How to Use Holy Basil

Holy basil, also called tulsi, is a herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic or alternative medicine. It may be able to treat certain physical and emotional health conditions when used alongside prescription medicine. If you want to take holy basil as a supplement, knowing how and why to ingest it can boost its therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential side effects. Luckily, a 2017 review of all available studies on holy basil indicates that there are minimal side effects and that holy basil may be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions.[1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Holy Basil Medicinally

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    Relieve mild stress or anxiety with holy basil. Holy basil is primarily used for reducing chronic or sudden stress and anxiety. When taking orally, it may have a calming effect that's unique to the herb's antioxidant compounds.[2]
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    Treat inflammatory skin conditions with holy basil. When rubbed against the skin, holy basil is said to relieve inflammation caused by ringworm, poison oak, and other skin conditions. Its leaves simultaneously soothe your skin while providing antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiotic properties.[5]
    • Holy basil may also treat cystic acne when taken over long periods of time.[6]
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    Try holy basil as a weight loss supplement. In part because of its relaxing properties, holy basil is used in alternative medicine to reduce binge eating tendencies and bolster overall weight loss. Take a daily supplement or tea to control hunger and any emotional side effects associated with weight loss.[7]
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    Ingest holy basil to boost your dental health. When taken in mouthwash or toothpaste form, holy basil may prevent cavities, plaque, and tartar buildup. Its astringent properties is said to also improve your gum health and keep them from receding or developing gingivitis.[8]
    • In addition to its oral benefits, holy basil may freshen your breath as well.
    • Holy basil may also help prevent oral cancer caused by chewing tobacco, according to certain studies.[9]
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    Take holy basil for its antioxidant properties. Holy basil contains powerful antioxidants that can boost your immune system and prevent certain diseases. When taken over time, holy basil supplements may be able to prevent or reduce the symptoms of the following health conditions:[10]
    • High blood sugar
    • Flu and the common cold
    • Certain types of cancers
    • Strokes
    • Radiation poisoning
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Trying Different Forms of Holy Basil

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    Drink a cup of holy basil tea to treat mild conditions. Holy basil tea is great for relieving mild, occasional bouts of emotional stress or receiving its health benefits in low doses. Take a cup when you're feeling nervous or overwhelmed to receive relief within several hours.[11]
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    Take holy basil capsules for their potency. Holy basil capsules or tablets are concentrated and offer a stronger dose than teas. Buy holy basil capsules online or at some health food stores, and take it with food or water to help your body absorb it quickly.
    • Because of their potency and relaxing supplements, holy basil capsules can be used as natural sleep supplements.[13]
    • Never take more than the package's recommended dosage at a time.
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    Steep holy basil leaves to make a medicinal soup. Holy basil soup is an effective way to receive its health benefits if you dislike the taste of tea. Holy basil pairs particularly well with shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms or astragalus, codonopsis, or burdock root in soups.[14]
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    Try a holy basil extract to ingest it with any drink. If you'd prefer not to take holy basil as a tea, you can take a concentrated extract with other drinks. Buy a holy basil extract online or from a health food store and add several drops to water or another drink, depending on your preference.[15]
    • You can also rub holy basil extract against the skin to relieve skin irritation or inflammation.
    • Using an extract is an ideal way to take holy basil if you don't want to take a capsule but dislike the herb's distinct taste.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking Holy Basil Safely

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    Never take more than one dose at a time. If taking holy basil by capsule or extract, avoid ingesting more than the recommended dosage. Although holy basil is safe to ingest, eating too much can strengthen its few side effects.[16]
    • Taking holy basil by tea or soup generally causes the least side effects because it is taken at a lower dose.
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    Do not chew holy basil leaves for longer than several minutes. Although holy basil can improve your oral health in small doses, it can eat at your enamel over time. Instead of chewing holy basil, try taking it as a tea or using holy basil toothpaste.[17]
    • In Ayurvedic traditions, chewing holy basil is traditionally a form of desecration.
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    Contact a doctor if you experience chronic drowsiness or clotting issues. In some cases, holy basil can cause extreme drowsiness and prevent your blood from clotting after getting injured. Schedule a doctor's appointment before taking holy basil to determine whether the benefits outweigh the potential side effects for you.[18]
    • Do not take holy basil alongside anticonvulsants, sedatives, or blood clot medications, as these can exacerbate holy basil's side effects.
    • High holy basil doses may cause low sperm counts and infertility in men.[19]
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    Use holy basil alongside, not instead of, medical treatment. Although holy basil's benefits have been clinically studied, it is not an alternative to prescription medicine. Take holy basil as a supplement to other medications, and consult a doctor or dietitian before adding it to your lifestyle.[20]
    • Do not take concentrated holy basil capsules or extracts while pregnant. Holy basil's side effects in expecting women have not been studied and may cause birth defects.[21]
    • Consult a naturopathic doctor to decide whether holy basil would be the best supplement to your prescription medications.
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    Avoid taking holy basil directly before or after surgery. Because holy basil can slow blood clotting, it can increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery. Stop taking holy basil at least 2 weeks before surgeries to prevent major complications.[22]
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Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    What is holy basil used for?
    Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM
    Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM
    Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist
    Tracy Zollinger (she/her) is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Founder of Island Acupuncture in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of experience, Tracy specializes in a holistic approach to reproductive health, fertility, and pre and post-natal care. Tracy creates comprehensive treatment plans using acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and western labs. She holds a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences and is board certified in integrative reproductive medicine, with a focus on LGBTQIA specific needs.
    Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM
    Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM
    Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    In Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil is help reduce your body's stress response. When you're less stressed, your blood pressure goes down, your body heals more quickly, and you feel calmer.
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References

  1. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28400848/
  2. ↑ https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements-and-vitamins/holy-basil
  3. ↑ Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM. Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist. Expert Interview. 6 October 2020.
  4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26571987
  5. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/holy-basil.html
  6. ↑ https://draxe.com/holy-basil-benefits/
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2927017/
  8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4312674/
  9. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-holy-basil-tulsi.html
  1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4766851/
  2. ↑ http://www.mofga.org/Publications/MaineOrganicFarmerGardener/Fall2004/SacredBasil/tabid/1303/Default.aspx/
  3. ↑ Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM. Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist. Expert Interview. 6 October 2020.
  4. ↑ https://www.prevention.com/health/sleep-energy/natural-sleep-supplements-work
  5. ↑ http://www.mofga.org/Publications/MaineOrganicFarmerGardener/Fall2004/SacredBasil/tabid/1303/Default.aspx
  6. ↑ https://frugallysustainable.com/holy-basil-tulsi-for-stress-relief-and-tips-for-daily-use/
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376420/
  8. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-holy-basil-tulsi.html
  9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376420/
  10. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3059441/
  11. ↑ https://nccih.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm
  12. ↑ http://www.mofga.org/Publications/MaineOrganicFarmerGardener/Fall2004/SacredBasil/tabid/1303/Default.aspx
  13. ↑ https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/special-subjects/dietary-supplements-and-vitamins/holy-basil
  14. ↑ Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM. Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist. Expert Interview. 6 October 2020.
  15. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/npp/holy-basil.html
  16. ↑ https://www.heirloomgardener.com/plant-profiles/medicinal/holy-basil-plant-zm0z17szfis
  17. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
  18. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376420/

About This Article

Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM
Co-authored by:
Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM
Licensed Herbalist & Acupuncturist
This article was co-authored by Tracy Zollinger Dipl. OM, L.Ac., FABORM. Tracy Zollinger (she/her) is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and the Founder of Island Acupuncture in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of experience, Tracy specializes in a holistic approach to reproductive health, fertility, and pre and post-natal care. Tracy creates comprehensive treatment plans using acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and western labs. She holds a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences and is board certified in integrative reproductive medicine, with a focus on LGBTQIA specific needs. This article has been viewed 19,130 times.
3 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: July 22, 2022
Views: 19,130
Categories: Herbal Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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