Holy Basil

[VegetaGD]

Did a search, and could not find any discussion on this herb. Known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine as an overall health tonic. Here is some info about the herb taken from Gaia Herbs.

"In the Charaka Samhita the consumate text on Ayurveda writen around 1,000BC; Ocimum sanctum is described as ?the incomparable one? and is considered to be an incarnation of Tulasi or Vrindavani, a consort of Lord Vishnu. It is considered a symbol of fidelity and helpful in attaining spiritual enlightenment. It has been used to support a healthy response to stress, maintain blood sugar levels within a normal range, promote longevity, nourish the mind and elevate the spirit. Other traditional properties include it's use as a carminative, vermifuge, febrifuge, bronchial dilator, diaphoretic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflamatory and as an insecticidal especially against mosquitos.

Structure Function Claims
Maintains healthy cortisol levels.

Promotes a healthy inflammatory response.

Maintains normal blood glucose levels.

Promotes a healthy response to numerous stressors.

Promotes feelings of emotional well being.

Mechanism of Theraputic Action
As a Rasayana and Adaptogen, Holy Basil maintains equilibrium among biochemicals associated with the stress system in the body. This involves neuroendocrine and immune structures that produce chemicals such as cortisol, epinepherine, dopamine, and inflammatory mediators. Ursolic, Rosmarinic acids and Eugenol have all shown antioxidant activity and both COX-1 and 2 modulation. Further research is needed to fully determine the exact biochemical activity found in this plant."

A few studies too

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...ubmed_RVDocSum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...ubmed_RVDocSum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...ubmed_RVDocSum

[Kernkraft]

I put a spicy thai paste version of it into my chili

[VegetaGD]

I put a spicy thai paste version of it into my chili

Not the same type of Basil although my guess is that you know that.

[Skigazzi]

Tulsi (Tulasi, Holy Basil, Ocimum sanctum, Vishnupriya) is a very widely grown plant in India. It is said to have divine healing qualities and is therefore grown in households with deep reverence. It is known to have good anti-androgenic effects in androgen-sensitive tissues. It can moderate insulin levels and help with reversing obesity. It has powerful anti-oxidants and has a rejuvenating effect on tissues. It is an adaptogen and decreases provides stress relief.

[VegetaGD]

Tulsi (Tulasi, Holy Basil, Ocimum sanctum, Vishnupriya) is a very widely grown plant in India. It is said to have divine healing qualities and is therefore grown in households with deep reverence. It is known to have good anti-androgenic effects in androgen-sensitive tissues. It can moderate insulin levels and help with reversing obesity. It has powerful anti-oxidants and has a rejuvenating effect on tissues. It is an adaptogen and decreases provides stress relief.

I'm not an expert on this herb, but I think that means that it potentially inhibits Testosterone?s action on tissues that are negatively affected by it. The prostate might be an example of this. I?ve heard mostly good things about this herb though.

[Skigazzi]

I'm not an expert on this herb, but I think that means that it potentially inhibits Testosterone?s action on tissues that are negatively affected by it. The prostate might be an example of this. I?ve heard mostly good things about this herb though.

Possibly...but I can't find too much on this issue specifically. I considered using this awhile back in a Rhodiola / Bacopa / Holy Basil stack, but dropped the Holy Basil due to this potential concern.

[mikeylhc]

WHERE THE HELL IS THE HERB THAT WILL DOUBLE MY TESTICLE SIZE? I'd love to have balls the size of a bulls just to see the look on a girls face.

[Skigazzi]

WHERE THE HELL IS THE HERB THAT WILL DOUBLE MY TESTICLE SIZE? I'd love to have balls the size of a bulls just to see the look on a girls face.

and the thread is ruined.

[Kernkraft]

Not the same type of Basil although my guess is that you know that.

It actually does contain the holy basil which you are referring to... I was being dead serious.

[VegetaGD]

WHERE THE HELL IS THE HERB THAT WILL DOUBLE MY TESTICLE SIZE? I'd love to have balls the size of a bulls just to see the look on a girls face.

Tongkat Ali?

[VegetaGD]

It actually does contain the holy basil which you are referring to... I was being dead serious.

WOW...apology to you then...how's the taste?

[Champion510]

Taste is pretty good.. I've got some in my backyard.. its' ancient famous indian herbal plant. Family puts some in masala chai every morning. It almost tastes like mint in mojito .. very similar to that

[Champion510]

Don't know about this increasing your ball size but here is article on this.
it does help with tons of other stuff.

The tulsi or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshipped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of tulsi.

1. Healing Power: The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.

2. Fever & Common Cold: The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against theses diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.

3. Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.

4. Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.

5. Respiratory Disorder: The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.

6. Kidney Stone: Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.

7. Heart Disorder: Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.

8. Children's Ailments: Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.

9. Stress: Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.

10. Mouth Infections: The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.

11. Insect Bites: The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.

12. Skin Disorders: Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.

13. Teeth Disorder: The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.

14. Headaches: Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.

15. Eye Disorders: Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.

DISCLAIMER: These are only general guidelines as a first aid. It is always better to see a doctor depending upon the intensity of the case. The views expressed above are entirely those of the author.

taken from http://hinduism.about.com/od/ayurved...sibenefits.htm

[Champion510]

and some more read on that:

Holy Basil: Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) leaf, with a long history of use in Ayurvedic Medicine, contains antiandrogenic properties that may be attributed to the presence of the 5-alpha-reductase inhibiting constituents; beta-sitosterol, palmitic-acid and stearic-acid. In animal studies the anti-androgenic property of Ocimum sanctum was shown to diminish response in androgen sensitive tissues, an effect that was reversible two weeks after the extract was stopped. Antihyperglycemic and hypoglycemic effects has also been noted in Holy Basil. Animal studies have shown Ocimum sanctum can cause lowering in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid and LDL-cholesterol levels and an increase in the HDL-cholesterol. Sedative properties have been identified in Ocimum sanctum as well as adaptogenic and antistressor properties in regard to adverse stimuli and toxic substances. Ocimum sanctum has also been found to inhibit acute as well as chronic inflammation in animal studies, which may contribute to its antistress, adaptogenic properties.♦

[VegetaGD]

I'll be taking it in the near future in an adrenal formula made by Gaia herbs called adrenal health. Will let you know how it works out.

http://www.gaiaherbs.com/product.php?id=5

[potionmaster]

almost all herbs that asians use regularly are good for your body...black tea, green tea, baby barley leaves, holybasil, cilantro...all good.