How I Use Holy Basil to Treat Diabetes?
If you are really keen to know how I use holy basil to treat diabetes then, you need to spare 8 to 12 minutes of your precious time.
Do you know why?
Well, because my article length and your reading speed would require you to spend at least 8 and at the max. 12 minutes to read through my write-up.
I have used all sorts of herbs, spices, natural blood sugar control supplements and fancy diets to control my Type 2 diabetes.
So, I like sharing my results with you.
This write-up is in continuation of the article series that discuss the best natural methods to control blood sugar levels.
Today, I shall share how holy basil helped me control my insulin spikes when I took it for a period of 30 days.
So, without wasting any time, let’s get started:
“How I Use Holy Basil to Treat Diabetes” Article Contents:
1) What is Holy Basil?
2) How I Got Type 2 Diabetes without Trying Too Hard?
- The Seductive Call of the Sugar Sirens
- Couch Potato Life: The Exercise-Free Zone
- Ignoring the Signs: Denial, My Old Friend
- The Wake-Up Call
3) Why is Holy Basil Good for Diabetics?
- Blood Sugar Balancer Extraordinaire
- Fighting Inflammation: The Silent Culprit
- Stress Less, Manage More
- The Herb You Didn’t Know You Needed
4) My 30 Day Plan on Consuming Holy Basil for Treating Type 2 Diabetes
- Week 1: The Easy Does It Approach
- Week 2: Turning Up the Heat
- Week 3: The Power Surge
- Week 4: The Sweet Spot
5) My Journey with Holy Basil: How I Measure It for Managing My Type 2 Diabetes
- Fresh Holy Basil Leaves
- Dried Holy Basil
- Holy Basil Extract or Tincture
- Holy Basil Capsules
- Holy Basil Powder
6) How was My Overall Experience?
What is Holy Basil?
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi in India, is an aromatic herb that has been revered for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.
Often called the “Queen of Herbs,” it’s considered a sacred plant in Hindu culture and is known for its impressive array of health benefits.
But what exactly makes this herb so special?
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) belongs to the mint family and is known for its rich content of antioxidants, essential oils, and phytonutrients.
These compounds give it potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and adaptogenic properties—meaning it helps the body adapt to stress.
Scientific studies have shown that Holy Basil can help lower blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol, and improve overall heart health, making it particularly beneficial for those managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes.
In addition to its physical benefits, Holy Basil is also used to enhance mental clarity and promote relaxation.
It is often consumed as a tea, supplement, or extract, allowing people to easily incorporate it into their daily routine.
So, whether you are looking to boost your immune system or manage stress, Holy Basil might just be the versatile herb you have been searching for.
How I Got Type 2 Diabetes without Trying Too Hard?
Ah, type 2 diabetes—my uninvited guest that showed up without much effort on my part.
If you’re wondering how I managed to get here, well, let me take you on a little journey.
Spoiler alert: it involves a lot of sugar, some laziness, and a dash of denial.
The Seductive Call of the Sugar Sirens
I have always had a sweet tooth.
No, scratch that—I had a sweet mouth, sweet brain, and sweet soul.
If there was a sugar-laden treat within a mile radius, it was practically calling my name.
Cakes, cookies, ice cream?
Yes, please. My diet was less “balanced” and more “teetering dangerously on the edge of a sugar coma.”
I figured, what’s the harm in one more donut?
After all, life’s short, right?
Little did I know, that extra sugar was silently plotting to throw my metabolism under the bus.
Couch Potato Life: The Exercise-Free Zone
Now, you might think I would balance out my sugar fest with a bit of exercise.
Well, you’d be wrong.
My relationship with exercise was… let’s say, non-existent.
The gym?
No, thank you.
Walking?
Only if it involved a refrigerator at the end of the journey.
My favorite form of cardio was scrolling through social media while lying on the couch.
I’d convinced myself that lifting the remote control counted as strength training.
Turns out, it does not.
Ignoring the Signs: Denial, My Old Friend
Then came the signs—feeling tired all the time, unexplained weight gain, and an insatiable thirst that no amount of water could quench.
But did I pay attention?
Of course not! I chalked it all up to “getting older” or “just a phase.”
Meanwhile, my blood sugar levels were doing their own little dance, spiraling out of control.
The Wake-Up Call
Eventually, my body decided it had had enough.
A routine check-up turned into a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Surprise! I had successfully sabotaged my health without even trying too hard.
But hey, if you’re going to do something, might as well do it right, right?
So here I am, now learning how to manage this uninvited guest.
The moral of the story?
Don’t be like me. Listen to your body, treat it well, and maybe, just maybe, you can avoid joining the type 2 diabetes club.
Trust me, the initiation process isn’t as fun as it sounds!
Why is Holy Basil Good for Diabetics?
If you are battling type 2 diabetes, you have probably heard whispers about Holy Basil, or Tulsi as it’s called in its native India.
But why is this humble herb creating such a buzz in the diabetic community?
Well, let me take you on a fun, fact-filled journey into the wonders of Holy Basil (similar looking as gynmema) and why it might just be the herbal hero you have been searching for.
Blood Sugar Balancer Extraordinaire
Let’s start with the basics: Holy Basil has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels.
How, you ask?
This herb is packed with compounds like eugenol, caryophyllene, and methyl eugenol that enhance the function of the beta cells in your pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that regular consumption of Holy Basil significantly reduced fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
So, if you’re looking for a natural way to keep your blood sugar in check, Holy Basil could be your new best friend.
Fighting Inflammation: The Silent Culprit
Inflammation is a sneaky accomplice in many chronic diseases, including diabetes.
The good news?
Holy Basil is a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
According to research in the Journal of Medicinal Food, this herb helps reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
By tackling inflammation, Holy Basil not only helps manage blood sugar levels but also reduces the risk of complications associated with diabetes.
Stress Less, Manage More
Let’s face it: living with diabetes can be stressful. But here’s where Holy Basil really shines.
It is an adaptogen, which means it helps your body adapt to stress. A study in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that Holy Basil significantly lowered stress levels in participants, which can be a game-changer for managing diabetes.
After all, less stress means better blood sugar control.
The Herb You Didn’t Know You Needed
So, why is Holy Basil good for diabetics?
It is simple: this little herb tackles blood sugar, inflammation, and stress—all key factors in managing diabetes.
Whether you’re sipping it as a tea, taking it as a supplement, or adding it to your meals, Holy Basil is a natural ally in your fight against diabetes.
My 30 Day Plan on Consuming Holy Basil for Treating Type 2 Diabetes?
When I first heard about Holy Basil, or Tulsi, as a natural remedy for type 2 diabetes, I was intrigued.
Could this ancient herb really help me manage my blood sugar levels? There was only one way to find out—by diving into a 30-day experiment.
Here is how it went down:
Week 1: The Easy Does It Approach
I started my journey cautiously, with a modest dose of Holy Basil tea—just one cup a day, made with 2-3 fresh leaves steeped in hot water.
I figured I would ease into this, testing the waters (literally) before diving in headfirst.
The tea was soothing, and I noticed a slight dip in my blood sugar levels by the end of the week.
Nothing dramatic, but hey, it was a start!
Week 2: Turning Up the Heat
Feeling encouraged, I upped the ante in week two.
This time, I decided to go for two cups of Holy Basil tea daily, morning and evening.
I also introduced a pinch of Holy Basil powder (about 1/4 teaspoon) into my smoothies.
By mid-week, I felt a bit more balanced—my energy levels were steady, and my sugar cravings were surprisingly tame.
My blood sugar readings were inching down, and I started to think this Holy Basil thing might really be onto something.
Week 3: The Power Surge
By week three, I was ready to step it up again. I continued with my two cups of tea and added a daily capsule of Holy Basil extract (500 mg) into the mix.
This was the week where things started to get exciting. My blood sugar levels were noticeably lower, and I was feeling more energetic and focused.
It was like my body was finally getting into the groove with Holy Basil.
Week 4: The Sweet Spot
In the final week, I refined my regimen.
After some trial and error, I found my sweet spot: one cup of Holy Basil tea in the morning, one capsule of Holy Basil extract (500 mg) in the afternoon, and a sprinkle of powder in my evening smoothie.
This combination worked like a charm.
By the end of the 30 days, my blood sugar levels were consistently lower, and I felt more in control of my diabetes than ever before.
My Holy Basil Revelation
This 30-day experiment taught me a lot about patience, consistency, and finding the right balance.
Holy Basil did not just lower my blood sugar; it helped me feel more balanced and in tune with my body.
If you’re considering giving it a try, my advice is to experiment and find the dosage that works best for you.
After all, managing diabetes is all about finding your personal sweet spot—minus the sugar, of course!
My Journey with Holy Basil: How I Measure It for Managing My Type 2 Diabetes
When I first started using holy basil, or Tulsi, to help manage my type 2 diabetes, I realized that knowing how to measure it correctly was crucial.
I have experimented with various forms of holy basil, and over time, I have figured out what works best for me.
Here is how I prefer to measure and use this powerful herb in my daily routine.
Fresh Holy Basil Leaves
I love using fresh holy basil leaves, especially when making tea. It has become a soothing ritual for me.
I usually take out my measuring cup and measure about 1/4 cup of fresh leaves, loosely packed.
For my tea, I have found that using 2-3 fresh leaves per cup of hot water gives me just the right flavor and potency.
I let it steep for about 5-10 minutes, and the result is a calming, aromatic tea that fits perfectly into my morning routine.
Dried Holy Basil
Sometimes, fresh leaves are not available, so I turn to dried holy basil. It is more concentrated, so I use less.
I have learned that 1 teaspoon of dried holy basil is roughly equivalent to 1 tablespoon of fresh leaves.
When making tea, I measure out 1 teaspoon of the dried herb and steep it in hot water for the same 5-10 minutes.
This version is a bit stronger, and I appreciate how easy it is to store and use.
Holy Basil Powder
I have also started incorporating holy basil powder into my diet, especially when I want to mix it into smoothies or soups.
For supplements, I measure out about 1/4 teaspoon of the powder, which is roughly 500 mg—the typical dose recommended for blood sugar control.
When adding it to meals, I stick to 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon.
It is an easy way to boost my daily intake of this beneficial herb without altering the taste of my food too much.
Holy Basil Extract or Tincture
For a more concentrated dose, I sometimes use holy basil extract or tincture.
This is where precision is key.
I use a dropper to measure out 1 to 2 ml (which is about 20-40 drops), usually taken 2-3 times a day.
It is convenient when I’m on the go, but I always make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully.
Holy Basil Capsules
On days when I am pressed for time or just need a no-fuss option, I rely on holy basil capsules.
These typically come in 400 mg or 500 mg doses, and I follow the instructions on the packaging.
It is a straightforward way to ensure I am getting the benefits of holy basil without having to think too much about preparation.
Free Tip of the Day:
Incorporating holy basil into my daily routine has been a game-changer in managing my type 2 diabetes.
Whether I am using fresh leaves, dried herbs, powder, tincture, or capsules, I have found that measuring it correctly is essential to getting the most out of this powerful herb.
And of course, I always consult with my healthcare provider to make sure I’m using it safely and effectively.
How was My Overall Experience?
So, after 30 days of sipping, sprinkling, and supplementing with Holy Basil, what’s the verdict?
Let me tell you—it’s been a game-changer.
Tracking My Progress: The Numbers Don’t Lie
When I first started this experiment, my fasting blood sugar levels were sitting around 150 mg/dL—not exactly ideal.
But I was determined to see if this ancient herb could help me get things under control without adding more meds to my routine.
As the weeks went by, I noticed a steady improvement.
By week two, my blood sugar was down to around 130 mg/dL, and by the end of week three, it had dropped even further to 120 mg/dL.
But the real win came at the end of my 30-day journey.
My fasting blood sugar was holding steady at 110 mg/dL—a number I had not seen in quite some time.
Beyond the Numbers: How I Felt
The best part? I did not feel like I was making some huge sacrifice.
Holy Basil fit into my routine so effortlessly that it didn’t feel like I was “treating” my diabetes—it felt more like I was enhancing my lifestyle.
I felt more energized, my stress levels were down, and I was sleeping better, too.
It was as if this little herb was working its magic not just on my blood sugar, but on my overall well-being.
Would I Recommend Holy Basil?
Absolutely. Of course, everyone’s body is different, but for me, it has been a natural and effective way to keep my blood sugar in check.
My advice?
Start slow, find your sweet spot, and let Holy Basil do the rest. It might just surprise you, the way it did me.
Also, do not forget to throw-in the best natural diabetes supplement to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
References:
