Cabangbang, Mathews H.

BSHM 2B

HOLY BASIL
Ocimum Tenuifflorum

Uses of Holy Basil

Holy basil is called the “Queen of Herbs”. Holy basil is a plant that has violet flowers and
blossoms; the stems are green, but sometimes have a purple tinge. Holy basil is used to treat
many conditions, including H1N1 (swine) flu, diabetes, the common cold, headache, fever,
stress, upset stomach, earache, and more. It has also been used as a mosquito repellant and
topically to treat ringworm on the skin.
Holy basil is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are substances found in plants that help boost the
body’s resilience in dealing with stressors. Because the effects of stress on the body play such a
huge role in the aging process, adaptogens are also considered to have anti-aging properties.
Cabangbang, Mathews H. BSHM 2B

They may perform many different functions including:

 Use its fresh flowers for bronchitis.

 Use the leaves and seeds, with black pepper, for malaria.

 Use the whole plant for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

 Use the pill and ointment form for eczema.

 Use an alcohol extract for stomach ulcers and eye diseases.

 Use an essential oil made from the leaves for insect bites.

Many studies support the use of the entire plant of holy basil for human use and its therapeutic
value. The nutritional value is also high, as it contains:
 vitamin A and C

 calcium

 zinc

 iron

 chlorophyll

Holy basil is used for its many health benefits, and is used widely in Indian Ayurvedic medicine,
but there is insufficient evidence for the treatment of many conditions, including:
Stress
Headache
Anxiety
Diarrhea
Fever
Nausea and indigestion
Back pain
Earache
Cold and flu
Bronchitis
Viral hepatitis
Malaria
Tuberculosis
Cabangbang, Mathews H. BSHM 2B

Ringworm
Snakebite antidote
Diabetes
Asthma
Heart disease

Steps on how o prepare the plants to use:

Supplements of holy basil extract are available in pill or capsule form. The suggested dosage
ranges from 300 mg to 2,000 mg per day for general preventive purposes.

When used as a treatment, the recommended dosage is 600 mg to 1,800 mg taken in multiple
doses throughout the day. All parts of the plant might be used in supplements and topical
ointments.

Essential oil of holy basil is distilled from leaves and flowers of the plant.

You can also make holy basil tea using the leaves, flowers, or dried leaf powder. The herb can
also be used to make freshly brewed tea by placing 2–3 teaspoons of holy basil in a cup of
boiling water and letting it steep for 5–6 minutes.

The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy
basil tastes spicy and bitter.