Natural Remedies has adopted holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) through the American Botanical Council’s (ABC) Adopt-an-Herb botanical research and education program.

Based in Bangalore, Natural Remedies supplies extracts of traditional medicinal plants from India.

Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum), commonly called holy basil, except in India where it has many names, including tulsi, is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to India and parts of northern and eastern Africa, Hainan Island, and Taiwan, although it is currently grown in temperate climates throughout the world.

Holy basil is one of the principal herbs used in India in the traditional medicine systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, as well as in Indian folk medicine, according to ABC. It is credited with being adaptogenic, antibacterial, analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative (relieves intestinal gas), diaphoretic (promotes sweating), expectorant, nervine, and stimulant. It is also used for acute rhinitis, shortness of breath, asthma, hiccups, improving immunity, lowering blood sugar, and helping to relieve generalized anxiety disorder.

“We believe that through this adoption, we can contribute significantly to a deeper understanding of holy basil’s potential health benefits,” said Suresh Lakshmikanthan, Natural Remedies’ chief business officer. “We aim to raise awareness of holy basil’s medicinal properties and potential applications in modern health care, from its antioxidant and stress-relieving properties to its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects. We also aim to provide evidence-based information on its potential medicinal applications, empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their health and wellness.”

Natural Remedies’ adoption of holy basil supports ABC’s extensive HerbMedPro database, ensuring that this unique research and educational resource remains up to date for researchers, health professionals, industry members, students, consumers, and other members of the herbal and dietary supplement and natural medicine communities.

HerbMedPro is a comprehensive, interactive online database that provides access to a wide variety of scientific and clinical research data on the uses and health effects of more than 265 herbs, spices, medicinal plants, and fungi.

“ABC is deeply grateful to Natural Remedies for adopting holy basil on ABC’s powerful HerbMedPro database,” said ABC Founder and Executive Director Mark Blumenthal. “Natural Remedies’ adoption enables ABC to further its unique nonprofit research and educational mission by ensuring that HerbMedPro contains the latest scientific and clinical research on this respected traditional medicinal and aromatic herb.”