How does basil help fight stress?

Holy basil, or tulsi, is considered one of the most important herbs in ayurveda. It is used for many different conditions, but its ability to fight stress has led modern herbalists to label it as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help the body fight stress by reducing the production of stress hormones that result in the fight-or-flight response.   

To help counteract the stresses of modern life, you can grow a holy basil plant in your home and eat a leaf daily. It has an aromatic taste similar to the basil plant commonly used in Western cooking. It is most often consumed as a tea made of dried holy basil leaves, which is available at health food stores as tulsi tea. It can also be taken in pill form.