Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Holy Basil
- Tulsi
- Sacred Basil
- Rama Tulsi (green-leaved variety)
- Krishna Tulsi (purple-leaved variety)

Latin Name: Ocimum sanctum (syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Category: Herb

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Rasayana (longevity tonic) in Ayurvedic medicine - India, 3,000+ years
• Sacred herb dedicated to goddess Lakshmi - Hindu tradition
• Meditation aid to expand awareness and promote compassion - Ayurvedic tradition
• Fever, bronchitis, and respiratory support - Traditional Indian medicine

Modern Uses

• Stress & Anxiety Relief - Adaptogen that helps the body resist stress and reduces cortisol levels | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: 500mg extract twice daily for 2 months significantly reduced anxiety, stress, and depression in patients with generalized anxiety disorder

• Source citations: Spice Apothecary (Clare); Alchemy of Herbs (de la Forêt); Nepal Med Coll J, 2008

• Cognitive Support - Cerebral stimulant that improves mental clarity and focus | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: 300mg leaf extract for 30 days improved cognitive parameters including fewer task errors and reduced cortisol stress levels in healthy adults

• Source citations: Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 2015; Spice Apothecary (Clare)

• Blood Sugar Regulation - Helps stabilize blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Human clinical trials show decreased fasting blood glucose, post-meal glucose, and improved cholesterol profiles (total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides)

• Source citations: Alchemy of Herbs (de la Forêt); Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (Chevallier)

• Respiratory Support - Expectorant for colds, coughs, bronchitis, and asthma | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Traditional use supported by modern clinical practice for respiratory infections and chest congestion

• Source citations: Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (Chevallier); Healing Herbs A to Z (Stein)

• Immune Enhancement - Immune stimulant that helps protect against common pathogens | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Antiviral and antibacterial properties noted; supports immune function during illness
• Source citations: Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies (Groves); Healing Herbs A to Z (Stein)

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Eugenol - Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties; contributes to characteristic aroma
- Ursolic acid - Adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory effects
- Rosmarinic acid - Antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress
- Ocimumosides A and B - Compounds associated with anti-stress activity
- Flavonoids (orientin, vicenin) - Antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Tea (dried leaves)
- Amount: 1-2 teaspoons dried herb per cup
- Frequency: 2-3 cups daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Capsules or standardized extract
- Amount: 300-500 mg extract twice daily
- Purpose: Stress relief, cognitive support, blood sugar management
- Duration: Minimum 4-8 weeks for noticeable effects; can be used long-term

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: 1,000-1,500 mg extract
- Warning threshold: Not established; generally considered safe at recommended doses

Bioavailability Notes:
- Well-absorbed when taken with food
- Fresh herb retains more volatile aromatic compounds; dried herb still effective
- Tea, tincture, and capsule forms all demonstrate efficacy

How to Take It

Timing:
- Can be taken morning or evening
- Tea is often enjoyed as a relaxing evening beverage
- With food or on empty stomach (both acceptable)
- For stress support, consistent daily use is recommended

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Ashwagandha - Both are adaptogenic herbs; combined for enhanced stress resilience and adrenal support
2. Lemon Balm - Complementary nervines; together provide calm energy and mood support
3. Peppermint - Traditional tea combination; enhances flavor and adds digestive support
4. Gotu Kola - Both support cognitive function; combined for mental clarity
5. Licorice Root - Supports adrenal health; adds sweetness to tea blends

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Other Blood Sugar-Lowering Herbs (Gymnema, Bitter Melon) - May cause excessive blood sugar reduction when combined

Drug Interactions:
1. Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Medications (Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel) - Holy basil has mild blood-thinning properties; may increase bleeding risk | Severity: Moderate
2. Diabetes Medications (Metformin, Insulin) - May enhance blood sugar-lowering effects; monitor glucose closely and adjust medications with healthcare provider | Severity: Moderate
3. Sedative Medications (Benzodiazepines, Sleep Aids) - May enhance sedative effects | Severity: Mild

Food Interactions:
- None significant reported

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Pregnancy (may have anti-fertility effects; traditionally contraindicated)
- Those actively trying to conceive
- Scheduled surgery (discontinue 2 weeks prior due to blood-thinning effects)

Side Effects:
- Generally well-tolerated with few reported side effects
- Rare: Mild nausea or digestive upset in sensitive individuals

Long-Term Use:
- Considered safe for long-term use as a tonic herb
- Traditional use supports daily consumption for extended periods
- Classified as a "rasayana" (rejuvenating herb) in Ayurveda, intended for ongoing use
- No cycling typically required, though some practitioners recommend 5 days on, 2 days off

Special Precautions:
- Surgery: Discontinue 2 weeks before scheduled procedures
- Pregnancy: Avoid during pregnancy and when trying to conceive
- Diabetics: Monitor blood sugar closely; may need medication adjustment

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Stress and anxiety relief, cognitive support, blood sugar balance, adaptogenic tonic

Secondary: Respiratory support, immune enhancement, cardiovascular support, mood elevation

Sources

Local Library:
- Clare, Bevin - Spice Apothecary
- Chevallier, Andrew - Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
- de la Forêt, Rosalee - Alchemy of Herbs
- Gladstar, Rosemary - Herbs for Long-Lasting Health
- Groves, Maria Noel - Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies
- Stein, Diane - Healing Herbs A to Z
- Blankespoor, Juliet - The Healing Garden
- Blackthorn, Amy - Blackthorn's Botanical Wellness
- Bellebuona, Holly - An Herbalist's Guide to Formulary

General Knowledge:
- Nepal Medical College Journal (2008) - Anxiety study
- Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology (2015) - Cognitive study
- Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (2014) - Cohen MM review