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Why Holy Basil and Ashwagandha are called Great Adaptogens?

It might be challenging to choose the ideal herb for your particular requirement because there are so many incredible herbs that offer several health advantages. Now the question is, how do you choose which herb is best for you.

Updated on: 23 June, 2022 8:35 PM IST By: Sandeep Kr Tiwari
Holy basil is referred to be "The Queen of Herbs" and "Mother Medicine of Nature" in Ayurveda.

It might be challenging to choose the ideal herb for your particular requirement because there are so many incredible herbs that offer several health advantages. Now the question is, how do you choose which herb is best for you. This becomes more difficult when certain plants, like holy basil and ashwagandha, offer almost the same benefits?

Ashwagandha and tulsi are commonly taken combined in tea or supplement form. They have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for a very long time. They both function as adaptogens and have many of the same advantages.

Holy Basil

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as Ocimum sanctum and tulsi is an herb that originated in India and is now found all across Southeast Asia. This plant has green stems with purple undertones and violet blooms. This basil plant has a stronger flavor than the basil you would typically use in marinara sauce.

In Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil has been utilized for therapeutic purposes for countless years. The old Indian medicinal philosophy known as Ayurveda is being used today. Along with traditional Chinese medicine, it is regarded as one of the earliest medical systems. The leaves, stems, and seeds are all used to help support your body in different ways. 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb native to Asia and Africa. It is sometimes referred to as Indian ginseng and Indian winter cherry. This plant grows like a little shrub with red berries and tiny, Pale green blooms. With their tubular appearance, the roots resemble carrots or ginger. Like potatoes and tomatoes, ashwagandha is a member of the nightshade family.

For thousands of years, ashwagandha has been utilized in Ayurveda. Although both the leaves and the roots can be utilized, the best ashwagandha supplements are typically regarded to come only from the roots. Both physical and mental health has benefited from the usage of ashwagandha.

Holy Basil And Ashwagandha: The Adaptogenic Powerhouses

Ashwagandha and holy basil have both been used in Ayurvedic therapy for a very long time. Both of them are also recognized as adaptogenic herbs, which means they help the body in reducing physical and mental stress. Specifically, concerning the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, adaptogenic herbs operate by restoring homeostasis to the central nervous system.

Since both holy basil and ashwagandha are adaptogenic herbs, there are some distinctions between them, but they also share numerous advantages. However, their flavors of them are really dissimilar.

Similar to pepper or clove, holy basil has a spicy flavor. On the other hand, ashwagandha is not often used in cooking. it doesn't have the best aroma and isn't used to enhance flavors.

Benefits of Holy Basil

Holy basil is referred to be "The Queen of Herbs" and "Mother Medicine of Nature" in Ayurveda. There is very nothing that this potent plant cannot treat, from internal to exterior infections. It is well-known for boosting the immune system and for helping to treat coughs, fevers, nausea, and diarrhea.

Benefits of Ashwagandha 

Ashwagandha has also been demonstrated to support lung and muscular strength during physical activity. Additionally, it could help the brain's cognitive and memory function in the brain. Ashwagandha's anti-inflammatory properties also support cartilage and joint health. It has also been demonstrated to aid metabolic activity.

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