Ask a Healer Natural Supplements Series

Holy Basil Side Effects and Cautions

This is part of a series of short articles on side effects of natural remedies.

Holy Basil Information: Holy Basil is of a class of herbs called adaptogens. As the name suggests, Holy Basil helps the body adapt and maintain balance.

It is used widely in ayurvedic medicine, for a lot of conditions including, just to name a few, respiratory, skin, teeth and eye disorders, colds, headaches and more.

I personally used holy basil with good results for stress relief and have seen this herb referenced with regard to diabetes, arthritis, bronchitis and quite a few other health challenges.

When buying holy basil, look for the words "super critical" as this will be a strong formulation.

Side Effects of Holy Basil:
Taking the herb holy basil may lower blood sugar levels so check with your doctor if hypoglycemic.

The use of this herb is contraindicated if you are having surgery, as it may affect blood clotting time. You would also want to avoid holy basil if on anticoagulant drugs.

If you are wanting to get pregnant, you should probably avoid holy basil as well since it may reduce ability to conceive.

Do not take holy basil and acetaminophen together.

Additional Herbal Side Effects Information: Aloe Vera > Acai Juice > Beta Glucans > Goji Juice > Holy Basil > Mangosteen Juice > Miracle Mineral Supplement > Noni Juice > Pomegranate Juice > Spirulina > Tumeric


Health Disclaimer: The potential side effects of taking holy basil, which is different that the type of basil you cook with, listed on this page is a partial list some of the more common cautions and side effects associated with the herb.

If you are under a doctor's care for any known medical condition, and specifically if on blood thinners, medications to control blood sugar levels or if attempting to get pregnant, please talk to your doctor before taking holy basil.