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Holy basil is one of the most revered herbs in the world, and no, we’re not talking about the one used in culinary. The one that we’re referring to is an herb that combats many diseases thanks to its healing properties [1]. Holy basil’s nutritional value is also very high, which is why manufacturers make it the main ingredient in some of the best supplements [2].
The aforementioned advantages are just scratching the surface of why this herb is popular among users. Let’s find out the 5 best holy basil supplements!
Quick Summary
For Easy Consumption: Khroma Herbs, Organic Holy Basil
Most Affordable: NOW Foods, Holy Basil Extract
Best Added Value: Brain MD, Everyday Stress Relief
| Product Name | Holy Basil Content | Price/Amount | Directions To Use |
| NOW Foods, Holy Basil Extract | 500 mg | ~$13/90 capsules | 1 capsule once or twice daily, preferably with food |
| Brain MD, Everyday Stress Relief | 600 mg | ~$50/120 capsules | 4 capsules daily, with or after food |
| Himalaya Herbal Healthcare, Holy Basil | 720 mg | ~$12/60 capsules | 1 capsule twice daily before meals |
| Khroma Herbs, Organic Holy Basil | N/A | ~$23/2 ounce | 3 droppers-full by mouth twice daily |
| Organic India, Tulsi-Holy Basil | 600 mg | ~$33/180 capsules | 3 capsules once daily with food and water |
Best Holy Basil Supplements
NOW Foods, Holy Basil Extract
HOLY BASIL CONTENT PER SERVING:
500 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$13/90
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 1 capsule once or twice daily, preferably with food
PROS:
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Non-GMO
- No gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and sugar
CONS:
- Unpleasant smell
- Some side effects reported
NOW Foods is a brand that’s relentless in making the best natural products. Additionally, quality assurance is at the forefront of its operations. The company also practices transparency at all levels and carries out exclusive testing methods. This Holy Basil Extract is a product of such commitment.
It’s tagged as an adaptogenic herb and is made safe for vegans and vegetarians alike. This holy basil supplement may help you enhance your body’s response to daily stress. Moreover, it can promote healthy carbohydrate metabolism. It may also help you manage your glucose levels.
With over 1,000 ratings on different platforms, the reviews are mostly positive. They said it helps with their anxiety and moodiness. A few also mentioned it boosts their energy and improves their sleep. Some users also said they take it to regulate their hormones or enhance their immune system. However, some reported feeling side effects.
Brain MD, Everyday Stress Relief
HOLY BASIL CONTENT PER SERVING:
600 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$50/120
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 4 capsules daily, with or after food
PROS:
- Soy-free and gluten-free
- Free of additives
- No animal products
- No sugar and corn
- Vegan capsules
CONS:
- It’s very expensive
Committed to keeping the brain healthy, Brain MD manufactures supplements backed by scientific data and clinically-researched ingredients. All its products undergo two testing periods before being evaluated by a third party to guarantee quality, purity, and potency.
The Everyday Stress Relief supplement is made up of many ingredients. Its main component is the holy basil extract, which calms users who are experiencing stress. It also has relora®, taurine, and magnesium. Combining all those ingredients utilizes and enhances their impact on coping with stress and improving the overall mood. Furthermore, it can support greater focus and provide better sleep quality.
Many of its users are content with how this holy basil supplement lowers their anxiety and boosts their mood. It helps them handle their stress better to function better in their daily lives. One user even commented that his son with brain damage calms down when taking this. Another one said it also helps improve her heart health and blood pressure.
Himalaya Herbal Healthcare, Holy Basil
HOLY BASIL CONTENT PER SERVING:
720 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$20/60
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 1 capsule twice daily before meals
PROS:
- Non-GMO
- Free of gluten, soy, dairy, corn, and wheat
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
CONS:
- Some users experience side effects
Himalaya is a well-known and trusted brand in the industry, considering it’s been around since the 1930s. This holy basil supplement is one of its products and aims to offer tranquility and relaxation to users. Plus, it may also cleanse the body’s respiratory support, which will help deal with stress through deep breaths.
As for user reviews for this holy basil supplement, most are satisfied with its impact. According to them, it aids them in keeping relaxed and lowering their stress. Plenty also uses it to combat their anxiety.
Khroma Herbs, Organic Holy Basil
HOLY BASIL CONTENT PER SERVING:
N/A
PRICE/SIZE:
~$23/2 ounce
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 3 droppers-full by mouth twice daily
PROS:
- USDA organic
- Suitable for vegans
- Gluten-free
- Certified Kosher
CONS:
- A bit pricey
Khroma Herbs is a company built on strong ethics, and as such, its products are eco-friendly, all-vegan, and all-organic. This holy basil supplement is no exception, and it’s even tested by a third party to guarantee its quality. It aims to offer the benefits of being an adaptogen, which can help the body deal with stress. Additionally, it has anti-aging properties and high antioxidant levels.
However, there isn’t a lot of feedback available for this supplement. But, if any user has a question, the brand prides itself in customer service. As such, you can contact them if needed.
Organic India, Tulsi-Holy Basil
HOLY BASIL CONTENT PER SERVING:
600 mg
PRICE/NUMBER OF CAPSULES:
~$33/180
DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION:
Take 3 capsules once daily with food and water
PROS:
- Gluten-free
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Kosher
- Certified organic/USDA organic
CONS:
- It’s quite expensive
The company is known for its commitment to sustainable practices. Holy basil was at the forefront of its studies when the brand was at its early stages. Its Tulsi-Holy Basil supplement has extracts from the holy basil leaf and east Indian basil. It intends to promote inner peace and relieve stress.
Furthermore, it boosts the overall mood and improves clarity. It can also be useful to strengthen the immune system and detoxify the body. The ratings for this product are predominantly positive. Many said it helps calm them down, making them sleep better. It’s also good for dealing with anxiety around people.
How To Choose the Best Holy Basil Supplements
Here are some things to keep in mind while choosing the best holy basil supplements:
Purity and Potency: When in the market for herbal supplements, it’s essential to check if it’s third-party tested. Through evaluations, independent testing helps ensure the supplements’ purity, potency, and safety.
Ingredients and Processing: Look for brands that are transparent with their processes. Also, check if the ingredients are organic, all-natural, and are ethically-harvested. These things are crucial for herbal supplements.
Formulation: Holy basil comes in different forms like capsules, drops, tea, and oil. The choice comes down to your preference and what you’re comfortable with. For instance, capsules may be the most convenient form for some users, while drops may be easier to digest for some.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take holy basil at night or morning?
This depends on the instructions provided by the brand on how and when to take the supplement. For instance, brands specify whether to take the supplements with or without food and before or after meals.
If unsure, you can also ask a healthcare professional.
What are holy basil supplements used for?
Holy basil supplements can reduce stress due to their pharmacological properties [3]. Additionally, participants in a study took 500 mg of holy basil, which made them less anxious and depressed [4]. It also made them feel more social.
Due to its high levels of antioxidants, it may help with fighting off toxic chemicals in the body. Taking it may also reduce the growth of cancer cells [5]. Further, holy basil can provide more health benefits because of its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
Can you take holy basil every day?
You will have to check the dosage recommendation of the brand. Otherwise, you can also ask a doctor for advice.
Who should not take holy basil?
Generally, holy basil is safe to take. According to studies, there are either mild side effects or none at all [3].
However, since data is still limited regarding human trials, it’s advised that those who are trying to conceive should avoid it since it may impair fertility. Additionally, pregnant and nursing women should also be cautious. Also, if you’re taking other medications, consult a doctor first to avoid interactions.
Bottomline: Best Holy Basil Supplements
Holy basil is a popular herb due to its medicinal properties that result in plenty of health benefits. Its main impact is on lowering stress levels and combating anxiety. In this guide, you’re presented with the best holy basil supplements with different dosages and price points. Hopefully, you’ll find what’s best for you here!
Ashwagandha is another popular natural supplement. If you’re keen on comparing the benefits and risks of holy basil vs. ashwagandha, check out this article!
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at no extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Cohen M. M. (2014). Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 5(4), 251–259. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.146554
- Pattanayak, P., Behera, P., Das, D., & Panda, S. K. (2010). Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview. Pharmacognosy reviews, 4(7), 95–105. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.65323
- Jamshidi, N., & Cohen, M. (2017, March 16). The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Hindawi. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2017/9217567/
- Bhattacharyya, D., Sur, T., Lyle, N., Jana, U., & Debnath, P. (2011). [PDF] A clinical study on the management of generalized anxiety disorder with Vaca ( Acorus calamus ) | Semantic Scholar. . Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-clinical-study-on-the-management-of-generalized-%28-Bhattacharyya-Sur/18e9086744d9a77a163e0a8fa1b21752e0ec0d5b
- Cohen M. M. (2014). Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 5(4), 251–259. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.146554
