Can You Use Holy Basil for Cortisol Balance?

Theresa Groskopp

holy basil for cortisol Holy basil for cortisol balance has become popular in recent years. Learn more in this post!
If you think your cortisol levels might be out of balance, you might want to consider some ways to bring more harmony into your system. Consistent low-grade stress or fear releases cortisol levels that can have an impact on your sleep cycle, feelings of uneasiness, weight gain, and more. Some studies indicate that using holy basil for cortisol balance could have potential health benefits. Stress and fear can be tricky, because these emotions do have a purpose when you experience them in moderate doses. They signal to our bodies and minds when we are in danger or when we need to make a change that will lead to a safer, healthier lifestyle. However, prolonged stress and fear can have serious consequences to your health.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is known as the stress hormone because it is secreted when the body experiences stress or fear. However, it's common for people to remain in a state of stress, creating high levels of cortisol that could have a negative impact on the body. Do you tend to read the newspaper or watch a lot of news? Maybe your job leaves your stomach tied up in knots, or you can't stop thinking about a difficult family situation. These daily activities or circumstances might seem unavoidable but if left unchecked, they can cause potential health issues, including
  • Weight gain
  • Fragile skin
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Sexual problems
  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Headaches
  • Emotional outbursts

Holy Basil for Cortisol Balance

You might be wondering how you can change your circumstances in order to avoid feeling so much stress in your life. After all, you can't quit your job or magically make all your problems go away. However, you can try some techniques, such as deep breathing, exercise, or talk therapy to help cope with stress. Also, many studies show that using holy basil for cortisol balance may be helpful, too. Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, has been used as far back as 3,000 years ago. The name Tulsi means the incomparable one, as this herb was used in Hindu mythology and considered sacred by Indian royalty. This small shrub has a strong scent and it is known as an adaptogenic herb meaning it has properties that can help balance cortisol levels and possibly promote healthy stress levels.

Other Potential Benefits of Holy Basil

Today, several medical studies have examined the potential health benefits of using holy basil. In addition to helping balance cortisol levels, holy basil may promote healthy blood sugar levels already in the normal range in people with Type 2 diabetes. While researchers aren't yet sure exactly why holy basil may help with blood sugar balance, a study reported that taking 1,000 milligrams of holy basil per day lowered blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. In studies examining mental stress, holy basil has been associated with less stress and depression. In some ayurvedic practices, it is common to drink holy basil tea daily. This may promote healthy stress levels, sexual and sleep habits, and may potentially address other issues associated with stress, such as forgetfulness and exhaustion. If you are plagued by high levels of stress, holy basil for cortisol balance certainly won't solve all of your problems. However, studies show that it may promote healthy cortisol levels, which can have a positive impact on several functions within the body.

Buying and Using Holy Basil

While many people choose to drink holy basil or tulsi tea, you can also benefit from holy basil's properties by taking a supplement in capsule or liquid form. We could all use a little help balancing stress and keeping our cortisol levels in check. If you think holy basil could assist you in this, take a look at the hundreds of holy basil products we offer at Natural Healthy Concepts. Whether you are looking for a liquid supplement, capsule, or tea, we have you covered. If you've been using holy basil for cortisol balance, share your experiences in the comments below. Which products work for you? How has holy basil helped you? We'd love to hear from you!
Back to Blog
About the Author

Theresa Groskopp

Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin,Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking.

Related Articles