I started the Holy Basil almost a month ago; I first mentioned it in my Old Gray Mare post.
I am currently using the SC Holy Basil by New Chapter. They offer two types:
1. SC Holy Basil™
Uplift, Calm, and Balance
Available in 60 and 120 hexane-free softgel capsules
* Supports normal cortisol, blood sugar, and insulin
metabolism already in normal ranges*
* Elevates spirit*
* Protects healthy cells from radiation damage*
and
2. Holy Basil
Ocimum Sanctum
Available in 90 Vcap® (400 mg) size
* Reduces stress and cortisol*
* Promotes a healthy inflammation response*
* Increases physical and emotional endurance*
(I actually love the New Chapter products. The Host Defense and Every Woman's One Daily is good stuff, man.)
I didn't make an informed choice between the two. I got the one my health food store has, which was the SC version. I believe I still get points 2 and 3 that the regular Holy Basil has with the SC version.
So here I am taking Holy Basil, waiting for the enlightenment and positive benefits.
I was patient.
And I waited.
I told myself, give it time. Wait and see.
I'm not good at patience. I want immediate gratification.
But I went deep and found a small reserve, so I waited.
Last week I allowed myself back on the scale. SEVEN POUNDS!
After two years of nothing, I lost seven pounds! I know, I know, drop in the bucket. But it's a loss and it has motivated me. Only one pound this week, so far, but I've been a teensy naughty. It was all the parties last weekend and the getting Boo'd and so forth. But going down one pound instead of gaining is GREAT!
I am still doing the same diet (weight watchers) and same exercise (any kind I can any time I can) and have changed nothing else. I have merely added in the Holy Basil.
And here is what I have observed in the last month:
* Increased energy and improved mood. I feel "back to myself." I'm back to caring about my usual things and being more me. And my house is in better order.
* Improved focus.
* Weight loss.
* Feel more able, better cognitive reframing.
* No colon flares. I've cut the GI meds way back. One Pepcid a day, sometimes, rather than two every day. I only take one digestive enzyme a day, have also stopped the IBS medication. (The Pepcid is to control allergy inflammation as well as to help with GI response.)
I think this is more or less what the cool Zen words mean, just in more Western scientific terms.
Okay. Sign me up. I'm a believer.
That Sherri-Stringfield-look-alike is not nutters. I think cortisol REALLY affects weight loss.
Just getting me up to this better place has helped me get a better ball rolling and keep it rolling.
Holy Basil. Holy Cow.
By Julie Pippert
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