Holy Basil to the Rescue in Times of Stress

Adaptogens are a class of healing plants that help to balance, restore, and protect the body from the prolonged release of stress hormones due to chronic stress. They do this by doing the following: Boosting the immune system, supporting a healthy weight, increasing physical endurance, and mental focus, 

reducing discomfort caused by poor health, encouraging a balanced mood, and balancing hormones (amongst many other things).

Each adaptogen has its own unique properties that can help with specific types of stressors. In the next few weeks, we will be taking a look at a few. Let's start with Holy basil, a member of the mint family, is frequently used in cooking, but it has also been used as a healing plant for thousands of years. Native to Asia, holy basil, also known as “The Incomparable One,” and is considered one of the most sacred plants of India. ​

Holy basil works to enhance the body’s response to physical and emotional stress naturally by optimizing the functions of the body in times of stress. It is also known to help balance stress hormones. Holy basil can be taken in pill form, as an extract, or brewed as tea.

Make your own Holy Basil tea with this recipe: 
Ingredients 

• ¼ cup fresh holy basil leaves 
• Hot water 
• Honey 

Instructions: 

1. Wash the holy basil leaves thoroughly and then place them in a cup. Use the back of a spoon to press the leaves against the side of the cup to help bruise them, which allows the essential oils to escape. 
2. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the leaves and stir. Place the saucer on top of the cup to trap the essential oils inside the cup as the tea steeps. 
3. Wait for about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the saucer, strain the leaves, and sweeten the tea as you like it. 
4. Drink warm or pour over ice. 

Enjoy! remember, I'm always here to help. email me your questions on adrenal support or stress management at Toni@drToniCamacho.com. And click here to check out my wonderful herbal formulas for adrenal support and stress/anxiety management

See you next week
Toni