Holy basil is one of the most commonly used herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. This flowering plant is sacred to Hindus, and is used not only as a medicinal herb but in worship as well. Often referred to by Hindus as the “Elixir of Life” and the “Queen of Herbs,” this beneficial and powerful plant has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

Health Benefits of Holy Basil

Holy basil is an adaptogen. This means that the herb has the power to increase vitality and generally rejuvenate the body. Adaptogens are also often referred to as tonics, which are used primarily in medicine to maintain a general wellness and balance. Adaptogens work more by keeping the body healthy, than curing an illness that is already present.

Holy basil has positive effects on both the mind and the body. It is used to enhance natural homeostatic balance to the receptors in the brain to prevent stress to the physiological systems and helps the mind have the capacity to cope with challenging situations that can normally induce significant levels of stress. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to help provide nutrients to the brain that are necessary for assistance with meditation and spiritual enlightenment.

Holy basil is a strong antioxidant that provides protection from free radicals that can damage the body. It neutralizes biochemicals that can lead to degenerative diseases and cancer. It increases the absorption of healthy nutrients from foods by enhancing the digestive system and promotes healthy liver function.

Holy basil is a powerful anti-inflammatory that reduces inflammation, and it is beneficial to your cardiovascular system as it helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It helps to moderate blood sugar levels which makes it a powerful treatment for those with diabetes. It provides staminate, reduces and prevents fevers, enhances the bodies ability to process proteins, has anti-aging effects and much, much more. In fact, there are very few things that Holy basil is not beneficial for in our bodies.

Taking a Holy Basil Supplement

Holy basil can be found in a variety of dosages. Some recommend taking one dosage per day while others feel a single dosage a day will suffice. The most important thing to consider when taking a Holy basil supplement is the quality of the product to ensure that you reap the most benefits from the herb. Products such as Holy Basil Extract by Source Naturals provide an adequate dosage of the herb in just one serving per day.

Holy basil is a relatively safe herbal supplement with very few side effects being reported by those taking the medication. However, as with most herbal supplements it should only be used for brief periods of time with small breaks in between uses and should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. It should also not be used prior to any surgical procedures you may be having, as it may pose a risk of excessive bleeding during surgery.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure (HBP), is a condition that affects nearly 73 and a half million American citizens over the age of 20. These staggering numbers are shocking, yet what is even more shocking is the fact that in the year 2005, 57,356 people in the United States alone died as a result of this dangerous condition. A certain amount of blood pressure is completely normal and necessary; it is when the pressure becomes too high that you develop the problem. When the pressure in the veins and arteries gets to high you are said to have developed Hypertension.

Now, there are certain environmental triggers that can elevate your blood pressure and this is completely normal; a one time event of HBP does not constitute having hypertension. Pain, certain drugs, and emotions can elevate your blood pressure…among other things, and taking a medication for this is completely un-necessary and dangerous. A diagnosis of Hypertension is a pro-longed, unprovoked, blood pressure of 140/90 or higher, when this occurs your doctor may want to prescribe some type of medication to try and correct the problem.

However, some of these pharmaceutical medications can and do have some very serious, and un-desirable side effects, as well as the potential to drop the blood pressure too low. There is an alternative treatment if your blood pressure is not dangerously high, or if you are simply what is called pre-hypertensive. Of course diet and exercise is always the first step in the right direction, but taking a blood pressure supplement along with proper diet and exercise can dramatically increase the effects of your hard work. Also, many researchers have discovered that herbal medicine, when used before the problem develops, is a great way to completely avoid a dangerous and deadly situation when it comes to high blood pressure.

There are dozens of herbs and vitamins that have a positive impact on your heart and circulatory system. But, the really amazing thing is that many of these supplements have been backed by clinical research and documented proof, that they are indeed beneficial and can help lower the blood pressure naturally and safely. One of the best formulas we have found is Blood Pressure Factors from Michaels Naturopathic Programs.