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In the 2017 review of 24 independent studies, the study authors wrote, “All reviewed studies reported favorable clinical effects with minimal or no side effects irrespective of dose, formulation, or the age or gender of participants, with only one clinical trial reporting transient mild nausea.” Note, the longest study reviewed was only 13 weeks in duration, so this data does not rule out any side effects that could occur when holy basil is used for longer than 13 weeks.
Holy basil is possibly safe when taken for periods of up to six weeks, but long-term safety has not yet been fully established.
Special Precautions
The safety of holy basil use has not yet been established in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Holy basil should not be used by women of childbearing age who are trying to conceive because preliminary studies on animals showed that holy basil may cause uterine contractions and negatively impact fertility.
Another animal study showed that holy basil may slow down the rate of normal blood clotting, and it is suggested to stop the use of the herb at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery and two weeks after any type of surgery.
Contraindications
Holy basil is not recommended for those who are taking specific medications such as anti-coagulants (drugs that slow down blood clotting) these include:
- • Coumadin (warfarin)
- • Heparin
- • Aspirin
- • Plavix (clopidogrel)
- • Fragmin (dalteparin)
- • Lovenox (enoxaparin)
- • Ticlid (ticlopidine)
Because holy basil’s adaptogenic properties are known to induce relaxation, people who take drugs that also cause drowsiness should not use holy basil. *