
General Information
OTHER NAMES: Ocimum sanctum; Ocimum basil, Holy Basil; Tulsi, "king" Ocimum tenuiflorum (don't get Holy Basil mixed up with the everyday "Italian" basil have on your spice rack!)
HISTORY: 5000 years of cultivation - Used for medicinal
purposes in ancient Greece, an important component of Ayurvedic medicine
PROPERTIES: Antioxidant, "antitumor," antiviral, antibacterial/ antimicrobial, adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, anti- asthmatic
Considered Uses
Respiratory: Asthma, whooping cough (pertussis), respiratory illnesses - runny nose, bronchitis, coughs, nasal/sinus congestion, cold and flu, swimmers ear, earache
Cardiovascular: Enhances cardiac function; works against heart disease; atherosclerosis
Gastrointestinal: Indigestion, aconsumer lan=bsbdominal distension, stomach disorders, oral ulcers, stimulates the liver and spleen, chronic active hepatitis, gas (flatulence). Stimulates digestive process
Genitourinary: Bladder and kidney health, possibly UTI
Musculoskeletal: Arthritis and fibromyalgia may increase strength, pain, and swelling.
Skin: Insect bites, warts, ringworm, acne, hair growth, dandruff
Glucose: Blood sugar regulation (may decrease blood sugar)
Cholesterol: May help reduce cholesterol
Thyroid: May help regulate hyperthyroidism
Immunity: Enhances immunity
Neurologic: May enhance brain function, headache
Mental Health: Stress, migraines, nervous conditions, insomnia, anxiety
Infectious Disease: Malaria, AIDS, hepatitis, Tuberculosis
Other: Decreases platelet aggregation (blood thinning), insect repellants, mercury poisoning
longevity, snake and scorpion bites
* * *
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset/nausea/diarrhea, increased bleeding, decreased fertility, decreased blood sugar, tooth discoloration, may worsen hypothyroidism
CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Regular use of Tylenol and basil, use with antidiabetic medications (may lower blood sugar too much), hypothyroidism, phenobarbital, blood thinners
FORMS: elixer, extract, capsule, teas. Bulk tea (tulsi tea), oils, mouthwash
DOSAGE: As directed
Reported doses - often NOT supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publications and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.
500 mg daily for 1 1/2 to 3 months (1)
*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com, German Commission e or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.