Did you know there’s a remarkable herb that helps with stress relief AND cognitive function AND immune support… all rolled into one? This herbal overachiever is none other than Holy Basil, also known as “Queen of Herbs” or “The Incomparable One.” New Chapter has long been a major Holy Basil fan and we craft it in two forms for you to try: potent vegetarian capsules or organic booster powder. Now, let’s get into a Holy Basil state of mind and explore this botanical power player. It’s so good you might want to add it to your supplement pantry, pronto!
What is Holy Basil?
Also known as “Tulsi,” Holy Basil is a member of the mint or Lamiaceae family. It is a square-stemmed herb that loves hot temperatures. Originally from India, it now grows all over the world. New Chapter sources Holy Basil from India, where it grows best. Holy Basil is a small shrub that grows to be about 1-2 feet tall. It gets the name “holy” due to cherished associations with Hindu divinity. Many homes in India have a Holy Basil plant growing in a place of honor in the front courtyard or near the front door. It has been part of the fabric of life and culture in India and other parts of Asia since ancient times! A Holy Basil plant is like a precious piece of history that we can appreciate (and benefit from) to this day.
Is Holy Basil Different Than Basil?
There are about 60 types of Basil overall—Holy Basil ( Ocimum sanctum) is one of these types. You can grow Holy Basil in your garden , particularly in hotter climates, and harvest the leaves throughout the summer. Other kinds of Basil include Sweet Basil ( Ocimum basilicum), Lime Basil, Lemon Basil, and Thai Basil. When it comes to Holy Basil vs Basil, the former is no ordinary pesto ingredient. Holy Basil is prized for containing plant compounds that include eugenol, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and rosmarinic acid. The basil used in cooking is usually sweet basil, also known as Great Basil or Genovese Basil.
History of Holy Basil
Certain plants are so beneficial that they’ve been revered by humankind for thousands of years. These herbs stand the test of time as true allies for wellness and longevity. Holy Basil or Tulsi is one of these important herbs. Considered sacred by Hindu practitioners, Tulsi is known as “The Incomparable One,” “Elixir of Life,” and “The Mother Medicine of Nature.” Holy Basil is a principal herb in the Ayurvedic system and is also used in the Siddha and Unani systems. It is thought to protect and balance the body, mind, and spirit. Tulsi is believed to open the heart and mind and bestow love, compassion, faith, and devotion. The oil of Tulsi is thought to tone up the Chakras or energy points.
What are the Benefits of Holy Basil?
Modern research is proving what herbal healers always knew—that Holy Basil benefits are astounding.
Immune Support
Your immune system is a defense network of cells that are always patrolling the body, ready to defend and protect. Holy Basil supports immune cells and provides immune system support.* In fact, a clinical study of healthy volunteers taking Holy Basil extract showed a significant increase in levels of key markers of healthy immune function.
Cognitive Function
Holy Basil promotes cognitive functions that support your alertness, focus, and healthy attention span, including speed of memory and short-term memory.* In one placebo-controlled Holy Basil clinical study, the herbal extract was shown to improve significantly the subjects’ ability to perform in tests of short-term memory, focus, and attention.
Stress Relief
Holy Basil is an adaptogen, a type of herb that can optimize your systems to deal more quickly and easily with the effects of occasional stress. Holy Basil has long been employed to support a positive stress response and healthy mood and spirit.* Holy Basil leaf benefits include supporting calm and balance in the tradition of India’s Ayurvedic masters. Holy Basil leaf has been studied to help relieve feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Holy Basil vs. Other Adaptogens
Holy Basil is a potent adaptogen, but there are others out there, too. How do you decide which adaptogen is right for you—how would you compare Holy Basil vs. Ashwagandha and so forth?
In general, adaptogens are powerhouse ingredients from nature that work with your body's systems to bring you back to a state of calm and balance. Adaptogens help you respond—adapt—to the mental and/or physical effects of stress. So, which are the best adaptogens for you? It depends on what benefits you're seeking.
- Holy Basil supports stress relief and helps with alertness and focus.* As a side benefit, it also supports immune health.*
- Ashwagandha helps strengthen the body's natural ability to manage both mental and physical stress.* It also supports energy and boosts adrenal function.*
- Rhodiola supports mental stamina and endurance.* It's perfect during periods of increased stress and sleep disruption.*
- Reishi mushroom is an ancient ally for supporting vitality and overall wellness.*
How to Take Holy Basil
Holy Basil can be a delicious accent in many dishes, from soups and stir-fries to meat dishes and desserts. But for really unleashing those Holy Basil health benefits, look to herbal preparations or a super-convenient supplement.
Herbal preparations for Holy Basil take several forms. Fresh leaves can be infused into hot water for an aromatic hot tea–or cool it down for Holy Basil benefits on ice. Some herbalists make Holy Basil tinctures by soaking the leaves in alcohol for several weeks, then straining for a concentrated extract that can be taken in drops. Holy Basil glycerite is another option. This is similar to alcohol extraction but uses glycerin as the carrier liquid. Holy Basil leaves can also be dried before use in teas or tinctures.
If you want to get serious about adding high-quality, super-pure Holy Basil to your wellness routine, we recommend New Chapter’s Holy Basil Force™. These one-daily vegetarian Holy Basil capsules deliver a potent dose of the herb. We use a 50:50 ratio of supercritical extracts and traditional extracts to ensure you’re getting a full symphony of the active compounds that make this adaptogenic herb so effective. Want your Holy Basil to be delicious? Turn to Organic Holy Basil Booster Powder, delivering 1200 mg of regeneratively grown Holy Basil that can be mixed into your smoothie or other beverage.
What to Look for in a Holy Basil Supplement
If you’re thinking about supplementing with the immune-supportive, stress-relieving powers of Holy Basil, you may be wondering: which Holy Basil leaf formula is right for you? When researching, you can check out the following details.
Check the Supplement Facts panel. Supplement Facts are required on all dietary supplement labels and have a lot of great information. Check here for the type of extract (such as supercritical or hydroethanolic) and the amount of Holy Basil in milligrams. You can also confirm that the Holy Basil is listed with the Latin name Ocimum sanctum, which is the genus and species of true Holy Basil.
Review the health benefits. Most Holy Basil supplements are formulated for stress support. Holy Basil extract benefits also include cognitive function support and immune support. Check labels to see which health benefits are connected to the product you're considering. Compare with other, similar products.
Look for marks of sustainability and quality. For example, does the product have independent, third-party credentials? Is the company a Certified B Corporation that meets highest standards for environmental impact? Is the product Non-GMO Project Verified to show the ingredients have been assessed for GMO avoidance?
Tips For Buying a Holy Basil Supplement
Here’s a quick guide to our favorite Holy Basil products.
Holy Basil Force
New Chapter’s Holy Basil Force combines supercritical and hydroethanolic extracts of Holy Basil leaf to deliver a broad range of phytochemicals. This convenient one-daily capsule is the highest Holy Basil dosage in any New Chapter product, delivering 536 mg of extract per capsule that’s made from 6,928 mg of Holy Basil.
Organic Holy Basil Booster Powder
Blend up organic Holy Basil for stress relief and immune support with delicious booster powder, perfect for mixing into your favorite beverage.* It's also yummy in yogurt bowls, salads, and more! This soothing booster powder has the added benefit of being Regenerative Organic Certified®, meaning it's produced using agricultural methods that help address the climate crisis and global food insecurity. Here's a typical consumer review: "I'm hooked. Love this product. It has great ingredients and great taste. Super effective." (liliana162, newchapter.com reviewer, received free product)
Zyflamend™
Zyflamend is New Chapter’s clinically studied 10-herb blend designed with Holy Basil alongside potent Turmeric, Ginger, and Green Tea. It’s a unique formula that supports joint health and mobility as well as a healthy inflammation response.*
We hope you’ll consider adding this friendly, helpful herb to your daily wellness routine. We travel the globe to source Nature's finest quality botanicals, then test them carefully for identity, potency, and purity. So, you can rest assured that when you pick New Chapter’s Holy Basil, you’re getting the exact Ocimum sanctum that you want for the Holy Basil supplement benefits you expect. That’s what we do, so you can do you!
