6 Reasons You Should Add Holy Basil To Your Wellness Routine

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When it comes to the world of Ayurvedic medicine, we try to keep an open mind. After all, it did help the people of India stay alive and well for centuries, right? And one of the most versatile and helpful plants the country used just happens to be readily available on every continent except for Antarctica.

It’s called tulsi, or holy basil, and it could be just what your current wellness routine is lacking. Holy basil is considered an adaptogenic herb, which is a category of plants that are believed to balance out the stress reactions of the human body. But the benefits of this natural supplement reach even further. Below are six major ways holy basil could impact your health for the better. (And, if you’re into it, you can find a variety of affordable holy basil supplements on Amazon.)

1. It can help you recover more quickly from colds and the flu.

For thousands of years, holy basil has been used in India to treat colds, coughs and various strains of the flu. The fresh flowers are even used to help treat bronchitis and asthma. There are various compounds in the plant that make it the natural warrior against respiratory agitation, inflammation and illness.

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2. It helps balance the digestive system.

One of its adaptogenic strengths is protecting your digestive system from the stressors it comes across. It’s been known to help soothe the symptoms of stress-induced ulcers, decrease stomach acid production and increase the amount of healthy mucus throughout the digestive system. So if you’re consistently struggling with an upset stomach, integrating this herb into your diet could help you find much-needed relief.

3. It’s a strong antiseptic.

Holy basil has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, meaning it helps to protect you from a wide range of both human- and animal-borne pathogens, as well as assist in wound healing. You can include it as an ingredient in your hand sanitizer and mouthwash, and you can even use the herbs in your water purifier to reap these benefits.

4. It’s a powerful antioxidant.

One of holy basil’s most powerful characteristics is its antioxidant contents, which help to reduce the damage caused to the human body over time. This ability stems from its high levels of phenolic compounds. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, making it a helpful aide against injuries and chronic joint pain.

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5. It can protect you from cancer.

This magical plant can help your body fend off the DNA damage caused by toxic compounds you come into contact on a daily basis. That means that it can not only help reduce the growth of tumors, but also increase the survival rates of those with tumors. It helps the liver break down and eliminate the toxins rather than allowing the body to absorb them.

6. It can help you cope better with the stresses of daily life.

And as we already mentioned, holy basil is adaptogenic, meaning it could help you deal with chemical, physical, infectious and emotional forms of stress and anxiety. It offers a holistic way to achieve mental balance, which can even lead to reduced sexual problems, sleep problems, forgetfulness, exhaustion and depression symptoms.

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