Evidence supporting the use of: Holy Basil
For the body system: Thyroid Gland

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Tulsi, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is traditionally believed to support a wide range of body systems, including the thyroid gland. In traditional practice, Holy Basil is considered an adaptogen, meaning it is thought to help the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis, which may indirectly influence thyroid health. Some traditional texts and practitioners recommend Holy Basil for balancing metabolism and supporting overall endocrine function, which includes the thyroid gland.

However, direct scientific evidence supporting Holy Basil’s effect on thyroid function in humans is limited. A few animal studies, such as one published in the journal Phytotherapy Research (2002), have observed that extracts of Holy Basil may have a suppressive effect on thyroid hormone (T3, T4) levels in rats, not a stimulating or supportive effect. There are currently no robust clinical trials in humans that demonstrate Holy Basil’s efficacy specifically for thyroid support. Thus, its use in this context is primarily justified by traditional use and anecdotal reports, not by scientific validation.

In summary, while Holy Basil is highly regarded in traditional medicine for supporting general wellness, its specific use in supporting the thyroid gland lacks strong scientific evidence and is not widely endorsed by clinical research.

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