The scientific name for Holy Basil is Ocimum Tenuifolium.
Medicinal Uses
The essential oil extracted from Holy Basil is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal toiletry.
The medicinal uses of holy basil are mostly for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. It is also used to treat many skin conditions as well as coughs, bronchitis and diabetes. Another usage is to kill germs such as bacteria.
Studies have also shown holy basil are effective for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels. The same study also shows significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with holy basil.
The reason why holy basil’s beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.
Cosmetic Uses
Ursolic acid is one of the constituents of holy basil, which has anti ageing properties. The treatment improves the health of skin and hair.
Aromatic Uses
For centuries, the dried leaves of holy basil have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Culinary Uses
Holy basil is can be taken as a drink with lemon juice or cardamom.
Occasionally in Europe and Thailand, the leaves are used to flavour savoury dishes and as a condiment in salads.
Chemical Components
Recent studies suggest that holy basil may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its significant amount of eugenol which has an antiseptic nature. (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene).
Rosmarinic acid found in holy basil has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
Ursolic acid is a compound that can also provide some protection to enzymes in the liver that deal with the breakdown of fat in our diet.
Background History
Many Hindus — along with the ancient tradition of Ayurveda — believe that the healing properties of sacred herbs such as holy basil were given by the Lord himself, and can be used as a medicine out of reverence. This could be the main reason why Hindus use holy basil.
Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.
The Ayurvedic literature indicates that it is very effective in the treatment of snake bites.
Credits
http://www.plantcultures.org/plants/holy_basil_landing.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_basil
The medicinal uses of holy basil are mostly for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. It is also used to treat many skin conditions as well as coughs, bronchitis and diabetes. Another usage is to kill germs such as bacteria.
Studies have also shown holy basil are effective for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels. The same study also shows significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with holy basil.
The reason why holy basil’s beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.
Cosmetic Uses
Ursolic acid is one of the constituents of holy basil, which has anti ageing properties. The treatment improves the health of skin and hair.
Aromatic Uses
For centuries, the dried leaves of holy basil have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Culinary Uses
Holy basil is can be taken as a drink with lemon juice or cardamom.
Occasionally in Europe and Thailand, the leaves are used to flavour savoury dishes and as a condiment in salads.
Chemical Components
Recent studies suggest that holy basil may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its significant amount of eugenol which has an antiseptic nature. (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene).
Rosmarinic acid found in holy basil has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
Ursolic acid is a compound that can also provide some protection to enzymes in the liver that deal with the breakdown of fat in our diet.
Background History
Many Hindus — along with the ancient tradition of Ayurveda — believe that the healing properties of sacred herbs such as holy basil were given by the Lord himself, and can be used as a medicine out of reverence. This could be the main reason why Hindus use holy basil.
Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.
The Ayurvedic literature indicates that it is very effective in the treatment of snake bites.
Credits
http://www.plantcultures.org/plants/holy_basil_landing.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_basil
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