Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is native to Southeast Asia. It has a history within Indian medicine as a treatment for many conditions, from eye diseases to ringworms. However, more research into its health benefits is necessary.

This green leafy plant is also known as Ocimum sanctum L. and tulsi. Some people recommend different parts of the plant for treating different conditions, though more research is necessary.

Always talk with your doctor before taking supplements. Like many supplements, holy basil is not approved as a first-line treatment. It may also interact with medications you’re already taking.

All parts of the holy basil plant act as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance.

The concept of an adaptogen is a holistic approach. However, holy basil has pharmacological properties to help your mind cope with many types of stress.

The source of your stress can be:

  • chemical
  • physical
  • infectious
  • emotional

In the case of physical stress, holy basil may increase endurance in animals. According to a 2017 research reviewTrusted Source, animals who had holy basil leaf extracts and went through environment-induced stress scenarios showed:

  • enhanced metabolism
  • improved swimming time
  • less tissue damage
  • lower stress levels in loud environments

Human and animal studies saw reduced:

  • stress
  • sexual problems
  • sleep problems
  • forgetfulness
  • exhaustion

According to a 2022 studyTrusted Source, holy basil extract helped reduce stress and improved quality of sleep. However, the study also notes that further research is necessary to confirm the benefits of holy basil for sleep.

A 2014 articleTrusted Source suggests that holy basil may be able to support wound healing. This may be because it contains:

  • antibacterial properties
  • antioxidants
  • anti-inflammatory properties
  • analgesics, which help with pain relief

However, more research is necessary. You should also always follow a medical professional’s instructions when caring for a wound.

Learn about the stages of wound healing.

If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, all parts of the holy basil plant may help reduce your blood sugar. According to a 2017 research reviewTrusted Source, some human studies have shown that holy basil can help prevent symptoms of diabetes.

Talk with your doctor before adding holy basil to your diet. If you’re already taking medications to manage blood sugar, it may lower your blood sugar levels too much.

Since holy basil targets metabolic stress, it may help with cholesterol levels.

A 2018 study found that holy basil was able to decrease total, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol in older adults with metabolic disease.

According to a 2017 research reviewTrusted Source, holy basil may help alleviate inflammation.

However, depending on the underlying cause of inflammation, a doctor may recommend medical treatments to directly treat the issue.

As there are many possible causes of inflammation, it’s important to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis,

Supplements of holy basil extract are available in pill or capsule form.

Essential oil of holy basil is distilled from leaves and flowers of the plant.

You can also make holy basil tea using the leaves, flowers, or dried leaf powder. The herb can also be used to make freshly brewed tea by placing 2 to 3 teaspoons of holy basil in a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 5 to 6 minutes.

The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter.

If you wish to use holy basil to treat a medical condition or symptom, you should contact a doctor for advice first. They can advise on if you should take holy basil and how much, as well as whether it may interact with any medications you are currently taking.

Always make sure to speak with your doctor before incorporating holy basil or any other supplement into your diet.

There’s not enough research to recommend use for infants, children, or pregnant or nursing people. The FDA doesn’t monitor the processing, quality, purity, and effectiveness of herbs or supplements.

Buy holy basil that’s grown organically by a reputable source in a rural, unpolluted environment. Holy basil grown in a polluted area may contain twice the toxicity.

A 2017 research reviewTrusted Source found no reported negative side effects during human clinical trials. However, you should avoid holy basil if you’re lactating, pregnant, or trying to conceive.

Holy basil offers numerous possible health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, supporting wound healing, lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and easing inflammation.

However, more research is necessary to further investigate the health benefits of holy basil.

It’s best to contact a doctor for advice before taking holy basil. They can advise on its safety based on your individual circumstances, as well as recommending other treatments that may be more suitable.