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Lift your spirits with holy basil: a sacred herb in India, holy basil is gaining devotion here for fighting stress and lowering blood sugar.
Known as tulsi in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil has been used in India since before 1000 BC for numerous ailments, including fever, inflammation, malaria, dysentery, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, arthritis, insect bites, skin conditions and painful eye diseases.
With so many potential applications, it's not surprising that tulsi means "matchless" in Hindi. Incidentally, the holy basil plant was so named because it often graced Indian temples and courtyards.
What It Does Best
Holy basil is primarily used to combat stress, decrease blood sugar and improve digestion. The herb appears to work as an adaptogen--in other words, it helps the body adapt to stress in a healthy way, supports immune function and bolsters resistance against disease.
The whole seed acts as a bulk-forming laxative, soothing irritated mucous membranes and relieving both constipation and diarrhea. The oil is used to enhance digestion and reduce intestinal gas.
In his book Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, British author and herbalist Andrew Chevallier lists holy basil juice as a remedy for insect bites, ringworm and skin diseases when applied topically.
Research Highlights Multiple Benefits
- Have you taken your Holy basil today?(DEPT.> herbal healing)
- Magazine article from: New Life Journal Hinsley, Libby March 1, 2006 700+ words
...festivals celebrating holy basil. Some malas...stress, maintain blood sugar levels, promote...incomparable one," holy basil has traditionally...In addition, holy basil has been shown...maintain normal blood sugar levels, and help...
- The new flavor of wellness and energy: tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a...
- Magazine article from: Nutraceuticals World Altaffer, Paul Washington-Smith, Grant May 1, 2009 700+ words
...in food and medicine that tulsi, or holy basil, does. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum syn...comprised of three primary varieties of holy basil (Rama, Krishna and Vana varieties...ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Holy basil is one of the anchors of Ayurvedic and...
- A new, simple way to reverse metabolic syndrome and prevent diabetes.
- Newspaper article from: Women's Health Letter August 1, 2007 700+ words
...nutrients can help balance your blood sugar. I've never seen a combination...ve used for years to regulate blood sugar. Most formulas contain 200...symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Holy basil reduces blood sugar and is high in antioxidants...
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).(Women's Health Advisor)(Disease/Disorder...
- Clinical Reference Systems Cooper, Phyllis G. November 1, 2008 700+ words
...hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. It is usually a side effect of diabetes...enzyme deficiencies, or tumors. A blood sugar lower than 70 milligrams per deciliter...diabetes medicine in your blood, your blood sugar level will become too low. Some other...
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia).(Causes and Treatment)(Disease/Disorder...
- Clinical Reference Systems January 1, 2006 700+ words
...a high level of sugar in the blood. Blood sugar is also called glucose. How does it...dessert. This may result in a brief high blood sugar level, but the body will process the...pancreas.) In type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar usually occurs because the cells have...
- Better blood sugar for better health: 10 diet tips that work wonders.
- Magazine article from: Environmental Nutrition Webb, Densie December 1, 2006 700+ words
Controlling blood sugar used to be something only people with...the U.S. suggest that controlling blood sugar should be a concern for everyone...plate directly affects how high your blood sugar will go. Here's how to influence...
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia).(Women's Health Advisor)(Disease/Disorder...
- Clinical Reference Systems November 1, 2008 700+ words
...a high level of sugar in the blood. Blood sugar is also called glucose. How does it...dessert. This may result in a brief high blood sugar level, but the body will process the...pancreas.) In type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar usually occurs because the cells have...
- Watching your blood sugar: self-monitoring can help you keep diabetes in check,...
- Magazine article from: Men's Health Advisor June 1, 2006 700+ words
...to build up in the blood. Unhealthy blood-sugar levels can lead to serious complications...greatly lower these risks. At-home blood-sugar testing, also called self-monitoring...one of the best ways to keep tabs on blood-sugar levels. Research has shown that when...
