The potent adaptogenic action of Tulsi is by far the most beneficial in my eyes. An Adaptogen helps the body deal with the physiology of stress. We all know how damaging stress is on our physical bodies, but in these times, it’s extremely hard to avoid daily stressors. Adaptogens are able to increase the threshold of resistance to damage through supporting the adrenal glands, and are capable of restoring normal tone and function to the HPA (hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal) axis. Nourishing the adrenal glands is crucial for balancing out the production of stress hormones and improving the unwanted physical and mental effects of stress. The restorative quality of these herbs is a unique feature of herbal medicine unlike any in the pharmaceutical index.

Tulsi is often taken daily over a long period of time to gain the most protective benefits, and is an amazing ally for chronic illness. It is also able to prevent disease. Daily consumption is said to prevent disease, provide mental clarity, and effectively treat a range of mental health conditions. This herb is so incredible on its own, and has a compounding effect, where the results build and get even better over time.

It relieves mental fog, lifts mood, and is my personal favorite herb for anxiety, panic, and ADHD symptoms. It nourishes the adrenal glands which is essential for the body to function properly. It tends to both the sympathetic and parasympathetic sides of the autonomic nervous system by first acting as a stimulant and then a relaxant— meaning It will stimulate the brain and clear mental fog, while also relaxing the nervous system, giving it time to restore and re-balance.

It’s called “liquid yoga” to describe the calming effects on our mind and body.

Tulsi has a profound effect on the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease; it brings calming benefits to both the physical and emotional heart. It’s extremely effective for relieving palpitations or the feeling of a racing or jumping heart.

Tulsi helps to strengthen and modulate the immune system, and holds great benefits for specifically for the respiratory system being an expectorant. It helps with asthma, bronchitis, acute infections like cold+flu, and seasonal allergies. Also being anti-microbial, it benefits with all types of infections, and even fungal overgrowths such as candida (yeast).

Tulsi also helps to prevent cancers caused by toxic compounds by reducing DNA damage and inducing apoptosis (death) in precancerous and cancerous cells. It also enables the body to more effectively eliminate them by enhancing the activity of liver detoxification enzymes, which deactivates toxic chemicals and enables them to be safely excreted from the body.

For oral health: a study found that a holy basil extract mouthwash was more effective at reducing the bacteria that causes cavities than a mouthwash using sodium fluoride. Other studies also show it’s effectiveness in reducing plaque and gingivitis, and activity against oral cancer cells.

It has positive effects on the digestive system, improving stagnant or stuck digestion and relieving digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, and nausea.

For insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes: A study showed that young people taking 250 mg of holy basil extract twice a day on an empty stomach for eight weeks had significant improvements in lipid profiles and insulin levels.

Tulsi has been shown to be a COX 2 inhibitor, similar to many pharmaceutical pain medications, making it useful against arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Holy basil is high in eugenol, which is helpful in decreasing pain.