(Ocimum sanctum) Mentally stimulating and supports healthy breathing and digestive function, soothes nervous tension and minor aches and pains.
A report in 2010 shows oils high in Eugenol (Clove and Tulsi) were effective against Sabies (itch mite), killing mites within an hour of contact. Use at a 1% - 3% dilution to avoid skin irritation. Robert Tisserand commented in his Essential Oils for Healthy Skin class that: "Holy Basil is similar to Clove and is antifungal and antimicrobial with 1/2 less risk of Clove's eugenol." Holy Basil Cortisol Benefits for Adrenal Fatigue Dr. Lam: "The holy basil plant lowers cortisol, which enables multiple systems and organs to operate optimally. Along with a holistic lifestyle and advice from an adrenal fatigue specialist, holy basil cortisol benefits may provide support for the immune system, thyroid, brain, liver, and other key players in a properly functioning physiological ecosystem."
Acaricidal activity of eugenol based compounds against scabies, Passay, C. Mounsey, K. Stevenson, G. Davis, R. Arlian, L. Morgan, W. Vyszenski-Moher, D. andres, K. McCarthy, J. PLoS One, Quintessential data base 2010. 3. Tragoolpua, Y. Jatisatienr, A. Phytotherapy Research, Anti-herpes simplex virus activities of Eugenia carophyllus (Spreng.) Bullock & S.G. Harrison and essential oil, eugenol, Quintessential data base, 2007.
Potential of plant oils as inhibitors of Candida albicans growth, Devkatte, A.N. Zore, G.B. Karuppayil, S.M., FEMS Yeast Research, Quintessential data base, 2005.
Carcinogenic/ anticarcinogenic potential: Holy basil oil increased glutathione S-transferase activity in the stomach, liver and esophagus of mice by more than 78%, and significantly inhibited B[ a] P-induced squamous cell stomach carcinoma (Aruna & Sivaramakrishnan 1996). Holy basil oil showed significant chemopreventive activity against human mouth epidermal carcinoma (KB) and mouse leukemia (P388) cell lines, with respective IC50 values of 95 and 85 μg/ mL. The oil was more effective than three of the four positive control drugs (Manosroi et al 2005). Eugenol powerfully induces glutathione S-transferase in mice and displays antitumoral activity. Estragole and methyleugenol are rodent carcinogens when oral exposure is sufficiently high.
Inhalation: Diffuse with other oils. Holy Basil should not be more than 10% in a diffused blend. Aromatically, Tulsi resembles a cross between Basil and Clove. Internal: Holy Basil is suitable for internal use within safe parameters if such use is deemed appropriate. We feel that internal use is rarely *needed* and should only be used with respect for how concentrated the oils are. HEO does not advocate internal use of essential oils without appropriate knowledge and understanding of how to administer, for what purpose, how much, which essential oils, safety concerns and so on. In our experience, essential oils are generally more effective used topically with proper dilution or inhaled. Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D. notes that "French aromatherapy literature contains many references to using oils orally." He goes on to note that "generally 1 drop is always enough when ingesting essential oils." A potential toxicity hazard could occur when untrained people use essential oils orally and ingest too much.Keep in mind that while medical doctors or health care practitioners may prescribe essential oils for internal use, they are trained and experienced in the safe application of essential oils. It is not a matter of using "French" or "British" methods, it's a matter of experience and appropriate application. Click here for more information about internal usage.
Eugenol content may inhibit blood clotting, cause skin sensitization (moderate risk), be a mucous membrane irritation (low risk).
Eugenol is part of the phenol chemical family, which are potentially irritating components to skin and mucus membranes. We suggest following dilution guidelines (above) and using for a short time rather than long-term to avoid risk. Avoid in a bath and using on sensitive skin such as those with dematitis, babies and young children. Avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas. Essential oils are both lipophilic and hydrophobic. Lipophilic means they are attracted to fat— like the membranes of your eyes and skin. They are also hydrophobic, meaning they do not like water. Applying a carrier oil will create another fat for the essential oil to be attracted to other than the membranes of the eyes or skin. Tisserand suggests: "With essential oils, fatty oil has been suggested as an appropriate first aid treatment, though the advantage of saline [eyewash] is that the eyes can be continually flushed, and this is less easy with fatty oil.” We are not aware of a case where essential oil in the eyes caused permanent injury or long-term discomfort, but if you feel concerned, please call your health care provider.
