The Health Benefits of Drinking Holy Basil Tea

Do you also prefer healthy and natural products to enhance your health?

Or, you have a chronic ailment and are looking for a safe option to manage it?

If yes, holy basil tea can be an excellent option for you. It is power-packed with nutrients that boost your body's functions. Keep reading to learn about the health benefits of holy basil tea.

Nutrition of Holy Basil

Holy basil, an aromatic plant, is popular for its folk medicine and religious settings. The herb is commonly grown in north-central India. Its use is extensive in Indian medicine, from ringworms to eye disorders.

A cup of basil leaves contains:

• Calories: 5.52 gm
• Protein: 0.756 gm
• Carbohydrates: 0.636 gm
• Fats: 0.152 gm
• Sugar: 0.072 gm
• Fiber: 0.384

Some common nutrients present:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin K
• Iron
• Calcium
• Zinc 
• Manganese

Essential Ingredients

Holy basil is rich in beneficial compounds such as:

• Rosmarinic and Ursolic acid: They are compounds that contain antioxidants and anti-aging properties.
• Lutein: An essential carotenoid for maintaining eye health.
• Eugenol: A terpene that can soothe your discomfort.
• Ocimumosides A and B: These substances may relieve stress and balance your brain chemicals.
• Apigenin: A flavonoid that aids your body to get rid of waste at the levels of your cells.

Holy Basil Tea

An easy way to consume these leaves is a herbal infusion or brewed herbal tea. The holy basil tea is usually available with other ingredients, including white, black, or green tea leaves. It may also occur as a blend of healthy ingredients such as ginger and turmeric.

The herb is devoid of caffeine but may be available with herbs or leaves with caffeine. So, if you take caffeine in the limit, check the label to be sure and try a caffeine-free option.

Health Benefits of Having Holy Basil Tea

Now coming to the question of health benefits. Holy basil tea has multiple uses because of its ingredients.

Eases Feelings of Stress

In Ayurveda, holy basil is considered an adaptogen, a product that aids in relieving stress. Its properties relax your mind, making you feel better.

Animal studies show that taking holy basil may improve metabolism, enhance swimming time, lower stress, and prevent tissue damage. On the other hand, human studies prove its efficacy in improving sexual health, forgetfulness, exhaustion, stress, and sleep problems.

According to a study, 500 mg of holy basil extract may make you feel less stressed. Experts recommend holy basil tea for the mentioned benefits. If you select a caffeine-free option, it is safe even to consume it daily.

However, the tea may have a spicy and bitter flavor. If you do not prefer this taste, you can opt for a holy basil supplement. 

You can also try Complete Calm System gummies to alleviate stress and promote better sleep health.

Supports the Respiratory Tract

The compounds in the holy basil, such as camphene, camphor, eugenol, and cineole, support the health of your respiratory tract and may improve breathing. These compounds can also support your immune system.

Sustains Immune Health

Leaves of holy basil may boost your overall health and immunity. Research shows that the herb may lower the incidence of skin problems, ulcers, rashes, and scars after a wound or infection.

Supports Dental Health

Compounds in the holy basil, such as rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and
eugenol, can temporarily soothe inflammation and pain.

They can also aid in improving dental hygiene, preventing infection and other conditions.

Maintains Blood Sugar

By managing your health and boosting your metabolism, the holy basil plant may help control sugar levels.

In animal studies, consumption of holy basil could lower blood sugar levels by 26.4%. Beneficial effects were also observed in human studies.

However, it is best to consult your doctor before taking the holy basil tea or extract as it may cause low blood sugar levels.

Maintains Cholesterol Levels

As mentioned before, as the herb may boost metabolic activity, it may also help to manage cholesterol levels.

Animal studies hint at a better level of good cholesterol and a lower level of bad cholesterol. It also suggests that eugenol may help with stress-related cholesterol problems.

Eases Irritations and Discomfort

The ingredients in the holy basil can soothe joint discomfort and irritations.The best part is you get the benefits without the undesirable side effects.

You can also try ASYSTEM's Natural Topical Pain Relief Roll-On to manage long-standing discomfort or joint problems.

Protects Your Stomach

The herb's action on your stomach can balance the acid levels, preventing an
excess of acid levels. It can also boost the production of mucus cells, protecting the stomach lining from any injury or harm.

Augments Heart Health

Ursolic acid and other phytochemicals in these leaves have potent heart-protective properties. It scavenges free radicals, reducing the damage they may cause, especially to the heart.

Besides, by managing healthy cholesterol levels, it also protects your heart from damage due to high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Moreover, minerals such as calcium and potassium in holy basil tea promote heart health.

Promotes Weight Loss

Holy basil tea boosts the functioning of the digestive system and digestive juices. All this supports a quick absorption of proteins and carbohydrates. On the other hand, fats are broken slowly, preventing hunger pangs. It also promotes satiety and supports the loss of excess fats.

Enhances Hair and Skin Health

The holy basil tea components enhance collagen formation, a connective tissue, promoting skin and hair health. 

The health properties of the tea also protect the skin and hair from damage due to harmful UV rays. It may also delay aging and degenerative problems.

Boosts Immunity Naturally

Holy basil tea is rich in zinc and Vitamin C, boosting your immune system. This may prevent recurrent infections.

Other Uses of Holy Basil

If you do not prefer the taste of holy basil tea, here are some alternatives to help ingest this herb:

• Supplements: They include holy basil extract available in capsule or pill form.
• Topical application: All parts of the herb can be used for gels and creams.
• Essential oil: It usually comes from flowers and leaves.

Many people also use the leaves in cooking or eat them raw.

Dose

Recommended doses include:

• Supplement: Usually, the dose ranges between 300 mg to 2,000 mg/day
• Extract: 3 to 5 mL daily
• Tea: 2 – 4 cups daily

It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before taking supplements or extracts.

Safety and Precautions

Evidence is not enough to understand its effect on infants and pregnant or lactating females. So, it is best to avoid its use by such populations.

It is also best to avoid the use of tea in couples who are trying to conceive or those on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders. It should also be avoided before surgery. 

Lastly, people with thyroid disorders should not consume tea unless advised by a physician.

In some people, holy basil supplements may cause side effects such as nausea, rapid heartbeat, liver damage, or convulsions.

Final Thoughts

Holy basil is an ancient herb with myriad health benefits. Its tea is an easy and tasty way to get its benefits. From improving digestion to boosting immunity, it can help you in many ways.

While claims of some benefits may not be adequate, there is no denial of its beneficial effects. If you are looking for an effective way to improve your health, you can try holy basil tea.

But if you have any health conditions or are taking medicines, it is best to consult your doctor before taking the tea regularly.

Complete Calm Sleep is a great option if you are looking for supplements with holy basil. It has calming properties to improve your sleep and keep you relaxed.

Sources:

Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview | NCBI 

The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature | NCBI 

Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons | NCBI 

Ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves partially attenuates streptozotocin-induced alterations in glycogen content and carbohydrate metabolism in rats | NCBI

Holy Basil – An Overview of the Research and Clinical Indications | CDN