Herb & Spice: Holy Basil | Mama Jean's Natural Market
Holy Basil isn't like that sweet basil you find in the kithcen. It's spicy, peppery taste has earned this herb the nick-name of "hot basil" when cooking. Also named "The Queen of Herbs", Holy Basil actas as an adaptogen and helps your body cope with stress and anxiety. This powerful herb has long been used to treat high cholesterol and lower blood sugar. 
 
Along with holy basil, this blend includes ashwagandha, which is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogen and a nervine to help cope with stress.* This formulation also calls upon another herbal ally, astragalus, which is also used as an adaptogen, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Astragalus was used as an herbal supplement to help increase energy and resistance to stress.* These two ingredients from differing herbal practices have been used for millennia, and it's long-standing use shows that they've helped generations of people manage the daily stressors of their times. 

Daily Stress Tonifying Elixir

Makes about 24 ounces.

Ingredients

• ½ cup organic Krishna holy basil

  • ¼ cup organic ashwagandha root
  • ¼ cup organic astragalus root
  • ½ cup raw, local honey
  • 2 ½ cups alcohol of choice

Directions

  1. Combine holy basil, ashwagandha, and astragalus in quart size jar.
  2. Add honey and stir well to combine.
  3. Pour in alcohol until completely covered.
  4. Cover jar and shake well.
  5. Infuse for at least 2 weeks, storing in a cool dark place.
  6. Shake the blend every few days.
  7. Strain the elixir and transfer to clean glass bottles.
  8. Label and date the elixir.
  9. Enjoy about one teaspoon to support you during stressful times.
Pro Tips
  • Store in a cool, dark place where it can last for several years.
  • As with any herbal preparation, dosage should be determined based on the status of your health and guidance from a qualified herbal practitioner. A teaspoon seems to do well for most people, but this should not be taken as a dosage recommendation.