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Holy Basil:source: http://www.medicinehunter.com/holy-basil/
The most compelling data, however, suggests that holy basil possesses its greatest potential in the areas of stress relief and relaxation. And in the fast paced world in which we live, these findings may prove to be extremely significant.
So, what exactly is stress? What happens to my body during stress?
Stress is a normal and natural part of everyday life. Stress occurs when the demands placed upon us exceed our body's ability to cope. The body's response to stress, often referred to as the "flight-or-fight" response, occurs automatically at these times. The adrenal glands release stress hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline and corticosterone, which give you a boost of energy and strength to "fight" or "flee." This makes sense when faced with a physical threat, but this same response also helps you deal with a more subtle, but equally stressful psychological or emotional demand. For example, this energy boost can enhance your focus helping you to perform optimally at work or improve mental clarity allowing you to quickly deal with a conflict at home. So in this sense, some stress (and our body's response to it) is good for you - it helps us respond in emergencies. When the stressful situation has passed, the hormone levels naturally decline.
It's when stress becomes chronic, or on-going, that it can create problems. Stress hormones have other, not-so-obvious effects. They play a role in metabolism, inflammation, and immune system responses. So when our body is continually stressed, that is, continually bombarded by high levels of cortisol and corticosterone, our digestive function can become impaired - leading to increased appetite and weight gain, our nervous system can be damaged - leading to anxiety or depression, and our immune system can be suppressed - leading to sickness or even autoimmune diseases.8-10
So, while we don't want to "turn off" the stress response, we also don't want to remain in a state of continual stress. This is where holy basil comes in.
How does holy basil combat stress?
Holy basil functions as an adaptogen, enhancing the body's natural response to physical and emotional stress. Adaptogenic herbs do not alter mood, but rather, they help the body function optimally during times of stress.1,7
Multiple scientific studies examining this property of Ocimum sanctum have found that supplementation with various extracts of holy basil decrease stress hormone levels, corticosterone in particular.11-16
Lower levels of corticosterone are associated with improved mental clarity and memory, and long-term, can reduce the risk of age-related mental disorders.17
Edits: 05/19/17Follow Ups:
I tried Holy Basil and didn't feel anything. Your mileage may vary. Unlike some others at least you mix up the substantive with the vacuous, along with occasional humor. Let's keep the HOTD going. Ziziphus seed, S. galericulata, hard albizzia (the brown flower with a cone,not really albizzia), passion flower, kava, poria sprit fungus (fu shen) and Pediculeras densiflora are all effective calming agents, IMHO. At least 400mg of magnesium a day is a must. T456
"The Borg is the ultimate user. They're unlike any threat your Federation has ever faced."
- Q, 2365
St. John's Wort for depression and Saw Palmetto for enlarged prostate. I have no personal experience with either herb, but both are probably of interest to this board's demographic.
Happy listening,
Jim
"The passage of my life is measured out in shirts."
- Brian Eno
You had to bring up prostate?
Anyway, I was at the Doc this week for the full physical, and he says my prostate is normal. Just fyi.
I'll take a few questions.
;)
I heard milking the cow is good for prostate, lots of this demo might not do it, some might do it too much.
:)
We love basil as a garnish on spaghetti and other tomato-based dishes like pizza. Cut the leaves into little strips. Also, it's great in olive oil with some black pepper as a a dipping for French or Italian bread.
It's fairly expensive to buy, so we don't. We buy a couple basil plants once a year at Lowe's, plant them in an 8" or 10" pot, and we've got fresh basil all year. The stuff grows faster than we can use it, so every now and then, we'll give the excess to a friend.
:)
tou
----------------------
"E Burres Stigano?"
We eat it a lot. Several times a week in salads, and in pasta dishes.
In summer on sandwiches for our lunches on day walks.
Grow our own garlic, too!
Warmest
Tim Bailey
Skeptical Measurer & Audio Scrounger
Thanks for the Lowe's idea. I'm going to grab a couple of plants the next time I'm there.
Years ago, a friend had me over for dinner and made us fresh pasta on her father's handmade Italian pasta "guitar". She made a fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil sauce, and topped it with pine nuts.
Regular pasta dishes have never been the same after that experience.
"Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be. 'Cause now I'm an amputee" J. Lennon
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