| Holy basil, like the sweet basil used
in cooking, comes from India where it is revered as a sacred herb. The Egyptians
burned a mixture of basil and myrrh to appease their gods. Sweet Basil "Ocimum
basilicum" was introduced in Europe as a seasoning for food. The herb
has very important medicinal properties notably its ability to reduce blood
sugar levels. It also prevents peptic ulcers and other stress related conditions
like hypertension, colitis and asthma. Basil is also used to treat cold and
reduce fever, congestion and joint pain. Due to its anti-bacterial and fungicide
action, basil leaves are used on itching skin, insect biting and skin
affections. People also use it for high blood pressure.
Holy Basil is regarded as the most sacred plant in Ayurvedic medicine,
balances the chakra system. Or in western terms it is called an adaptogen, a
tonic to help the body's physical and emotional adrenal stress response return
to normal.
People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome that have a lot of stress and
anxiety report that this herb in blends helps them.
Influences of holy basil include: anti-inflammatory., lowers blood sugar
levels, antispasmodic, analgesic, lowers blood pressure, reduces fever, and
serves as a fungicide.
Holy basil is also known as:
Ocimum sanctum Linn, Sacred basil, Kemangi
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