Holy Basil for Anxiety
Who knew that the most powerful herbal remedy for anxiety is growing right in our garden, patch! That’s right! Holy Basil for anxiety is a well-kept secret.
I certainly didn’t know!
We have been growing holy basil for years. While I knew that this wonderful herb made a fine tea, I had no idea about the many benefits of holy basil.
Known in many parts of the world as Tulsi , or Tulasi, depending on which region you reside in , holy basil, is one of the top two most powerful adaptogenic herbs. The other very powerful adaptogen, and herbal remedy for anxiety, is ashwaganda. These two herbs are both very powerful used singly, but in combination, they are even better!
holy basil in our garden
In my last article, I wrote about the many relaxing benefits of Holy Basil. You may find that article interesting.
AdIn addition to the calming effect the herb possesses, using Holy Basil for anxiety is another great use for it.
If you start to research, you will find many studies citing the benefits of using holy basil for anxiety. To get you started, I will link a few of the more well-known publications researching holy basil for anxiety.
I can definitely see a reason to include myself in this therapy, based on this study.
Interesting to note–this study focuses on sleep quality of adults experiencing stress. The two go hand in hand, and to address one problem (lack of sleep), you must address the stress, and vice versa. With excess stress and increased cortisol, sleep will suffer, which, sadly, increases the cortisol all the more. Both need to be addressed to find the cure for the problems. This study showed promise using Holy Basil for anxiety, stress, and sleep problems.
PubMed conducted an investigation into studies and clinical trials on the use of Holy Basil for anxiety and other uses. They found 24 studies, and described their findings as follows,
A total of 24 studies were identified that reported therapeutic effects on metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, immunity, and neurocognition. All studies reported favourable clinical outcomes with no studies reporting any significant adverse events. The reviewed studies reinforce traditional uses and suggest tulsi is an effective treatment for lifestyle-related chronic diseases including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and psychological stress.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376420/
The above article documents studies indicating that holy basil possesses anti-anxiety effects similar to antidepressant medications. This is very encouraging on the topic of using holy basil for anxiety.
More on Holy Basil’s Protection Against Anxiety
The following is an incredible article, addressing the use of holy basil for anxiety and virtually every type of stressful condition.
Tulsi, An Herb for All Reasons
Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise. Tulsi has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties
If you only read one article, make it the one above. In this article, it cites studies comparing using holy basil for anxiety and depression with similar results to patients using diazepam and antidepressant drugs. This is amazing to me, but just evidence that God makes powerful remedies in nature for our use.
Holy Basil is sometimes referred to as “Liquid Yoga”, providing mental and physical benefits similar to performing yoga. It has a similar cognitive effect as caffeine, without the dependence and withdrawal of caffeine.
Holy basil, and other basil varieties
I watched this short YouTube video from Dr. Axe, in which he lays out the best ways to take Holy Basil for anxiety.
Holy Basil for Anxiety and 6 Other Health Perks
I found it to the point and useful.
You can use Holy Basil for Anxiety in the following ways.
- Drink in tea form
- Take capsules made from dried herb
- Essential Oil form–either diffuse into air breathing in the vapors, or rub onto neck (may want to dilute if sensitive)
Using Holy Basil in Tea Form
You may make Holy Basil tea from herbs you collect out of your own herb garden! That’s what I am doing!
Growing Holy basil is not any more difficult than any other basil, and in our experience, it actually self-seeds readily! We are still reaping the benefits of a patch I planted three years ago!! We have two huge patches and have not sown seeds since the original planting!
One of our patches of holy basil
An Authority on Holy Basil
I love Richo’s Blog! He is the authority on holy basil! If you want to learn which type is more beneficial for which use, read the link above!
There are many types of Holy Basil. We have planted six varieties, and ended up with one or two that readily self-seed. All types, according to Richo’s Blog, have medicinal properties. Flavors vary, and the aroma alone is a reason to include holy basil in your herb garden.
One summer (probably twelve or more years ago), we planted holy basil for the first time. I had no awareness of the health benefits back then (I’m sure Greg did), but I could definitely appreciate the fragrance filling the yard (no exaggeration) when anyone brushed the plant while walking by. Now, we get that same vanilla-aroma filling the garden!
Apparently, inhaling the scent is uplifting, stress-relieving, and just pleasant!
I learned in This article, also from Dr. Axe, about how holy basil may relieve migraines. I am drinking it more often now, considering these benefits.
To Make Holy Basil Tea
- Bring a cup of water to boiling.
- Add 2-3 tsp dried holy basil herb. Double if using fresh.
- Steep for at least five minutes
- Add stevia or honey, if desired.
Drink twice per day, especially at night for a calming effect. See Tulsi Sleep Tea (note that Tulsi is the same herb as Holy Basil)
Experiment with Blends
My favorite herbal tea blend so far includes Holy Basil, Anise Hyssop, and Lemon Verbena. This teas is delicious hot or cold, and each of the herbs provide calming benefits.
Anise Hyssop Leaves for Refreshing Herbal Iced Tea
Holy Basil for Anxiety Using Capsules
You can find many forms of Holy Basil supplements. Take as directed, and look especially for organic forms of the herb.
Holy Basil Capsules from Organic India
I don’t have personal recommendations for the capsules, but since the Organic India Brand is also the maker of the Tulsi Sleep Tea, which I have used, I have linked that brand.
Holy Basil Essential Oil
You can use holy basil essential oil in a diffuser or on the front of the neck, according to Dr Axe.
Note that Holy Basil Essential Oil is not the same as Basil Essential Oil. They are pretty different, and the Basil does not contain the same properties as the Holy Basil.
I linked the DoTerra oil above, so you can compare and read reviews, but Here is the link for the Rocky Mountain Essential oil, which is what I use. The oils are high quality, third party tested, and I find that they are often less expensive than the DoTerra, which is also an excellent brand. You can compare prices using the above links, but at this time, 15 ml of RMO brand is running $18, and 5 ml of the DT oil is running $33, so that’s a huge difference!
Holy Basil for Anxiety
Using Holy Basil for Anxiety is not new, nor is it fringe!!
This herb has much documentation citing the anti-anxiety benefits!
With the stress bombarding us in this busy world, I’d certainly feel good about recommending holy basil for anxiety, among its other uses! 
I personally use holy basil for anxiety, sleep disturbances, and I’m just now learning about some of the other practical uses that would work for me.
Your Turn!
Have you heard of Holy Basil?
Have you tried it?
Did you know about using holy basil for anxiety and stress?
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This is really interesting. I have never heard of holy basil. I appreciate you including your findings on the benefits of this for anxiety.
Sunday Sunshine #15
Glad to educate you! It’s worth getting to know!