Q: What is holy basil, and what does it do?
When we are stressed our bodies produce stress hormones such as cortisol which can have various detrimental effects on the body. Holy basil is a plant native to Southeast Asia that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Ursolic acid, which is the key active ingredient in holy basil prevents the body from producing high levels of cortisol, helping reverse the negative effects of cortisol and improving the way our bodies respond to stress.
While many stress relief supplements exert only one effect on the body, holy basil sets itself apart as a multi-action solution that not only reduces stress levels, but also but also promotes healthy digestion, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and strengthens the immune system.
Q: Do all holy basil supplements work?
Unfortunately, no. Many fly-by-night companies just ride these trends, manufacturing inferior products with the wrong ingredients and proportions. They often use cheap fillers and binders that can block the desired effects of holy basil.
Q: What should I look for?
Make sure the supplement you choose has the active ingredient, ursolic acid. In the better quality capsules, you’ll see a concentration of 2.5% ursolic acid which is the key to optimum health benefits. Besides pure holy basil extract, there should be nothing else included other than the capsule itself.
Q: What about safety? Are there side effects to watch out for?
Due to it’s antiglycemic effect we do not recommend taking holy basil if you are already on blood sugar medication. We recommend consulting with a physician if you have a medical condition or take medications on a regular basis. Also, pregnant or nursing women are advised not to take holy basil.
Q: How do I take holy basil?
You should take 2 capsules a day. As with any type of pill, you should not exceed the daily dosage of 1000mg, since this can pose health risks.
Q: How long will it take to see the effects?
Some customers we spoke to reported seeing results in as little as one week. For others, it took about a month. Results also seem to be a bit different for each person. Some feel unbelievable change right away, while others don’t notice it as quickly. Many of the reputable brands we reviewed offer refunds to customers who don’t see the results they want in any time frame.
Q: How much do holy basil products cost?
The cost of holy basil varies based on the manufacturer. Many of them are worthless, just random companies with cheap quality products trying to cash in on the trend. Some of these companies sell their supplements for as much as $100 per bottle, which we think is a bit too high. Most of the really good supplements we tested fell in the $40-$50 range. Others may appear cheaper, but they often boast a one-month supply when they’re really giving you half the recommended dosage with plenty of fillers and binders.
Q: What’s the best holy basil brand to buy?
Each person will see different results with different products, so it’s hard to say offhand which is best. However, we particularly liked Research Verified Holy Basil. We found it to be the best of the 40+ products we researched, based on the product quality, customer feedback, and the company’s customer service.
You can experiment to see which product is right for you, but if you’re looking for a well-reviewed product you can count on, we think you’ll love Research Verified Holy Basil, a high-quality product at a fair price.
