Holy Basil, anyone? (not for cancer directly, but for stress)

I found a storefront herbalist this evening and although I didn't think I'd trust some storefront herbalist (not sure why! LOL), the woman was VERY knowledgeable (she told me things I already knew from this forum, and I learned a couple of new things -- one of which was that if you take calcium with magnesium, you also have to take K2 with it or else it can affect arteries -- y'all might know about that but I didn't).

After we chatted for 10 minutes or so and I explained (briefly) my situation, she asked what I felt was my overarching problem or need. The words that came out of my mouth were "STRESS MANAGEMENT." (This is a BIG problem for me... I've lived my entire life super-stressed-out, and I feel certain that an intensified stress level in the last few years had a lot to do with my getting cancer.)

She asked me if I was familiar with Holy Basil. I wasn't, other than seeing it on the shelves when I buy other supplements.

She explained that it's an Indian herb (tulsi) that is very effective at calming and reducing cortisol levels. I went ahead and bought a bottle even though it was very expensive ($27) because she was so certain that this herb reduces stress levels so effectively... and I figure $27 is cheaper than a massage, ha.

Now I'm researching it, and I've found a few things that might actually relate to my ER+ cancer:

Holy Basil has anti-fertility effect by reducing the estrogen hormone levels in females and decreasing the sperm count in men, so if you are wanting babies don't use it. 

Okay, I definitely DO want babies, but I know I've had excess estrogen the last few years so reducing it can't be a bad thing!

Some other things I've found about it:

It can moderate insulin levels and help with reversing obesity. It has powerful anti-oxidants and has a rejuvenating effect on tissues. It is an adaptogen and decreases provides stress relief. 

Since most of what I've read so far doesn't cite scientific studies (which interest me far more than empty claims or anecdotes), I'm about to try to find some (research studies) if I can... so far I'm just finding things like:

In a 2008 study of 35 adults with generalized anxiety disorder, researchers found that taking tulsi in capsule form daily for 60 days was linked to significantly lower levels of stress and depression. 

There's also evidence that it protects against mercury poisoning... since I can't afford to have my fillings replaced any time soon, that's definitely of interest to me!

A 2002 study on mice suggests that treatment with tulsi may provide protection against mercury-induced toxicity (known to damage the central nervous system, endocrine system, kidneys, and other organs). 

Anyway, if you all are like me, the idea of adding yet another supplement to your regimen makes you go "ugh," but this stress reduction thing is for ME so key in living an anti-cancer lifestyle that this is one that I'm going to try. I'll report back to let you know if I observe any real effects if you'd like!