studies on breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and oral cancer.
Possible side effects of holy basil and basil oil
Given that holy basil is found in many teas and over-the-counter capsules and extracts, it is generally considered safe. A 2017 report titled, “The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature” found that there were no known side effects.
However, a 2020 research report suggested that, when taken in excessive amounts, holy basil may lead to:
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Effects on fetal development
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Changes in menstrual cycles
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Reduction of reproductive gland functions (especially in males)
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Low blood sugar levels
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Increased heart rates
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Nausea
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Diarrhea
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Liver damage
