Holy basil is a perennial flowering plant from the mint family calledLamiaceae.
Though this plant is native to the Indian subcontinent, it grows throughout Southeast Asia.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
What is an adaptogen?
The way in which holy basil works isnt exactly clear.
ThoughGABAsupplements exist, they do not readily cross the blood-brain barrier in this form.
With this in mind, theyre likely not as effective as some companies would lead you to believe.
When using herbal medicine, it is important to make informed decisions.
Like many herbs, people may use holy basil for various reasons.
But there are several clinical trials assessing holy basil for the following potential uses.
Read on for more information.
BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
As for mood and stress, the results were mixed.
This may have something to do with the various holy basil dosage forms studiedsuch as capsules versus powder.
Each study also examined different parts of the holy basil plant.
Larger, long-term studies are needed to understand how holy basil impacts symptoms related to brain health and stress.
However, sleep quality was measured using a wrist-worn sleep tracker.
What Are the Side Effects of Holy Basil?
Similar to many medications, side effects are possible when taking holy basil.
Holy basil might also worsen hypothyroidism by decreasing levels of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
It might also increase the risk of bleeding by slowing down blood clotting.
Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
They can inform you of any potential interactions with other supplements or medications you take.
Dosage: How Much Holy Basil Should I Take?
Supplements of holy basil extract are available in pill or capsule form.
Dosages used in studies varied from 500 milligrams (mg) to 3,000 mg per day.
Supplement Facts
What Happens if I Take Too Much Holy Basil?
There is little information about holy basil toxicity and overdoses in humans.
If you think youre experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, get medical help immediately.
Before taking holy basil, review the supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions.
How to Store Holy Basil
Storage instructions vary for different products.
Carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container.
have a go at store your medicines in a cool and dry place.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging.
Avoid pouring unused and expired products down the drain or in the toilet.
Visit the FDAs website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired medications.
you’ve got the option to also find disposal boxes in your area.
If you plan totravelwith holy basil, review the regulations of your destination.
Checking with the U.S. embassy or consulate might be a helpful resource.
Food Sources of Holy Basil
Holy basil is naturally available as a plant from the mint family.
The leaves and plant parts may be used in cooking or to make tea.
In general, dietary changes may interact with your medications or affect your medical conditions.
For this reason, talk with your healthcare provider to safely make any dietary changes.
Holy Basil Supplements
Holy basil is available in many dosage forms, including capsules and tablets.
Each product may work differently depending on the form, so following the directions is essential.
Summary
Holy basil is a perennial flowering plant from the mint family.
Though its also a common cooking herb, it may also have some potential medicinal effects.
For example, it may reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Whats more, it might have some effects on memory and immune support.
More research is needed to assess holy basils effectiveness and safety.
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