Holy Basil is one of the herbs that have a medical history, as well as a spiritual one. Being used by Christians for hundreds of years in their religious rituals, it is believed that its energy purifies and cleanses the body.
Aside from Christians, Holy Basil is a highly regarded plant in India, whose properties have been worshiped for thousands of years.
But how can you reap its amazing benefits? Brew a tea or use it as spice when preparing a meal and it will help you with the following health issues:
- 1. Respiratory and pulmonary disease – Cineole, Eugenol, and Camphene are the three compounds found in Holy Basil (particularly in its essential oils) that alleviate chest congestion. Simply inhaling the vapors for a couple of seconds twice a day (one in the morning and one in the evening) will be enough for relief.
- 2. Stress and anxiety – this is one of the reasons Holy Basil is included in spiritual practices – the mere smell of the plant helps you relax and chase away all the negative energy that’s draining you.
- 3. Fever – although it is not a disease in itself, fever is a bothersome symptom that indicates there’s an infection somewhere in the body. Holy Basil fights the cause of the infection, relieving the fever, as well.
- 4. Oral care – due to its antibacterial specific, it kills most germs and bacteria that are responsible for bad breath, plaque, and cavities. I recommend drinking at least one cup of Holy Basil Tea and a glass of water with a couple of leaves in it per day, at least for a month. You will be amazed at how strong your teeth will become!
- 5. Skin care – the essential oils of Holy Basil have antibiotic, antibacterial and antifungal properties, which turn it into the perfect remedy for most skin-related disorders. I, too, recommend it to my patients as prevention for the reoccurrence of fungal infections.
- 6. Immunity – time and again, it has been used as protection against all types of viral, parasitical or fungal infection. Moreover, recent studies have proven that it’s highly effective in stopping the development of carcinogenic cells and HIV.
Take care of your body and you will help it take care of you!