People mainly take Holy Basil for anxiety, sleep. Based on 34 first-hand reports and 4 meta-analyses & systematic reviews in the medical literature. Ranked #371 of 1,974 overall.
Of reports that state an outcome, 74% are positive.
Of the people who reported each effect, the share who said it got better.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses from PubMed, with their published conclusions.
At least one meta-analysis, or 5+ randomized controlled trials. The grade measures how much human research exists — read the conclusions below for what it found.
Conclusion: Some herbal medicines show hypoglycaemic effects in type 2 diabetes. However, these findings should be carefully interpreted due to the low methodological quality, small sample size, and limited number of trials. In the light of some positive findings, some herbal medicines deserve further examination in high-quality trials.
PubMed 15266492 ↗Conclusion: This article presents a modern perspective on the herbs available in the ancient Indian medicine system as well as their possible mechanisms of action for AD treatment. The main objective of this research is to provide a systematic review of herbal drugs that are easily accessible and effective for the treatment of AD.
PubMed 36797613 ↗Conclusion: There is heterogeneity in the available literature on Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes. Most studies test herbal therapy. Heterogeneity exists in the herbs and formulas tested (more than 44 different interventions identified) and in the method of their preparation. Despite these limitations, there are sufficient data for several herbs or herbal formulas to warrant further studies.
PubMed 16202376 ↗Conclusion: For most phytonutrients, the effects of supplementation on HPA-axis activity in humans is unclear. Before more definitive conclusions about the effects of phytonutrients on the HPA-axis can be made, further research is required.
PubMed 33650944 ↗As stated by users — not a recommendation. Follow the label or your doctor.
How often each side effect came up across all reports.
Verbatim quotes, shortened only — each links to the original discussion.
“2 Capsules Tulsi (Holy Basil) from Organic India”
“adaptations like ashwagandha and Holly Basil about an hr before bed will calm you down.”
“if you want an adaptogen to relax get Holy Basil”
“It also helps with carbohydrate metabolism, which is great for me, as I'm usually insulin resistant.”
“Currently taking...ashwaganda and holy basil with some other stuff for adrenal stress relief”
User data from public discussions; research from PubMed. Information only, not medical advice — talk to a doctor before starting, stopping or combining anything. Data updated October 2, 2026. How we rate