Gaia Herbs Pro Holy Basil Leaf – Stress Support Supplement with Holy Basil – Herbal Supplements to Support a Positive Mindset – 60 Liquid Phyto-Caps

One capsule before bedtime…and I can finally sleep
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.

Calming supplement
Been taking Holy Basil for years—very calming. This is a pure version of the plant.

Helps with lower inflammation an flowers stress
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!