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.

On time and a consistenly great formulation.

Doctor recommended this brand and it has worked well for me. Doesn’t make my stomach upset, calming effect. You just have to get used to the taste.

I recommend this product to anyone dealing with a stressful life. I use it for balance of hormone related stress. I prefer this natural source over chemically made estrogens. Shipper sent fast and was easy purchase. I have been using this for 10 years and I am calm and happy. No druggy side effects

In basic terms, I use this supplement as a way to calm my nerves, so to speak, which is really a sign of irritation in my body that could elevate inflammation. And the latter I want a whole less of as it is the root of most illnesses. I take these tablets early on in the day, and after if it has been super busy. I don't use it more than a couple times a week, just to keep the systems in check. Very easy to swallow as each capsule is small. No side effects, and do I feel calmer..yes, but that is also a combo with trying to eat healthier and meditation!

I don’t find this supplement to be a miracle sleep cure like some of the other reviews state, but I do think it works well. I started taking holy basil after experiencing some hormone related sleep issues. I wanted to avoid sleep medications and this supplement has proven to be a good alternative. I take about 30 minutes before bed with a magnesium supplement and the combo of the two really helps to make me relaxed and calm. I haven’t noticed any odd side effects and no weird aftertaste. Overall, I have been very happy!

I have purchased with confidence Gaia Herbs. Holy Basil is an excellent herb especially during stressful times and now the holidays that are upon us without any drowsiness and being an adaptogen your body tells what it needs.

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.