Holy Basil
Best for
Lower day-to-day anxiety
Large effect, needs confirmation · 1200 mg/day for 6 weeks · 1 study , n=150
10 papers · 11 claims · 30 outcomes scored · 10 positive
Outcomes
What holy basil actually does, by outcome
Each row is one outcome with effect size, evidence base, the dose that worked in trials, and time to first effect. Magnitude tiers come from native-unit MCID where available, Cohen's d otherwise.
The background hum of worry that colors everything gets quieter.
Quiets the health worries and body tension that build with age.
Quiets the overthinking that hijacks execution right before you compete.
Deeper, less interrupted nights that leave you recharged by morning.
Less cramping, rumbling, and unease throughout your gut.
Less of that heavy, worn-out feeling that makes simple tasks feel like a chore.
Everyday pressure stops running your nervous system hot.
Quiets the nervous-system overdrive that keeps you wired at bedtime.
Fewer wake-ups and more unbroken hours of real rest.
More genuine sleep hours so your body finishes its repair cycles.
Good days come more often and bad ones feel less heavy.
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Dose | Weeks | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower day-to-day anxiety Large effect, needs confirmation | | 1 RCT n=150 | 1200 mg | 6 wk | #7/48 |
| Ease anxiety in older adults Large effect, needs confirmation | | 1 RCT n=150 | 1200 mg | 6 wk | #7/45 |
| Reduce pre-competition anxiety Large effect, needs confirmation | | 1 RCT n=150 | 1200 mg | 6 wk | #7/45 |
| Improve overall sleep quality Large effect, needs confirmation | | 1 RCT n=150 | 1200 mg | 6 wk | #6/37 |
| Improve overall digestive comfort Large effect, needs confirmation | | 1 RCT n=150 | 1200 mg | 6 wk | #3/9 |
| Reduce everyday fatigue Large effect, needs confirmation | | 1 RCT n=150 | 1200 mg | 6 wk | #6/44 |
| Reduce daily stress Promising early signal | | 1 RCT n=136 | 250 mg | 8 wk | #7/41 |
| Break the insomnia cycle Faint early signal | | 1 RCT n=85 | 250 mg | 8 wk | #6/14 |
| Stay asleep through the night Not enough research | | 1 RCT n=83 | 250 mg | 8 wk | — |
| Sleep longer each night Not enough research | | 1 RCT n=83 | 250 mg | 8 wk | — |
| Lift and steady your mood Not enough research | | 1 RCT n=85 | 250 mg | 8 wk | — |
Risk profile
Adverse events and known drug interactions
Safety events
Drug interactions
Sources
- 1. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effects of an Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) extract (HolixerTM) on stress, mood, and sleep in adults experiencing stress. (2022) ↑
- 2. Efficacy of an Extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum (OciBest) in the Management of General Stress: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. (2012) ↑
- 3. Efficacy of chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and tulsi extract mouthwash in reducing halitosis using spectrophotometric analysis: A randomized controlled trial. (2019) ↑
- 4. Antibacterial efficacy of manuka honey, ocimum sanctum, curcuma longa and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on the level of streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus acidophilus - A randomized controlled trial. (2022) ↑
- 5. A randomized controlled clinical trial of Ocimum sanctum and chlorhexidine mouthwash on dental plaque and gingival inflammation. (2014) ↑
- 6. Evaluation of holy basil mouthwash as an adjunctive plaque control agent in a four day plaque regrowth model. (2014) ↑
- 7. Efficacy of Ocimum sanctum, Aloe vera and chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingivitis: A randomized controlled comparative clinical study. (2019) ↑
- 8. Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of 4% Tulsi Extract (Ocimum sanctum), Fluoridated and Placebo Dentifrices against Gingivitis and Plaque among 14-15 years School Children in Davangere City, India - A Triple Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial. (2020) ↑
- 9. Effect of ACP-CPP Chewing Gum and Natural Chewable Products on Plaque pH, Calcium and Phosphate Concentration. (2016) ↑
- 10. Effect of chewing Azadirachta indica (neem) and Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) leaves on salivary acidogenicity: A comparative study. (2020) ↑
Generated August 14, 2026
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