Holy basil is traditionally known to maintain general physical and emotional health by building up immunity through the increased production of antibodies.

It is anti-inflammatory, analgesic (helps relieve pain), anti-pyretic (helps control fever), carminative (digestive), anti-oxidant (checks free radicals, which cause cellular damage) and anti-stress.

It is also anti-microbial (curbs disease causing micro-organisms). Its anti-malarial properties may qualify it as the next line of treatment as the malarial parasite develops resistance against the current allopathic options of medicines. Its oil is also a strong mosquito repellant.

Basil can be used for viral hepatitis

Holy basil also helps reduce symptoms of viral hepatitis. In diabetics, it has been found effective in bringing down the blood sugar level. Its anti-fertility effects, by way of lowering the level of female hormone estrogen and sperm count in men, have been discussed in ayurveda.

The anti-spasmodic property of Holy basil is being made use of for treating abdominal colics. Abdominal spasms occur due to excessive contraction of the smooth muscles of the digestive tract.

The fresh juice of basil leaves, its flowers and roots is known to work as an effective antidote for a snake or a scorpion bite.

Holy Basil and Respiratory Problems

Holy basil is most commonly used to treat respiratory disorders.

Recent research shows that the active ingredients of Holy basil (caryophyllene, ursolic acid, eugenol, and oleanolic acid) have an anti-histamine effect. Histamine is a protein central to various allergic reactions. Thus, a number of respiratory conditions involving allergic reactions respond positively to the preparations made from Holy basil.

Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants usually contain the extract of Basil leaves. It helps clear up the mucus in the respiratory tracts of patients suffering from bronchitis and asthma. Its active ingredients (mentioned above) have been found to be similar to those of anti-TB drugs like Streptomycin and Isoniazide, which are prescribed under the current line of allopathic treatment.

Anti viral properties

Holy basil has been found to be effective in the battle against SARS as well. SARS, an acronym for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, is a viral respiratory illness that was first reported in Asia in 2003.

The disease spread rapidly to other parts of the world - North America, South America, as well as Europe. It claimed close to 10,000 lives worldwide. During the outbreak of SARS, patients were found to be responding to a mixture of Holy basil leaves, black pepper, and turmeric.

Patients suffering from fever and breathlessness showed a marked improvement in their condition after they were administered the ayurvedic preparation. In fact, in Singapore and neighboring countries where the threat of the SARS epidemic was looming large, Holy basil and turmeric were reported to be much sought after.

Holy Basil - Ayurveda Remedies >>