Basil Supplement May Be the Most Important for Overall Health Benefit

This Versatile Herb

As an herb used in cooking, basil is probably the most versatile and used by the largest variety of cultures. Originating in India, this herb needs a warm moist climate to thrive, and is now grown all over the world for use as a spice. The Italians in particular have proclaimed basil to be an essential spice in almost all of their cooking. The health benefits of basil have been known in the East for centuries and are now confirmed by a number of studies.

Holy basil (called Tulsi in India) is the type of basil commonly used medicinally and on which current studies are conducted. There are many varieties of basil, but it should be noted that holy basil is the one considered to be a supplement with health benefits.

Basil Supplement and Respiratory Health Benefit

Holy basil is perhaps most commonly connected with respiratory health in Ayurvedic medicine. It functions as an anti-inflammatory, an antimicrobial, and an expectorant, and is always prescribed for respiratory infections. Thus, viral and bacterial infections, as well as some chronic respiratory conditions have traditionally been treated with holy basil.

The oil of basil holds the same properties and is often used for treatment of ear infections in Asian countries. In lab studies, rats were deliberately given ear infections. One-half were treated with basil oil, the other with a placebo. Eighty-one per cent of those rats treated with oil of basil were cured. Based upon this, some researchers are certainly ready to recommend basil oil for treatment of bacterial ear infections.

The Health Benefit for Diabetics

A 1997 study at an Indian University looked at the efficacy of basil leaf extract in the reduction of blood sugar levels in diabetics. One group of patients was given 1 gram of basil leaf each day for 30 days. The other group received nothing beyond their regular medications. Results showed that blood sugar levels were reduced an average of twenty-one per cent in those patients taking the basil supplement with no significant reductions in the control group.

Heart Health Benefits

In the same study just cited, additional benefits were clearly evident. In the patients receiving the basil supplement, it was noted that cholesterol levels were significantly reduced as well, so that basil is now recommended for high cholesterol conditions, the most common recommendation being fourteen grams of dried leaf each day.

Basil and Cancer

Other studies have demonstrated that basil acts as an excellent antioxidant, chasing free radicals which are known carcinogens. As well, in animal studies, in which cancerous tumors were induced, basil demonstrated its ability to reduce and inhibit further growth of the tumors. Additional studies show promise of the same results, and this information could allow cancer patients to include this natural supplement in their treatment regimen.

Basil and Digestion

Historical medical use of basil has included rather pervasive use for stomach difficulties in almost all cultures. Basil supplement is prescribed by physicians and practitioners for stomach cramps, constipation and vomiting. It seems to have a calming effect as well, and so may be prescribed for tension, stress and nervousness.

Forms and Dosage

Basil leaves can be ground and used in food preparation. As well, the leaves and seeds are used to brew basil tea, especially useful when treating respiratory infections. Basil oil extract can be purchased at most health stores and via the Internet. Tablet form is usually of the softgel variety, and the recommended dose is one or two tablets daily. During times of infection, larger doses are warranted.

Side Effects

Basil is a member of the mint family and, as such, is probably one of the safest herbal supplements in use. There are no known side effects of basil supplement, and, given that it has been around for thousands of years and used in all of its forms, the evidence points to safety. Further, seeds, leaves and flowers have all been utilized in the various forms of medicinal supplements, again without negative response.

Summary

Basil supplement appears to be almost the “miracle” herbal supplement, because it has such a wide range of health benefits. Among Ayurvedic practitioners, it is the most essential of all of the herbs.