Holy Basil Extract: The Ancient Indian Herb with Modern Health Benefits

Indian Holy Basil Extract has good anti-cancer and curative effects

Fresh garden herbs. Green basil. Isolated on white background
There are three types of holy basil: ordinary holy basil (fruity, generally used as spices and seasonings); holy basil tulsi (medicinal, planted in temples); red and green holy basil (half red and half green leaves, ornamental), we say medicinal.
Basil leaves, also known as basil, golden basil, St. Joseph’s grass and sweet basil, are a short, tender herb of the Labiatae family. Native to tropical Asia. It grows wild in Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, Taiwan and other places in my country. It likes to grow in well-drained soil. Harvest in September, remove the mud and sand, wash, cut into sections, and dry. It can also be used fresh. The part used is the above-ground part of the Labiatae plant basil.
Its height is between 20-60 cm. Its leaves are opposite, light green and finely hairy, about 1.5 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. It has a strong, pungent, fragrant smell that tastes like fennel. Basil is very sensitive to cold and grows best in hot and dry environments. Most common species are annual plants, and some are perennial plants, including African blue basil and Thai holy basil. Basil is commonly used in Western recipes and Thai cuisine, and is also used in three-cup dishes in Chinese cuisine. In addition, basil can also be used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat injuries and snake and insect bites.
Basil leaves are perennial upright herbs, and the whole plant is fragrant. The stem is four-angled, with many branches on the upper part, purple-green, and covered with soft hairs. The leaves are opposite, the leaf blades are ovate, the apex is pointed, the edges are serrated or entire, and there are glandular dots on the underside of the leaves. The cymes are terminal, with about 6 flowers in each whorl, the flower axis is long and pubescent, and the corolla is light red. The small nuts are ovate and dark brown. The flowering period is from July to September.

The whole plant contains volatile oils. The main components of volatile oil are ocimene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, eugenol, anethole and methyl cinnaminate. It has the functions of removing dampness, digesting food, promoting blood circulation, detoxifying and promoting qi.
It tastes spicy and warm in nature. It has the smell of fresh cloves. The leaves are warm in nature and are used to prepare Italian dishes. They have a unique taste when mixed with garlic and tomatoes, which increases the taste. The clear oil can be used to add a special fragrance to perfume or soap. The leaves can repel mosquitoes and intestinal parasites. It can be used as a seasoning for dishes and can remove fishy smells. It is mostly used in Italian dishes.
Basil/Basil and Perilla are both “Perilla” plants. In fact, mint, lavender, sage, rosemary, and lemon balm are also in the “Perilla” family. The main reason why basil, basil and nine-layer tower are confused is that they are all considered “relatives”. The difference in translation makes people more confused.
Holy basil, also known as divine basil, is a magical herb produced in India. Due to its powerful healing effect, almost every household in India grows this herb. It not only has a fragrant aroma, but is also recognized as having the effect of prolonging life, so it is also called the elixir of life. It contains hundreds of beneficial compounds and has strong antioxidant, antiviral, anti-stress, antibacterial and immune system-enhancing effects.

According to the Traditional Life website, every quarter cup of fresh holy basil leaves contains the following beneficial ingredients: 1% calcium, 1% potassium, 1% magnesium and 1% folic acid; 31% vitamin K; 6% vitamin A; 2% vitamin C; 3% manganese.
Clinical trials have confirmed holy basil’s anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and other health benefits. Here are its many benefits:
1. Prevent mosquito bites: Holy basil is very effective in preventing mosquito bites. Placing a pot of holy basil plant in the window can repel mosquitoes. If you encounter mosquito bites, you can mash the roots and leaves into a paste and apply it to the affected area, and then reapply it after a few hours. Its leaves are excellent nerve tonics.
2. Treat skin diseases: Natural remedies have successfully treated ringworm and other skin diseases by applying holy basil juice topically. A trial in Thailand found that holy basil’s antibacterial properties can effectively treat acne. It is distilled into a 3% solution, which can effectively kill the bacteria that cause acne.
3. Maintain oral health: The antibacterial ingredients in holy basil can protect the mouth and teeth from bacterial invasion. Chewing holy basil leaves is an effective treatment for oral infections and ulcers. You can also mix the dried leaves with mustard oil and mash them into a paste to make toothpaste. Use it morning and night to prevent bad breath and pyorrhea.
4. Expel kidney stones: Mix honey and holy basil leaf juice to make a drink. Take it for 6 months to help expel kidney stones.
5. Quit smoking: This magical herb can help quit smoking. Because it contains a lot of anti-stress ingredients, it can keep people emotionally stable in the face of stress and not think about smoking, thus effectively helping to quit smoking.

6. Relieve headaches: Mix holy basil leaves with sandalwood paste and apply it on the forehead to effectively relieve headaches.
7. Protect heart health: Holy basil can prevent heart disease, lower blood cholesterol, and purify the blood.
8. Prevent colds and fevers: Drinking holy basil tea frequently in humid areas can prevent malaria and dengue fever; adding salt and cloves to holy basil leaf juice can immediately relieve flu symptoms; boiling the leaves with cardamom, water, sugar and milk can reduce the body temperature of patients with fever.
9. Relieve stomach problems: Holy basil leaves can improve stomach function. Its juice is a “panacea” for treating diarrhea and vomiting.
10. Anti-cancer: The National Center for Biological Sciences of the United States found through research on the biosynthetic genes of holy basil metabolites that these metabolites can be used as anti-cancer treatments. The researchers focused on the chemical prevention and anti-radiation effects of holy basil, and pointed out that clinical studies have shown that “holy basil and some of its eugenol phytochemicals can prevent skin, liver, oral and lung cancers, and regulate these effects by increasing antioxidant activity, changing gene expression and reducing cell apoptosis.

Holy Basil Extract DisIntroduction 

Holy Basil, scientifically known as Ocimum tenuiflorum or Ocimum sanctum, is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine and Indian culture. Often called “Tulsi” (meaning “the incomparable one”), this aromatic plant has been used for centuries to promote longevity, boost immunity, and treat various ailments. Modern research highlights its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, making it a rising star in natural health circles.

Types of Holy Basil
There are three main varieties:

1. Common Holy Basil: Used as a culinary herb with a sweet, clove-like flavor.
2. Tulsi (Sacred Basil): Cultivated in temples for its medicinal and spiritual significance.
3. Red-Green Holy Basil: Ornamental, with variegated leaves.

This article focuses on the medicinal benefits of Tulsi.

Nutritional Profile
Per quarter cup of fresh Tulsi leaves:

• Calcium, potassium, magnesium, and folic acid (1% each)
• Vitamin K (31%)
• Vitamin A (6%)
• Vitamin C (2%)
• Manganese (3%)

Health Benefits of Holy Basil

1. Anticancer Properties
   • Research by the U.S. National Center for Biological Sciences found that Tulsi metabolites inhibit cancer cell growth in skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers by enhancing antioxidant activity and regulating gene expression.
   • Eugenol, a key phytochemical in Tulsi, shows promising chemo-preventive effects.
     Source: NIH Study
2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
   • Tulsi reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, making it effective for arthritis and digestive disorders.
3. Mosquito Repellent
   • Planting Tulsi indoors or applying crushed leaves repels mosquitoes naturally.
4. Skin Health
   • A 3% Tulsi extract killed acne-causing bacteria in a Thai study.
   • Topical application treats ringworm and other fungal infections.
5. Oral Health
   • Chewing leaves fights bad breath, ulcers, and gum disease. Mix dried leaves with mustard oil for a natural toothpaste.
6. Kidney Stone Relief
   • Honey-Tulsi juice consumed daily for 6 months may help dissolve kidney stones.
7. Stress and Addiction Management
   • Adaptogenic compounds in Tulsi reduce stress and aid smoking cessation by stabilizing emotions.
8. Heart Health
   • Lowers LDL cholesterol and improves blood purification.
9. Immune Support
   • Regular Tulsi tea in humid regions prevents malaria and dengue.
10. Digestive Health
    • Relieves diarrhea, vomiting, and indigestion.

How to Use Holy Basil

• Tea: Steep leaves in hot water.
• Paste: Mix with honey or sandalwood for topical use.
• Seasoning: Add fresh leaves to soups, salads, or stir-fries.

Precautions

• Avoid excessive consumption during pregnancy.
• Consult a healthcare provider before using Tulsi alongside medications.

Conclusion
Holy Basil is more than a culinary herb—it’s a natural medicine with science-backed benefits. From fighting cancer to enhancing immunity, its versatility and safety make it a valuable addition to holistic wellness routines.

References

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH) – Holy Basil and Cancer
2. Traditional Life – Nutritional Data
3. Journal of Ethnopharmacology – Antibacterial Effects