Evidence supporting the use of: Holy Basil
For the body system: Parasympathetic Nervous System

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum, also known as Tulsi) has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is valued as an adaptogen—an herb believed to help the body adapt to stress and promote balance, particularly within the nervous system. Traditionally, Holy Basil is used to support calmness, reduce anxiety, and foster resilience to stress, which are all functions associated with the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" branch of the autonomic nervous system). While animal studies and small human trials suggest that Holy Basil extracts may reduce markers of stress and anxiety, scientific research remains limited and often preliminary. A 2017 review in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine highlights some positive effects on mood and stress, but notes variability in study quality and methodology. There is some evidence for Holy Basil's ability to modulate cortisol levels and support neurotransmitter balance, which could theoretically support parasympathetic function. However, most of the justification for its use centers on traditional Ayurvedic texts and long-standing empirical use rather than robust, large-scale clinical trials. In summary, Holy Basil's reputation for supporting the parasympathetic nervous system rests more strongly on traditional use, with moderate scientific support that warrants further research.

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