Gaia HerbsHoly Basil Leaf - Helps Sustain a Positive Outlook and Balance in Times of Stress - an Adaptogenic Ayurvedic Herb - 120 Vegan Liquid Phyto-Capsules (60-Day Supply)

I went through 10+ years of serious insomnia. I could lay awake all night without sleep, or would perhaps finally drift off a couple of hours before time to get up. Sort of that feeling where your "mind won't shut off." I never suffered from any depression or anxiety during my waking hours; but there was a definite sense that a circus was taking place inside my mind once I crawled into bed. You would think that after a night or two of little or no sleep that exhaustion would finally force sleep upon me by the successive nights...but no luck. If anything, after multiple nights of severe insomnia, the possibility of sleep became even less. My doctor tried me on a couple of sleep medications and over the course of about 10 years I took Ambien every night in order to sleep. I felt great while on it; but worried that it was not a good choice for the rest of my life.Three years ago, I started working to wean myself off the Ambien and tried a bunch of different natural supplements in hopes that something would work. Herbal blends. Melatonin under my tongue. Relaxation techniques. You name it. During this time, I also changed doctors. My new doc tends to focus on alternative healthcare, but not at the exclusion of traditional medicine. He suggested that I take Holy Basil 30-45 minutes before bedtime along with my calcium/magnesium supplement (magnesium is very helpful for sleep).After 10 years of majorly struggling with this issue, it now seems so simple (and a bit weird) that this is all that it takes for me to get a good night's sleep. But I do get wonderful, wonderful sleep now. The magnesium helps to make me sleepy and the Holy Basil calms my mind to allow me to drift off and maintain restful sleep.I may occasionally get lax about ordering and taking some of my other supplements; but I make sure that I never run out of my Holy Basil. While the recommended daily dosage of Holy Basil is two capsules, I only take one at bedtime to help with sleep. For those with daytime anxiety, the full dosage would probably be more appropriate. I had been buying this from a local health store for a considerably higher price and was delighted to see the savings that I can usually get from buying it on Amazon.After reading one of the other reviews, I'm a bit curious though. When my doctor suggested this 3 years ago, I did a quick online research before taking it. At that time, I didn't see any reason to be concerned about taking it. There were only benefits as far as I could see: COX-2 inhibitor, antioxidant, glucose stabilizer, stress reliever, etc. What's not to like? The other reviewer mentioned contraindications with other meds or antidepressants. While this isn't an issue for me since I don't take any meds, I was curious about the statement that you should avoid strenuous exercise while on it. When my doctor recommended it several years ago, he was well aware that I was running 45-50 miles a week. After reading the other reviewer's well-informed opinion on the subject, I did a bit more online research. I still feel that it is the perfect thing for my situation; but would recommend that anyone with existing health issues that are being treated with pharmaceuticals or supplements should check first with a knowledgeable healthcare provider...ideally one who is open-minded to alternative meds.

Holy basil is pretty amazing. With 2 capsules, I get a really calm, levelheaded mind-set and it’s very noticeable so I don’t attribute it to placebo. I often find myself having too much anxiety, tension and feelings of being overwhelmed to get anything done, even something as simple as making food for myself (and writing reviews, considering this is one of my first :)) can feel like too much. I over-analyze things, my mind is always looking for things to find wrong, and I constantly fight myself to relax and let things go. But while holy basil may feel a little bit sedating, it in no way makes me lazy or dulled down – it makes me take my time and calmly get things done well. It seems to take away all the clutter and leave me with a clean mind and I’m able to get through my day. I take the supplement as needed, not daily.I’m very paranoid about buying supplements from Amazon because there are so many mysterious companies that show up with catchy names, nice looking labels, fake reviews and other suspicious activity, but I have total confidence with Gaia, I am getting a good product. When I bite into one of these capsules (to take sublingually), I can tell that the herb is concentrated and fresh.One negative thing I experienced – sometimes the holy basil gives me headaches. It doesn’t always happen but since I virtually never get headaches, it is definitely the holy basil. But with all the positive benefits, it’s worth the risk for me.

It helps me with my stress and relaxation.

Okay folks this stuff works great but as I found out you have to be careful when taking this with Rhodolia which also has MAO-A activity, otherwise effects could be multiplied. (Had no clue that Basil was almost as powerful as Rhodolia in this department.)I have investigated MAO-A inhibitors somewhat for when I was using Anti-depressants before. I knew about the contraindication when it came to using it with SSRIs or Tryclics Anti-depressants but I had no clue it could also possibly interact (even in smaller doses) with other "Pro-drugs" that mimic and act on 5-HT receptors (seratonin).In my opinion the effects of Holy Basil are a little less harsh than Rhodolia which signifigantly changes the body's chemistry. Both give you the feeling of "blunt force impact" which is what I use to describe the sensation of a drug that sedates your body's nerve receptors but not necessarily your brain. Do not use this outside as your adrenaline and nonepinephrine levels will drop signifigantly and while stress and blood pressure will be lowered and your cognitive reaction speed remains normal, you might become a bit woozy if too much is taken. DO NOT TAKE THIS IF YOU HAVE LOW BLOOD PRESSURE PROBLEMS DUE TO THE INCREASED RISK OF SEIZURE AND LOWERING OF THE "SEIZURE THRESHOLD".For the right person this could work wonders. Judging from the effects I think it could possibly help women the most. For me one a day is more than enough despite the serving size which says to take 2. Eat with the drug so that is absorbed more slowly and to avoid toxicity. This is completely different from the seasoning basil which has been dried out and lost most of it's essential oil content, so do not think you are just popping a pill of ordinary Basil. I believe "Holy" basil is from India which has a more potent form of the plant as well.Great product for people with High Blood Pressure. Probably works better than any Alpha or Beta blockers the Doctor would prescribe. Signifigantly lowers heart rate, so please do not attempt strenuous physical exercise while using this drug otherwise you could damage your muscles because it affects those synapses which are activated with adrenaline and other "fight or flight" hormones.Disclaimer - I am not a licensed medical physician.