Holy Basil
Holy Basil is an incredible herb. It’s part of the Mint family and despite being closely related to the cooking herb basil, you don’t want to use it in cooking. Holy Basil offers different benefits and has been highly valued for centuries due to its positive effects on mind, body and spirit. At its core, Holy Basil is a powerful antioxidant, which can be used to treat many health conditions.
Holy Basil is most widely used for managing stress and anxiety. If used consistently, it can offer a calming, more clarified approach to life. Stress is a part of everyday life, creeping up on us when the demands of daily life exceed our ability to cope. When overstressed, the adrenal glands release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This is our body’s way of saying, “Hey let’s go, I’m ready to fight!” This response is convenient at certain times, but definitely not on a regular basis. If we are constantly stuck in this state of stress, our sympathetic nervous system begins to think this is normal. This makes it difficult for our bodies to get back to our parasympathetic system, which is responsible for relaxation. When stress does become chronic, it creates all kinds of inflammation in the body and in turn can instigate other problems.
As a longtime advocate, I’d like to tell you some of the ways Holy Basil has helped me. It functions as an adaptogen, enhancing the body’s response to physical and emotional stress. This has been instrumental for me. When I take Holy Basil, I really do feel my body responding to the stress in a clearer and calmer way. In times of intense stress, I find that it allows me to be much less reactive. Additionally, Holy Basil has even worked for me as a natural painkiller; however, I’ve only experimented with this during minor bouts of pain such as a headache.
When it comes to taking vitamins, you never know whether something will work until you give it a try. Keeping an open mind towards what you decide to supplement with is a vital part of the process. I am always on the hunt for supplements that provide optimal mental alertness. Mental clarity can be a struggle for me, which is why I sometimes resort to coffee, however, my body is very sensitive to coffee, so I’m trying more and more to avoid it. Holy Basil is a definite natural mental booster, without the negative effects of coffee.
Rhodiola
Another fantastic herb is Rhodiola. Rhodiola is also an adaptogen while functioning as a fat burning, brain boosting, energizing herb. My reason for mentioning Rhodiola is the synergistic effect that exists between Holy Basil and Rhodiola. This is based solely on my experimentation with these two herbs, so always consult your physician and/or use your own discretion. When taken together, these two herbs have a super powerful effect for me. It’s like taking the Holy Basil, only there’s an intensified response. For me, it combines a sense of well- being, calm and focused energy. This is a great feeling and I want all beings to feel this way! Our bodies all function differently, and what works for me may not work for you, but don’t fret! There’s an herb out there for everyone, find yours!
Gaia Herbs Adrenal Health is a potent formula that improves adrenal function, therefore lowering stress levels.
The views expressed in this entry are strictly my opinion and do not reflect the views of Wishing U Well. Any decision to use supplements to support your specific needs should be considered in partnership with your healthcare professional.
