AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Holy Basil Leaf (tulsi) HERBAL CHOPPED (OCIMUM SANCTUM)

Re-vitalizing circulatory & lung tonic.

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Holy Basil is a warming herb with a pleasant floral taste. It brings lightness to the mind, clears the lungs, and generally improves circulation. The subtle floral aroma is soothing and relaxing, not overpowering, to most people.

Holy Basil is one of Ayurveda's favorite and most widely used lung tonics. As an adaptogen, Holy Basil also helps the body handle stress. This makes it a perfect herb for times of chaos and uncertainty.

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Holy Basil is also known as Tulsi. It is a medicinal, aromatic herb in the mint family. The scientific name for Holy Basil is Ocimum sanctum. "Ocimum" comes from a Greek word meaning "smell". So it's no surprise that Holy Basil has a powerful perfumey odor. One student wrote, "It was like eating potpourri, very pleasant, but if overdone could be a bit nauseating too." Another said, "the floral aroma filled the entirety of my mouth." And, basil plants are often kept outside or inside houses to purify the air.

The word "sanctum" means holy or sacred. Often, plants that are called holy are also good for human health, and that's why they have been given ritual significance. This is the case for Holy Basil. Conversely, plants called wolfsbane or death angel tend to be poisonous. In Greek Orthodox weddings, the bride and groom wear holy basil in their head wreaths - testifying to its hallowed or exalted status.
There are a few types of Holy Basil - several types of Green, and Purple. Purple Holy Basil is the strongest.

Footnote: The information for this article was in part gathered from a 2020 study and survey of 14 students of Ayurveda who experimented with holy basil. During the study, students ate holy basil for 3 days and journaled the pharmacological effects. This study was sponsored by the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda, and the Mastering Ayurvedic Digestion & Nutrition certification course.

What does Holy Basil Taste Like?


Holy Basil is very aromatic with a slight flowery taste. The smell of Holy Basil is sweet and so is the aftertaste. The strong aroma slightly numbs the tongue.

When you drink Tulsi tea, your tongue can also feel quite rough, because of the astringent effect in Holy Basil. This roughness is counterbalanced with a slight slippery quality (called demulcent). One student said, "My teeth felt as if the enamel was super slick".

Holy Basil also has a mild bitterness and pungency. The combination of this gentle spiciness and aroma gives it a spreading quality in the body. A student said, "It felt the warmth spread through my whole body." This pungency also pushes heat upward. You may be able to feel a throbbing sensation in your head as blood flow increases there.

Warming, increases heat


Basil increases heat and pushes it upwards to the head. "My body temperature increased", one student observed. Another notes, "My eyes and head felt hot. My ears were warmer. My head felt full of blood. I could feel my pulse in my head - a sign that blood vessels in my head were dilated." One student said, "I felt it the most around my neck and my cheeks, which got rosy and warm. My heart rate increased a little. I can feel my pulse in my chest."

Vata and Kapha individuals will enjoy the rise in body temperature, since they are predominantly cold. Although Holy Basil is generally supportive for Pitta, it may aggravate Pitta in some individuals. Many Pitta individuals already feel heat in their head.

The heating effects of Holy Basil are not limited to the head. One Pitta student remarked, "My hot flashes with light night sweats continued and even became a bit more frequent. I started having hot flashes throughout the day as well." Another noted, "I was sweating a little bit under my arms with no exertion."

Increases Circulation


Generally, aromatic compounds relax nerves and smooth muscle tissue. This effect relaxes the smooth muscle tissue of blood vessels, opening and dilating them (called vasodilation). The effect increases blood flow, especially notable in the skin. "After eating Holy Basil, I could feel my pores opening up", said one student, "The increased blood flow was relaxing, and peaceful."

The mild pungency of Holy Basil may also stimulate the heart. Altogether the improved circulation heats and stimulates the blood (rakta). For Vata individuals who tend to have poor blood circulation, this increase of blood flow and heat can revitalize their whole body. Pitta people are already aggravated by heat. For Pitta's, increased blood flow can stress the liver, and lead to tension and irritability.

Encourages Menstruation


Since dilation of blood vessels increases blood flow, Holy Basil can be used to increase menstrual flow. In some cases it could cause a woman's period to come early. One student said, "My menstrual cycle started 1 week earlier this month." Another student said, "My period was heavier." Taking Holy Basil can be helpful for both Vata and Kapha individuals to increase their menstrual flow. Vata's generally have a light and scanty flow, while Kapha's flow can be stagnant and in need of movement. Pitta's already tend to have a heavier flow.

Relaxing, Clears the Mind


Holy Basil brings a calm yet alert quality to the brain. One student mentioned, "I felt calm in my head, a really comfortable feeling due to enhanced circulation to the brain."

Another said, "I feel lighter in my head, and my body feels more relaxed. Another mentioned, "It relaxes me at the end of a long work day." She felt her breath slowing down after consuming Holy Basil (Tulsi). It made her feel euphoric and relaxed. Another said, "Holy Basil gives me a concentrated feeling in the middle of my forehead. It is a heady and expansive feeling".

Holy Basil is special because it is both light and relaxing. Oftentimes relaxing herbs and foods have a heavy quality, which can make you feel sleepy (think mashed potatoes). But rather than putting you to sleep, Holy Basil is light. It improves creativity and focus. One student mentioned, "I had lots of creative ideas and was better able to focus and to get things done". Holy Basil's lightness doesn't prevent sleep, however. Instead, one student said, "It helps me fall asleep easily."

So why is Basil considered holy in the Vedic tradition? Holy Basil's name reflects the hallowed status of meditation in the Vedic tradition. Holy Basil activates the top of the head, called the adipati marma point. At the adipati marma point, several veins and parts of the skull meet. According to Vedic religious tradition, this is the point where divine consciousness enters the body of a human. "I experienced an empty feeling in the top of my head. Like I was spacey sometimes", said one student. Another student said, "It got me in worship/ meditative mode."

How about you? Is Holy Basil holy to you? Do you find Holy Basil expansive or merely ungrounding? Other faith traditions believe that God enters the person in their heart, not the head. In this case, Holy Basil happens to strengthen the heart too. So it seems the holiness of this herb is ecumenical!

A full discussion of this plant's holiness may be beyond the scope of the article. For now it's enough to know Holy Basil is a pleasant mood lifter that improves concentration. And, that Holy Basil's spacey qualities can aggravate Vata in some individuals.

Relaxes Muscles, Releases Tension


So far we have learned that Holy Basil increases circulation and opens up blood vessels. The aromatic compounds in Holy Basil relax smooth muscles and skeletal muscles everywhere in the body, too. Plus, opening the blood vessels provides plentiful blood to muscles, also relaxing them. In Chinese medicine this is called, "smoothing the liver."

One student said, "It had a relaxing effect on my muscles, I felt my right shoulder drop. Also I became aware of parts of my body where I usually carry lots of tension, like my neck, right shoulder and between my shoulder blades".

Holy Basil also helps release emotional pain which may be stored in tight muscles. One student mentioned, "Holy Basil helped me in releasing some pent-up emotions. It felt like it 'removed a plug' that had kept my heart sealed off". The relaxing and blood flow improving qualities of Basil generally bring awareness to these tense areas of your body.

Clears the Lungs


Just as Holy Basil clears your blood, mind, and muscles, it can have a similar effect on your lungs. As it improves blood flow, Holy Basil warms your lungs and dries excess moisture from them. These lung-lightening effects make Holy Basil very useful on damp, soggy days. "It makes me feel lighter in my mind and chest," one student observed, "I was able to breathe more deeply without constantly feeling this heavy weight on my chest."

Holy Basil is beneficial for respiratory conditions where your lungs need to be cleaned but are inflamed, such as in bronchitis or other lung infections. Another student noted, "I have a history of bronchitis, so my lungs are a weak area. [With Holy Basil], my chest felt more relaxed and expansive."

The ability of Holy Basil to lighten and clear mucus from your lungs is beneficial in many situations. A student on the West coast of Peru was hiking at an altitude of 10,600 feet (3259 metres) above sea level. She said, "Tulsi actually cleared my breathing and this was super helpful in high altitude."

Holy Basil balances your immune system and is often used as an anti-inflammatory in lung conditions. As an antihistamine, Holy Basil is especially useful for respiratory and gut allergies.

Dries the Body


Holy Basil has a mild diuretic effect. It can make you pee more and dry out your body. But it doesn't irritate your kidneys like other diuretics can. Instead, Holy Basil is soothing. One student noted that "Normally my kidneys ache with diuretics, but my kidneys feel warm and comfortable with Tulsi." Some students said their mouth was drier - this is due to the astringency of holy basil and the diuretic effect.

Strengthens Digestion & Dries Up Stools


Holy Basil strengthens digestion by increasing your digestive fire (agni). Strong digestion improves absorption of nutrients from your food and increases your immunity. Holy Basil's strength as a digestive aid also helps with decreasing gas and bloating. One of the students said, "I experienced less gas after consuming Tulsi".

Strong agni also increases your appetite. One student mentioned his appetite became stronger after drinking Tulsi tea. A few students experienced irritation to the stomach or slight nausea.

The astringent effect and mucus destroying aromatic compounds of Holy Basil can cause drier stools. Improved absorption of nutrients makes stools smaller. Some students experienced more constipation with Holy Basil. Others noticed Holy Basil darkened their stools as well. Vatas are more likely to experience this, since they are already prone to dryness and constipation.

Summary


Holy Basil is a purifying herb that clears the lungs and improves circulation. Holy Basil helps clears and rejuvenates the lungs by removing excess Kapha from the respiratory system. This allows easy, comfortable breathing. Holy Basil's lung-expanding effect is useful for increasing respiration in people who live at high altitudes or who have a history of respiratory illness.

Holy Basil also relaxes the mind while increasing alertness. It relaxes the nerves, blood vessels, and smooth muscle tissues in the body. Blood flow improves. With increased circulation comes more warmth. So Holy Basil might aggravate Pitta by increasing blood flow and heat.

Ayurveda Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Whole Plant Large

Ayurveda Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Flower Large

Ayurveda Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Leaf Large

Ayurveda Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Harvested Large

Ayurveda Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Monogram Large

SUGGESTED USE

1/2 - 1 tsp in warm water 2x/day or as directed by your practitioner.
How should I take my herbs?
Follow these guidelines

Metabolic Nature of Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

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.

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DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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

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HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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

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LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

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MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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

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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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ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

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PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

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

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SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

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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
AGGRAVATES
Pitta aggravating Vata 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.

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Moves Energy:
Downward

DOWNWARD

Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.

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Inward

INWARD

Inward moving substances promote introspection, self reflection, stillness, or slow the system down.

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Outward

OUTWARD

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

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Upward

UPWARD

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

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Tissue (dhatu):
Blood Plasma Lymph

BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH

Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.

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Fat

FAT

Fat tissue (Meda Dhatu) includes adipose tissue and sebum (skin oil).

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Red Blood

RED-BLOOD

Red blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.

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Subdosha: Kapha Avalambaka, Kapha Bodhaka, Kapha Kledaka, Pitta Sadhaka, Vayu Apana, Vayu Prana, Vayu Samana, Vayu Vyana
Affinity:
Anti Aging

ANTI-AGING

Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.

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, Cleanse And Detox, Digestion,
Energy Vitality

ENERGY-VITALITY

Includes vitality improving foods, herbs, and exercises by dosha.

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, Heart Circulation Blood, Immune System, Kidney Bladder Urinary, Mind Stress Sleep, Respiratory Health, Weight Loss
Family: Lamiaceae
HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)
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.

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Stomachic

STOMACHIC

An herb that increases appetite or settles a nauseas or nervous stomach. These generally increase the digestive fire, therefore relieving symptoms of sluggish or difficult digestion.

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Constipative

CONSTIPATIVE

An herb that binds stools / stops diarrhea. When used in excess, these herbs and foods can cause constipation.

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Burns Toxins

BURNS-TOXINS

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

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Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

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

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Nerve Relaxant Grounding

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

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Stimulates Crown

STIMULATES-CROWN

Creates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area at the top of the head.

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Stimulates Front Of Brain

STIMULATES-FRONT-OF-BRAIN

Creates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area in the forehead. Activates the frontal lobe - the area responsible for motor function, emotional expression, thinking, and decision making.

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Antidepressant

ANTIDEPRESSANT

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

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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.

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Boosts Gaba

BOOSTS-GABA

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, reduces nerve excitability. It is the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, it promotes relaxation, calm, and sleep.

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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.

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Sedative

SEDATIVE

Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.

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Refreshing

REFRESHING

Stimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized.

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Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

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Adrenal Tonic

ADRENAL-TONIC

Strengthens, supports, or increases output of adrenals.

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Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

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

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Clears Sinuses

CLEARS-SINUSES

Cleanses sinuses by draining excess mucus, allowing for clear, easy breathing.

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Warms Chest

WARMS-CHEST

Warms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. Often these herbs are hot, aromatic, and pungent.

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Bronchodilator

BRONCHODILATOR

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

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Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

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

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Expectorant

EXPECTORANT

Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.

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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.

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Adaptogen

ADAPTOGEN

Herbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.

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Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

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

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Antibacterial

ANTIBACTERIAL

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

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Antifungal

ANTIFUNGAL

Herbs that destroy fungus.

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Antimicrobial

ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

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Immune Calming

IMMUNE-CALMING

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

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, Mast Cell Stabilizer
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.

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Warms Ears

WARMS-EARS

Stimulates peripheral circulation to warm extremities, including the ears.

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Warms Head

WARMS-HEAD

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

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Vasodilator

STRONG 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.

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Blood Tonic

BLOOD-TONIC

An herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.

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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.

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Dries Mouth

DRIES-MOUTH

Makes the mouth feel dry, or pasty.

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Warms Kidney

WARMS-KIDNEY

Warms the kidneys by increasing blood flow to the organ.

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Hypolipidemic

HYPOLIPIDEMIC

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.

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Emmenagogue

EMMENAGOGUE

Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.

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Muscle Relaxant

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.

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,
Antispasmodic

ANTISPASMODIC

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

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Constituents:
Rosmarinic Acid

ROSMARINIC-ACID

Inhibits autoantibodies from binding to TSH receptors in the thyroid.

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Foods with a Similar Nature to Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Mustard

Mustard has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Bronchodilator, Clears-sinuses, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Warms-ears, Antimicrobial, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Warms-head

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Mustard Powder

Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Warms-head, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Bronchodilator, Clears-sinuses, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Warms-ears, Antimicrobial

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Basil

Basil has these Actions in Common

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

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Allspice

Allspice has these Actions in Common

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Mustard Seed

Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Bronchodilator, Clears-sinuses, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Warms-ears, Antimicrobial, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Warms-head

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Rosemary

Rosemary has these Actions in Common

Decongestant, Immune-calming, Nervine, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Antidepressant, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Emmenagogue, Muscle-relaxant, Stomachic, Antifungal, Bronchodilator

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Mint

Mint has these Actions in Common

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Thyme (fresh)

Thyme (fresh) has these Actions in Common

Adaptogen, Antispasmodic, Burns-toxins, Expectorant, Lung-tonic, Vasodilator, Antibacterial, Appetizer, Decongestant, Immune-calming, Nervine, Antimicrobial, Bronchodilator, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-energy

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Cloves

Cloves has these Actions in Common

Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Warms-head, Antifungal, Anxiolytic, Diaphoretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Warms-chest, Antimicrobial, Burns-toxins, Expectorant, Nervine, Warms-ears

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Ginger (Fresh)

Ginger (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Refreshing, Vasodilator, Adrenal-tonic, Appetizer, Decongestant, Lung-tonic, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Burns-toxins, Hypolipidemic, Nervine, Stomachic

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Garlic (raw)

Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

Antifungal, Cardiac-stimulant, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Decongestant, Expectorant, Lung-tonic, Warms-chest, Antibacterial, Bronchodilator, Diaphoretic, Hypolipidemic, Stomachic

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Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)

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

Decongestant, Vasodilator, Diuretic, Warms-chest, Immune-calming, Warms-ears, Anti-inflammatory, Mast-cell-stabilizer, Warms-head, Antidepressant, Muscle-relaxant, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Bronchodilator, Refreshing, Cardiac-stimulant, Stimulates-energy

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Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama)

Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama) has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Lung-tonic, Antispasmodic, Muscle-relaxant, Anxiolytic, Nervine, Blood-tonic, Refreshing, Cardiac-stimulant, Stimulates-crown, Decongestant, Stimulates-energy, Adaptogen, Expectorant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Adrenal-tonic, Internal-detoxicant

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Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama)

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

Antispasmodic, Muscle-relaxant, Anxiolytic, Nervine, Blood-tonic, Refreshing, Cardiac-stimulant, Stimulates-crown, Decongestant, Stimulates-energy, Adaptogen, Expectorant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Adrenal-tonic, Internal-detoxicant, Antidepressant, Lung-tonic

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Thyme White Essential Oil - 1/3 oz

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

Antispasmodic, Internal-detoxicant, Appetizer, Lung-tonic, Bronchodilator, Nervine, Burns-toxins, Stimulates-energy, Decongestant, Vasodilator, Adaptogen, Diaphoretic, Antibacterial, Expectorant, Antimicrobial, Immune-calming

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Dong Quai

Dong Quai has these Actions in Common

Boosts-gaba, Muscle-relaxant, Bronchodilator, Nervine, Cardiac-stimulant, Stimulates-energy, Emmenagogue, Vasodilator, Adaptogen, Expectorant, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Antispasmodic, Immune-calming, Blood-tonic, Internal-detoxicant

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Punarnava

Punarnava has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Lung-tonic, Antispasmodic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Blood-tonic, Stimulates-energy, Bronchodilator, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Cardiac-stimulant, Vasodilator, Diuretic, Warms-kidney, Hypolipidemic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant

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Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has these Actions in Common

Antidepressant, Muscle-relaxant, Antispasmodic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Anxiolytic, Nervine, Blood-tonic, Sedative, Boosts-gaba, Adaptogen, Diuretic, Adrenal-tonic, Immune-calming, Anti-inflammatory, Mast-cell-stabilizer

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Breathing Exercises

Breathing Exercises has these Actions in Common

Expectorant, Adaptogen, Internal-detoxicant, Adrenal-tonic, Lung-tonic, Antispasmodic, Muscle-relaxant, Anxiolytic, Nervine, Blood-tonic, Refreshing, Cardiac-stimulant, Stimulates-energy, Decongestant

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Angelica

Angelica has these Actions in Common

Emmenagogue, Vasodilator, Expectorant, Hypolipidemic, Antispasmodic, Immune-calming, Bronchodilator, Lung-tonic, Cardiac-stimulant, Nervine, Decongestant, Stimulates-energy, Diaphoretic, Stomachic

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Eleuthero Ginseng

Eleuthero Ginseng has these Actions in Common

Adaptogen, Hypolipidemic, Adrenal-tonic, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Muscle-relaxant, Antidepressant, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Antispasmodic, Nervine, Anxiolytic, Stimulates-energy, Blood-tonic, Expectorant

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Impact of Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

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 Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your temperature?

0
1
7
19
3
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your sweat quantity?

0
2
19
7
2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the color of your tongue body?

1
13
0
16
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the swelling of your tongue body?

4
6
20
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your appetite/hunger?

0
1
10
16
3
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your digestion speed?

2
10
12
6
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

TOXINS

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the amount of gas & bloating?

2
13
9
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool smell?

0
3
18
8
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

Tongue: How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

3
7
15
5
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the color of your tongue coating?

2
3
2
0
23
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine smell?

0
5
22
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

1
2
24
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your sweat smell?

0
2
24
3
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

HYDRATION

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
3
18
8
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the cracks on your tongue?

0
4
20
6
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your energy levels?

0
4
8
17
1
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your muscle tension?

5
15
8
2
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your anxiety?

5
14
9
2
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the stillness of your tongue?

6
20
4
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

DIGESTION

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your appetite/hunger?

0
1
10
16
3
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your digestion speed?

2
10
12
6
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the amount of gas & bloating?

2
13
9
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

TONGUE

Tongue: How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

3
7
15
5
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the swelling of your tongue body?

4
6
20
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the color of your tongue body?

1
13
0
16
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the stillness of your tongue?

6
20
4
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the color of your tongue coating?

2
3
2
0
23
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the cracks on your tongue?

0
4
20
6
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

STOOL

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool frequency/quantity?

0
3
19
6
2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool color?

3
0
2
3
22
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool lightness?

2
6
17
4
1
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool smell?

0
3
18
8
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool consistency?

0
10
14
5
1
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

URINE

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

1
2
24
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine clarity?

1
23
6
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine smell?

0
5
22
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine lightness?

0
4
21
5
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
3
18
8
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

SWEAT

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your sweat smell?

0
2
24
3
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your sweat quantity?

0
2
19
7
2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

SYSTEMIC

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your temperature?

0
1
7
19
3
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your energy levels?

0
4
8
17
1
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your muscle tension?

5
15
8
2
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your anxiety?

5
14
9
2
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)


Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any herb supplement for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

HERB DRUG INTERACTION RISK

Here are some potential herb drug interactions. Please see your health care provider for more information.
  • Antidepressant: Do not combine with antihistamines.
  • Decongestant: For decongestants whose mechanism is vasoconstriction, could potentially increase blood pressure.
  • Diuretic: Diuretics may clear pharmaceutical drugs more quickly, lowering the effect.
  • Hypolipidemic: May magnify the effect of cholesterol lowering drugs.
  • Muscle-relaxant: Do not combine muscle relaxants with antihistamines.
  • Sedative: Do not combine nerve suppressing sedatives with nerve stimulants, pharmaceutical sedatives, most anxiolyitcs, or antihistamines.

WHAT'S NEXT?

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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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