The research data from
the Chicago Health, Aging, and Social Relations Study (CHASRS), University of
Chicago, looked at adults born between 1935 and 1952 who represent a range of
socioeconomic classes. The negative side of cortisol is that it is a stress
hormone linked to depression, fatigue and other health problems. On the
positive side it is believed elevated cortisol energizes the body to deal with
loneliness and other negative experiences.
Each night participants recorded their
feelings and activities in a diary. Researchers compared cortisol levels on a
particular day to diary entries. Life experiences anger throughout the day or
loneliness the night before resulted in higher levels of cortisol and flatter
overall levels of the stress hormone. Overall flat, high levels of cortisol are
problematic, as levels should fluctuate indicating that there is a recovery
from stress. “High levels of cortisol in the evening are a kind of biological
signature of a bad day,” Adam noted.
The adrenal glands
produce and secret Cortisol, a stress hormone associated with abdominal
obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and inflammation (the cause behind numerous disease
states in the body.) Cortisol will increase in response to chronic stress. This
triggers glucose production causing blood sugar to rise. Constant stress causes
fluctuations of the brain's neurotransmitters leading to mood swings.
Overall flat low levels
of cortisol are problematic as well. The interactive nature of our daily
experiences, mental, and emotional adversely impact one’s physiology.
Researchers discovered that those with lower levels of cortisol in the morning
experienced greater fatigue during the day.
“Stress systems are designed to translate social experience
into biological action…They [stress systems] are designed to be a conduit from
the outside world to our internal worlds so that we can better respond to our
social context,” stated Emma K. Adam. She
investigated if overuse of the stress response systems has a significant role
in disease outcomes. Adam’s approach is new. Rather than discussing the “on
average” impact of cortisol on one’s daily life experience and biology, she
investigated the day-to-day stress experience. The study tells us that people
who have more negative emotions have higher levels of cortisol daily.
The research tells us we need
to be empowered. We need to create personal interventions in our stress levels
daily. We can choose to do meditation or self-hypnosis, take proactive action to
reframe our world-view, or modify our biology before going to sleep. If you
have a chronic health issue of any kind it is to your benefit to create
pre-sleep rituals to eliminate the excess cortisol in your body. If you
prefer an herbal approach to managing cortisol, Holy Basil balances the
hormones and helps maintain healthy cortisol levels. This helps balance one's emotions, feelings of stress and blood pressure.
Holy Basil is great for
reducing depression, stress and anxiety. It is considered an adaptogen. Adaptogens brings balance to the entire
body and help protect it from emotional, mental and environmental stresses.
Holy Basil increases strength, stamina, endurance, and encourages efficient
oxygen utilization while promoting proper protein synthesis in the body. Holy
Basil helps maintain biologic equilibrium by modulating stress responses
biochemicals including cortisol, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinehprhine,
dopamine, and inflammatory mediators.
Holy Basil (scientific
name is Ocimum Sanctum) is known as Tulsi in Ayurvedic medicine. An important herb in India for
thousands of years it is known for medicinal properties that improve digestion,
boost the immune system, promote cardiovascular health, and to create a
relaxed, balanced state, which is beneficial for meditation.
Holy Basil has been used
for these concerns:
•
Reduce stress, depression
and anxiety, Treat panic attacks, Promote mental relaxation
•
As an adaptogen, Increase
strength, stamina and endurance, Utilize oxygen more efficiently
•
Promote proper protein
synthesis, Aid digestion, Relieve gas and stomach cramps
•
Boost the functioning of
the immune system
•
Promote cerebral
circulation, Improve memory
•
Promote clarity of thought
and focus, Treat ADHD and ADD
•
For faster wound healing
•
As a pain reducer
•
Treat kidney stones
•
Treat high cholesterol
•
Treat heart disorders
•
Treat mouth infections
•
Treat headaches
•
Treat poisoning
•
Balance hormones, Maintain
healthy cortisol levels
•
Maintain proper blood sugar
levels
•
Treat inflammation
•
Treat colds, sore throat
and coughs
•
Treat snakebite and
scorpion stings
•
Resist bacterial and viral
infections, Treat malaria
•
Reduce fevers
•
Maintain respiratory
health, Treat asthma, allergies and bronchitis
•
Treat arthritis
•
Protect vision and eye
health
•
Protect against radiation
•
As a powerful antioxidant
•
Protect the liver and
kidneys
•
Maintain dental health and
reduce bad breath
•
Treat insect bites and skin
problems
Research studies of Holy
Basil, Tulsi, demonstrate its effectiveness in neutralizing free radicals,
inhibition of inflammatory prostaglandins, and actions to similar aspirin,
antioxidant properties, and antidepressant actions. Holy Basil demonstrates an
ability to protect healthy cells from radiation and chemotherapy toxicity, and
to limit the oxidative free radical damage to the bone marrow from
chemotherapy. Other studies have shown Holy Basil to have a protective effect
against chemical carcinogens.
If you choose to use an herbal
preparation of Holy Basil, these are the recommended dosages. Tincture (1:5 or 1:2): 40–60 drops, three times per day.
Tea: Add 1 tsp. dried leaf to 8 oz. hot water, steep,
covered, 5–10 minutes. Take 4 oz. up to three times per day.
Capsules: Various forms of capsulated products are available.
These include extracts in gel caps, dried or powdered herb in capsules, and
standardized extracts (2 percent ursolic acid) in capsules.
There are Safety
Issues: Holy Basil may be toxic to
embryos therefore avoid using it during pregnancy. It is reported to have an
antifertility effect and should be avoided if a woman is trying to get
pregnant. Herb/Drug Interactions:
Preliminary studies indicate that holy basil might enhance CYP-450 activity, thus speeding up the
elimination of some medications.
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