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Holy Basil

Holy Basil, essentially an Indian herb, is now grown throughout the world and is considered a natural stress-buster. It is believed to have powerful metabolic properties and is an important symbol in many Hindu religious rituals. Studies have shown that Holy Basil helps to reduce physical and emotional anxiety and has certain medicinal values that help in maintaining of consistent blood sugar levels.

Medicinal value: Holy Basil's healing properties

Holy Basil possesses adaptogenic properties that are beneficial in enhancing the body's ability to respond to stress, while minimizing the negative effects of stress. Studies indicate that Holy Basil may support carbohydrate metabolism, which results in patients achieving more balanced blood glucose levels. With the awareness levels about its healing properties growing, the uses of Holy Basil have also grown and for ease of use, many pharmaceutical companies now offer herbal therapy in capsule-form for increased absorption.

The reason why Holy Basil is so highly regarded as an adaptogen is because it helps people in balancing different bodily processes and in many cases has proved to be an elixir of life. The distinct aroma of Holy Basil and its special appearance, with its purple stems and slightly hairy look makes it easy to differentiate it from the Thai basil. Scientific studies reveal that Holy Basil may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its significant amount of Eugenol and thus effective for diabetes, by reducing blood glucose levels. Regular users claim other benefits such as a significant reduction in total cholesterol levels. Yet, another recent study attributes Holy Basil with healing properties that show promise for protection from radiation poisoning and for treating cataracts.

Remedies that use Holy Basil effectively

The extracts of Holy Basil are used in alternative therapy most effectively for treating common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning and malaria. Traditionally, it has taken other forms to suit individual tastes, such as, in herbal tea, dried powder form, as fresh leaves, or mixed with clarified butter. Over the years, Holy Basil leaves have been dried and used as insect-repellents when mixed with stored grains. Medical conditions like heart problems, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis and eye disorders have been closely linked with Holy Basil use and in the past decade, increasing number of scientific studies have been looking towards the herb for natural benefits. Certain investigations also suggest that Holy Basil might have some effects as a painkiller, a COX-II anti-inflammatory agent, an antioxidant, and as a treatment for bacterial, fungal and even viral infections. However, these are preliminary findings based only on evidence gained from animal studies, therefore further substantiation are awaited in the medical world.

Storage tips

Since Holy Basil is an aromatic herb, it loses its pungency easily if the harvested herb is stored too long, or is grown in a cold climate. Fresh basil can be stored in olive oil or vinegar if meant for culinary purpose. A word of caution, though: for best results, avoid chopping, crushing or tearing fresh basil till the very last minute to get the best flavor.