College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC FOODS

Basil Benefits (According to Ayurveda)

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Recipes with Basil: Gluten Free Pizza Crust Made from Zucchini, Cheese, and Egg
Recipes with Basil: Gluten Free Pizza Crust Made from Zucchini, Cheese, and Egg
Basil's warm and spicy aroma adds a passionate flare to any dish, bringing the heat of the Mediterranean sun to your table. Its bright green color and vigorous flavor is unmistakable in pesto. It adds verve to a home-made tomato sauce, and is a perky addition to any summertime salad.

Powerful Herbs in Your Spice Cabinet

Don't overlook the medicinal power of your spice cabinet! Like many common spices, Basil is a powerful healing herb. Each and every spice has unique healing properties. For this reason, in Ayurveda your spice cabinet is your medicine cabinet. Basil is the spice equivalent of a popular Ayurvedic herb called tulsi, but is a powerful herb in its own right.

Reduce Congestion & Breathe Freely

Whether dealing with a chronic lung condition or acute cold symptoms, basil can help cut through mucus and relieve congestion. It contains cinnamanic acid, which helps you breathe freely by enhancing circulation, breaking up and removing phlegm from your bronchial tubes.

Immune Boost

Basil is a good anti-bacterial herb with anti-inflammatory properties and a walloping punch of vitamin C. So, make a nice cup of basil tea when you feel a cold coming on! Alternatively, make a lemongrass soup heavily garnished with basil. By flushing the surface of your skin, sinuses, and lungs with blood that is rich with immune fighting cells, Basil can help you sweat out the bug! Like most members of the mint family, basil induces profuse sweating because of its aromatic qualities. In this case basil is also pungent and warming.

This concept of "sweating it out," is called releasing the exterior in chinese medicine. When your body realizes it's been exposed to a pathogen, your wei-qi, the part of your immune system responsible for defending your body through circulation and your skin, clamps down and closes your pores. Have you ever noticed that right before you get "really" sick, you get a neck ache, body aches, and a tight, cold chill throughout your body? You are feeling your wei-qi closing your pores and tightening up all the muscles in order to keep out "wind" pathogens.

In order to push the pathogen back out the way it came, Chinese Medicine, like Ayurveda, prescribes diaphoretic herbs to induce therapeutic sweating. As these herbs (like basil and ginger) begin to work, wei-qi relaxes and opens pores back up, you start to sweat, and your neck relaxes.
Recipes with Basil: Tofu Coconut Curry with Asparagus & Basil
Recipes with Basil: Tofu Coconut Curry with Asparagus & Basil

Use in Diabetes

The benefits of basil point strongly to one disease- diabetes. Basil has been shown to stabilize blood sugar, tonify the kidneys, reduces cholesterol, and aid in weight loss through it's diaphoretic action. Like all members of the mint family, basil is an effective nervine, so has a positive effect on neuropathy. It also sharpens your memory.

Basil for Heart Health

Basil is an excellent source of beta-carotene, a powerful anti-oxidant. Beta-carotene protects the cells that line your blood vessels from free radical damage. It also helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream. Cholesterol only builds-up on your blood vessel walls to cause atherosclerosis after its been oxidized. So, incorporating lots of anti-oxidants into your diet can protect you from a heart attack or stroke, extreme end results of severe atherosclerosis. A cup of basil tea daily is excellent for heart health both by tonifying your heart and reducing cholesterol.

Basil is high in magnesium, the mineral responsible for relaxing muscles in your body, including your heart muscle. When your heart is relaxed, blood flow remains smooth and even to your heart, reducing the risk of irregular heart rhythms and stress induced high blood pressure. Basil also contains Omega 3 fatty acids, whose anti-inflammatory properties protect your heart.

Calms Inflammation for Pain Relief & Deep Healing

Basil offers relief from painful inflammation. A chemical in basil's volatile oil called eugenol has been shown to block activity of the same enzyme (cyclooxygenase) that aspirin and ibuprofen block in order to reduce painful inflammation. Basil also contains anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids, while providing strong anti-oxidants in the form of beta-carotene.

Anti-oxidants, as mentioned in depth above, neutralize free radicals which are a contributing factor in disorders of chronic inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and asthma. A few fresh leaves of basil every day may help manage these disorders and other inflammatory conditions.
Recipes with Basil: Chick Pea with Italian Herbs & Red Wine
Recipes with Basil: Chick Pea with Italian Herbs & Red Wine

Buying & Preparation

Always choose fresh basil over dried where possible, as the dried herb quickly loses its flavor! Choose vibrant, deep green leaves free from dark spots or yellowing. It should look freshly picked. That said, it is nice to keep in your spice cabinet to sprinkle on chicken, beef, or give Italian flare to veggies. Choose organic if possible- irradiating basil greatly diminishes its levels of vitamin C and caratenoids.

Store fresh basil in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. Or simply place your bunch in a wide mouthed glass with an inch or two of water in the bottom. Basil comes in many varieties, such as Italian sweet basil. Purple basil, used in Asian countries, is more bitter. Other varieties include lemon basil, and the famous Ayurvedic herb Tulsi, also called Holy Basil.

Cooking Basil

Since the oils in basil are highly volatile, it is best to add the herb at the very end of cooking as a garnish. Basil loses it's flavor quickly when exposed to heat.

Basil is most famous as an ingredient in tomato sauce and classic pesto. It is nearly synonymous with Italian cooking. Basil's appeal reaches beyond the Mediterranean. Across the world it plays a prominent role in thai coconut curries and Vietnamese noodle soups. At home, try chopping fresh basil and sprinkling it on chicken.

You might not think of Basil as a dessert spice, yet it appears as a classy garnish atop exotic desserts like strawberry & balsamic ice cream, on a creme-brulee, or atop your favorite key lime pie. Basil can be a tasty bitter accent in sweet watermelon smoothies.

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Is Basil Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Basil' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.
SERVING SIZE: 1 tbsp
SPECIES: Ocimum basilicum
FAMILY: Lamiaceae

EAT IN: SPRING

Metabolic Nature of Basil

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
INCREASES
Guna Help

Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)

Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.

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CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

TASTES
Taste Help

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes, laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

DOSHAS
Dosha Help

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Pitta aggravating
HAS THE FOLLOWING
Subtaste:
Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.

SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS


Moves Energy:
Outward

OUTWARD

Outward-moving substances stimulate circulation, push heat towards the skin, or are stimulating.

SEE ALL 'OUTWARD' FOODS / HERBS

,
Upward

UPWARD

Upward-moving substances (Urdvha Gati Marga) include anything stimulating or activating, or that move upward in the body.

SEE ALL 'UPWARD' FOODS / HERBS


Tissue (dhatu):
Nerves

NERVES

Marrow tissue (Majja Dhatu) includes bone marrow and nervous tissue.

SEE ALL 'NERVES' FOODS / HERBS


Affinity: Respiratory Health
Family: Lamiaceae
HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Basil
Help
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Appetizer

APPETIZER

Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat.

SEE ALL 'APPETIZER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Carminative

CARMINATIVE

Stimulates the release of gas. Helpful for bloating or cramping abdominal pain. Propels food downward. Carminatives typically expel gas by relaxing the muscles of the intestines.

SEE ALL 'CARMINATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Spleen Tonic

SPLEEN-TONIC

An herb that strengthens spleen function by improving strength of the blood. Spleen tonics Builds agni, brighten the person's appearances & firms up tissues.

SEE ALL 'SPLEEN-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Burns Toxins

BURNS-TOXINS

An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.

SEE ALL 'BURNS-TOXINS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Antidepressant

ANTIDEPRESSANT

Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.

SEE ALL 'ANTIDEPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Anxiolytic

ANXIOLYTIC

Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.

SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Improves Focus

IMPROVES-FOCUS

Reduces scattered thoughts. Creates a steady mind. Includes herbs that relax (for Vata) and herbs that stimulate (for Kapha).

SEE ALL 'IMPROVES-FOCUS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nerve Stimulant

NERVE-STIMULANT

Provide short lived stimulation of the nervous system.

SEE ALL 'NERVE-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nervine

NERVINE

Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.

SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Bronchodilator

STRONG BRONCHODILATOR

An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma.

SEE ALL 'BRONCHODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

,
Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.

SEE ALL 'DECONGESTANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lung Tonic

LUNG-TONIC

Strengthens the lungs. Lung tonics include antifibrotic, vessel tonic, or nourishing herbs with an affinity for the lungs. They aid recovery in acute or chronic lung conditions.

SEE ALL 'LUNG-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antibacterial

ANTIBACTERIAL

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

SEE ALL 'ANTIBACTERIAL' FOODS / HERBS

,
Immune Calming

IMMUNE-CALMING

Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.

SEE ALL 'IMMUNE-CALMING' FOODS / HERBS

,
Immune Stimulant

IMMUNE-STIMULANT

Stimulates and strengthens the immune system. Helpful when fighting off a cold or flu.

SEE ALL 'IMMUNE-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

Cardiac Stimulant

CARDIAC-STIMULANT

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.

SEE ALL 'CARDIAC-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Warms Ears

WARMS-EARS

Stimulates peripheral circulation to warm extremities, including the ears.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-EARS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Warms Head

WARMS-HEAD

An herb that increases sensations of heat and warmth in the head.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-HEAD' FOODS / HERBS

,
Hypertensive

HYPERTENSIVE

An herb that increases blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'HYPERTENSIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vasodilator

VASODILATOR

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.

SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antiandrogen

ANTIANDROGEN

Reduces androgen (testosterone), which can reduce excess growth, drive, and libido. Reduces skin oiliness. Helpful for prostate enlargement.

SEE ALL 'ANTIANDROGEN' FOODS / HERBS

,
Galactagogue

GALACTAGOGUE

Increases production of breast milk, often by raising prolactin and diaphoresis.

SEE ALL 'GALACTAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Antispasmodic

ANTISPASMODIC

Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS.

SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Nitric Oxide

STRONG NITRIC-OXIDE

Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health.

SEE ALL 'NITRIC-OXIDE' FOODS / HERBS

, Beta Carotene,
Rosmarinic Acid

ROSMARINIC-ACID

Inhibits autoantibodies from binding to TSH receptors in the thyroid.

SEE ALL 'ROSMARINIC-ACID' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Basil

Mustard

Mustard has these Actions in Common

Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-ears, Bronchodilator, Carminative, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Warms-head

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Rosemary

Rosemary has these Actions in Common

Hypertensive, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Antidepressant, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Immune-calming, Nerve-stimulant, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Improves-focus, Nervine, Bronchodilator, Decongestant

LEARN MORE

Mustard Powder

Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-ears, Bronchodilator, Carminative, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Warms-head

LEARN MORE

Fennel Seeds

Fennel Seeds has these Actions in Common

Appetizer, Carminative, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Antiandrogen, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Galactagogue, Lung-tonic, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Immune-calming, Nervine

LEARN MORE

Allspice

Allspice has these Actions in Common

Vasodilator, Antidepressant, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Nervine, Warms-head, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Antibacterial, Appetizer, Carminative, Internal-detoxicant

LEARN MORE

Nigella (black cumin)

Nigella (black cumin) has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Carminative, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Galactagogue, Nervine, Anti-inflammatory, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Immune-stimulant, Spleen-tonic

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Thyme (fresh)

Thyme (fresh) has these Actions in Common

Appetizer, Decongestant, Immune-calming, Nervine, Antibacterial, Bronchodilator, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic, Antispasmodic, Burns-toxins, Digestive, Lung-tonic, Vasodilator

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Cloves

Cloves has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Warms-head, Anxiolytic, Carminative, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Antibacterial, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Nervine, Warms-ears

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Ginger (Fresh)

Ginger (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Digestive, Lung-tonic, Vasodilator, Appetizer, Carminative, Galactagogue, Nervine, Anti-inflammatory, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Internal-detoxicant, Spleen-tonic

LEARN MORE

Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-ears, Bronchodilator, Carminative, Digestive, Spleen-tonic, Warms-head, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Diuretic, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Basil

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Anxiolytic, Immune-calming, Appetizer, Internal-detoxicant, Bronchodilator, Lung-tonic, Burns-toxins, Nervine, Anti-inflammatory, Cardiac-stimulant, Vasodilator, Antibacterial, Decongestant, Warms-ears, Antidepressant, Diaphoretic, Warms-head

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Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)

Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru) has these Actions in Common

Carminative, Warms-head, Decongestant, Digestive, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Antidepressant, Immune-calming, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Bronchodilator, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Warms-ears

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Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz

Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz has these Actions in Common

Burns-toxins, Spleen-tonic, Decongestant, Vasodilator, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Antibacterial, Immune-calming, Antispasmodic, Internal-detoxicant, Appetizer, Lung-tonic, Bronchodilator, Nervine

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Wild Ginger

Wild Ginger has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Internal-detoxicant, Appetizer, Spleen-tonic, Burns-toxins, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Warms-ears, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Immune-calming

LEARN MORE

Hyssop Powder

Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Internal-detoxicant, Bronchodilator, Nerve-stimulant, Cardiac-stimulant, Nervine, Vasodilator, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Hypertensive, Improves-focus

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Kushta

Kushta has these Actions in Common

Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Immune-stimulant, Antibacterial, Internal-detoxicant, Appetizer, Vasodilator, Bronchodilator

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Angelica

Angelica has these Actions in Common

Digestive, Immune-calming, Immune-stimulant, Antispasmodic, Lung-tonic, Bronchodilator, Nervine, Cardiac-stimulant, Vasodilator, Decongestant, Diaphoretic

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Trikatu

Trikatu has these Actions in Common

Appetizer, Internal-detoxicant, Bronchodilator, Vasodilator, Burns-toxins, Cardiac-stimulant, Carminative, Decongestant, Diaphoretic, Digestive

LEARN MORE

Mugwort

Mugwort has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Antibacterial, Nervine, Antispasmodic, Appetizer, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive

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Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama)

Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama) has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Nervine, Anxiolytic, Cardiac-stimulant, Decongestant, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Lung-tonic, Antidepressant, Nerve-stimulant

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Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama)

Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama) has these Actions in Common

Cardiac-stimulant, Decongestant, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Lung-tonic, Antidepressant, Nerve-stimulant, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Anxiolytic

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Impact of Basil

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Basil affect your temperature?

0
2
12
11
1
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your ear temperature?

6
17
3
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your sweat quantity?

0
1
19
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the color of your skin?

0
0
4
0
22
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the color of your tongue body?

1
6
0
19
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the swelling of your tongue body?

1
5
20
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your appetite/hunger?

0
3
11
11
1
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your digestion speed?

0
13
13
0
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

TOXINS

How did Basil affect the amount of gas & bloating?

0
10
15
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your stool smell?

0
1
23
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

1
7
18
0
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the color of your tongue coating?

6
0
2
2
16
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your throat soreness?

1
21
4
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your urine smell?

0
0
21
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

1
0
24
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your sweat smell?

0
1
24
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your acne?

0
26
0
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your freckles/moles?

0
26
0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

0
0
0
0
1
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
25
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0
0
26
0
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

HYDRATION

How did Basil affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
1
19
5
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the dryness of your skin?

3
1
22
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

0
25
1
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the cracks on your tongue?

0
2
18
5
1
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Basil affect your ear pressure?

0
23
3
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your congestion?

0
14
12
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

0
14
12
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Basil affect your energy levels?

0
0
14
12
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your muscle tension?

1
10
12
3
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your anxiety?

2
8
14
2
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the stillness of your tongue?

5
20
1
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

DIGESTION

How did Basil affect the amount of gas & bloating?

0
10
15
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your appetite/hunger?

0
3
11
11
1
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

0
3
16
7
0
Much reliefSlight reliefSameSlightly more burningMuch more burning
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your digestion speed?

0
13
13
0
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

TONGUE

How did Basil affect the stillness of your tongue?

5
20
1
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

1
7
18
0
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the cracks on your tongue?

0
2
18
5
1
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the color of your tongue body?

1
6
0
19
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the color of your tongue coating?

6
0
2
2
16
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the swelling of your tongue body?

1
5
20
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

STOOL

How did Basil affect your stool smell?

0
1
23
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your stool consistency?

0
6
16
4
0
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your stool frequency/quantity?

0
3
19
4
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your stool color?

1
1
2
0
22
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your stool lightness?

0
1
23
2
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

URINE

How did Basil affect your urine smell?

0
0
21
5
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your urine lightness?

1
6
18
1
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
1
19
5
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

1
0
24
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your urine clarity?

1
19
6
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

SWEAT

How did Basil affect your sweat smell?

0
1
24
1
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your sweat quantity?

0
1
19
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

SKIN

How did Basil affect the dryness of your skin?

3
1
22
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the color of your skin?

0
0
4
0
22
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your freckles/moles?

0
26
0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your acne?

0
26
0
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

EYE

How did Basil affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0
0
26
0
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

0
25
1
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

0
0
0
0
1
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
25
No Change
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

ENT

How did Basil affect your congestion?

0
14
12
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your ear pressure?

0
23
3
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your throat soreness?

1
21
4
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

0
14
12
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your ear temperature?

6
17
3
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

SYSTEMIC

How did Basil affect your anxiety?

2
8
14
2
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your temperature?

0
2
12
11
1
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your energy levels?

0
0
14
12
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your muscle tension?

1
10
12
3
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

HEART

How did Basil affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

0
3
23
0
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your heart rate?

0
3
22
1
0
Much slowerSlightly slowerSameSlightly fasterMuch faster
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)

How did Basil affect your heart rhythm?

0
24
2
More palpitationsSameLess palpitations
Total Responses: 26 Study ID:84 (2022-01-15 - 2022-01-24)


Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Basil may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.

Clinical Tools & Resources

Give smart recommendations to your clients and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.
About John Joseph Immel

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Basil'

Do you like 'basil'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'basil'?

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Postpartum mothers enjoy lactation promoting benefits from basil.
- Ysha Oakes, Albuquerque, NM , 11-26-09 (Reply)

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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