Holy basil
Classic Ayurvedic adaptogen.
Why
Classic Ayurvedic adaptogen. Smaller RCT evidence base than ashwagandha but consistent reports of mood, anxiety, and stress-related metabolic markers improving.
How it works
Multiple constituents (eugenol, ocimumosides) modulate HPA-axis and cortisol response in animal models; small human RCTs report perceived stress reductions.
Expected onset · Subjective stress and anxiety effects often emerge by 4–6 weeks
How to take
Dosage
500 mg of standardised leaf extract twice daily (Bhattacharyya 2008 GAD trial); 300 mg of OciBest extract daily has also been studied for perceived stress.
Timing
Morning and evening with meals
Safety
Evidence
Cohen 2014 J Ayurveda Integr Med narrative review summarises a handful of small RCTs of Ocimum sanctum reporting improvements in mood, anxiety, and stress-related biomarkers. Bhattacharyya 2008 controlled trial in generalised anxiety disorder showed symptom reduction at 500 mg twice daily. The evidence base is smaller and lower-quality than ashwagandha's.
Where to get it
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