Sweet Basil
Basil is a delicious herb that goes well in a variety of foods. It also might help lower your blood pressure. In rodents, basil extract has been shown to lower blood pressure, although only briefly. The chemical eugenol, which is found in basil, may block certain substances that tighten blood vessels. This may lead to a drop in blood pressure. More studies are needed.
Reportedly, the Greek word “basileus” means “kingly” or “royal.” Makes sense, considering this herb has been found in tombs of Egyptian kings.
Adding fresh basil to your diet is easy and certainly can’t hurt. Keep a small pot of the herb in your kitchen garden and add the fresh leaves to pastas, soups, salads, and casseroles.
Basil is also used for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also used to treat snake and insect bites.
In theory, taking basil extracts might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.
Holy Basil
Holy basil and basil are herbs that are members of the mint family. They are different variations of the same plant type, though they do have many differences. There are more than 40 basil variations, including lemon, cinnamon and Thai basil.
The plant is related to the familiar sweet basil that’s used in cooking. Its leaves are pale green and have a somewhat hairy appearance.
It has long been used as a traditional medicine in China and India. Some cultures regard the plant as sacred.
Watch how Julie Lowered her Blood Pressure Naturally.
It was 170/110, this morning it was 120/80
Learn MoreInteractions Warnings
Research on animals suggests that holy basil might change the effect of many medications, including these drugs:
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Pentobarbital (Nembutal)
- Scopolamine (sold as generic only)
Tell your doctor about any supplements you’re taking, even if they’re natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications.
Comments
8 Replies to “Sweet Basil For Treating Hypertension”
Will a basil extract or dry herb work in the same way as fresh?
Dear Lawrence, It should work but my research was on fresh basil.
What would you consider a serving?
Hi Phyllis, Regular intake of 5-6 leaves early morning on empty stomach shows positive results. Kindest Regards Eli, SCS Manager
I need natural way to lower my blood pressure
Hi Gwendolyn, Our blog is a treasure trove of information to lower your blood pressure naturally. We also have our flagship product RESPeRATE
that been clinically proven to lower high blood pressure and stress. FDA cleared for almost 20 years now with many happy customers.
Kindest Regards, Eli
Did you use sweet basil or the Holy Basil in your trials?
Thanks!
They used sweet basil. Kindest Regards, Eli, Content Editor, RESPeRATE.