What is Ocimum good for? Ocimum sanctum tea (Tulsi and Holy Basil) is great for stress relief.
If you have a friend from the Asian continent, you must have heard about this holy herb. Or maybe your doctor recommended that you drink some soothing Ocimum sanctum tea. In recent years, the herb has increasingly become popular with the rest of the world, including the U.S. Wondering what is Ocimum good for? As it turns out, stress relief and anxiety relief, among many other things.
What is Ocimum sanctum?
The herb grows in tropical climates. Also referred to as Tulsi in Hindu, Indian mythology recognizes it as a holy herb and attaches great significance to its medical value. Ayurveda, the oldest surviving ancient medical system, acknowledges the use of Ocimum sanctum in various diseases, digestive, skin, and respiratory infections. Also referred to as Holy Basil, the herb has attractive violet flowers, green stems, and leaves with a spicy flavor used in preparing Asian dishes.
Health Benefits of Ocimum sanctum
What is Ocimum good for? Well, some of the health benefits of this amazing tea include the following:
- Antioxidant
Tulsi contains a range of bioactive compounds such as eugenol, ursolic acid, apigenin, carnosol, cirsimaritin, and cirsilineol. These bioactive compounds have shown COX-2 inhibitory effects and antioxidant properties. The antioxidants may protect chromosomes and the liver from lipid peroxidation. High levels of rosmarinic compound in the herb serve as antioxidants against free DPPH radicals, superoxide anion radicals, and hydroxyl radicals. The herb also produces antioxidant properties against oxidative stress and genotoxicity.
- Support for Prevention of Cancer
Phytochemicals such as eugenol, apigenin, and carnosic acid found in the herb may help to prevent cellular damage that may lead to skin cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer resulting from exposure to chemicals. The phytochemicals have the potential to alter gene expression, induce apoptosis, and inhibit angiogenesis. Eugenol may also reduce cellular damage from radiation that could potentially harm the DNA. It also may inhibit inflammatory enzymes such as lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase that may have a role in pancreatic cancer. To be clear, we are not saying that these phyto-consituents can prevent cancer. In conjunction, with a healthy lifestyle the benefits of reduced cellular damage provide a good support to lowering the risk of developing cancer.
- Support for Cardiac Issues
Ocimum sanctum has peripheral vasodilatory properties that produce a hypotensive effect. The bioactive compounds in the herb may help to eliminate free radicals and prevent histopathological changes that may arise in cerebral ischemia. Eugenol, ursolic acid, apigenin, and carnosol decrease low-density lipoproteins and increase high-density lipoproteins, improving cardiovascular risks. The active ingredients may also increase bile synthesis and prevent hypercholesterolemia.
- Improved Skin Health
Ocimum contains ursolic acid, which has been widely used to support treatment for photoaging. The bioactive compound may help to restore the collagen bundle structure of the skin and reduce the prevalence of wrinkles/age spots.
Other uses of Ocimum include the following:
- It has wound healing properties.
- It possesses anti-ulcerogenic gastroprotective properties.
- It has the potential to help reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Try the Queen of Herbs
What is Ocimum good for? This herb not only helps to support treatment of various diseases but also may help you manage stress and improve your quality of life.
As it’s a natural extract, you can consume Ocimum tea 2-3 times a day. Additionally, this all-natural herb is a great alternative for caffeinated teas and some over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
We sell Ocimum in a 100 gram size (50 servings) as AHHH! Stress Relief Support. We also sell it in larger sizes (250 grams to 1,000 grams). To learn more, a good place to start is with the Tulsi FAQ.