Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Ocimum tenuiflorum / sanctum
圣罗勒
Pinyin: Shèng Luó Lè
Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Part Used
Leaf, stem, seed, whole aerial parts
Origin
India (native), Southeast Asia; cultivated throughout the tropics
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Tulsi, or holy basil, is one of the most revered plants in Ayurvedic medicine and Hindu culture, where it is considered sacred. It has been used for over 3,000 years as an adaptogen, immune tonic, and spiritual herb. Tulsi is often called "the queen of herbs" and "the incomparable one." Modern research confirms its adaptogenic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
warm
Flavors (五味)
pungent, bitter, sweet
Meridians (归经)
heart, lung, liver
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Adaptogen - helps body cope with stress
- Immune system support
- Respiratory conditions (cough, cold, bronchitis, asthma)
- Digestive health and gut inflammation
- Fever and infections
- Anxiety, depression, and mental clarity
- Skin conditions (topical)
- Diabetes and blood sugar support
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Tea, tincture, capsule, powder, essential oil (topical/aromatherapy), fresh leaf juice. Tulsi is also a sacred plant often grown in homes and temples.
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 1 tsp dried leaf or handful of fresh leaves per cup, 2–3x/day; tincture: 2–4 mL 2–3x/day; capsules: 500–1000 mg 2x/day; powder: 1–3 g daily. Fresh tulsi leaves can be eaten directly or added to food.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. For medicinal use, harvest just before or during early flowering when essential oil content is highest. The whole aerial part (leaves, stems, flowers) can be used.
Quality Indicators
Dried tulsi: green to purple-green color (varies by variety), strong aromatic basil-like scent, mostly leaves with minimal stems. Krishna tulsi (purple stems) is considered the most potent. Fresh tulsi should have vibrant green leaves with no wilting. Organic is preferred.
Storage
Dried tulsi: airtight container in cool dark place, 1 year. Fresh leaves: refrigerate in damp paper towel for 3–5 days, or freeze. Protect from light which degrades essential oils.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions - avoid medicinal doses; culinary okay)Breastfeeding (insufficient data - culinary okay)Surgery (may slow blood clotting - stop 2 weeks before)Hypothyroidism (may lower thyroid hormone - monitor)Infertility (some traditional concerns about reducing fertility in men - inconclusive)Children (safe in small culinary amounts; medicinal use - consult practitioner)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally very safe (tulsi is also eaten as food)
- Mild digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea) in high doses
- May lower blood sugar (monitor if diabetic)
- May thin blood slightly (rare)
- Allergic reaction (rare)
- May cause mild drowsiness in some people (combined with sedatives)
Drug Interactions
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar - monitor)
- Blood thinners (mild anticoagulant effect - moderate)
- Sedatives and CNS depressants (additive drowsiness - mild)
- Thyroid medications (may decrease thyroid hormones - monitor)
- Blood pressure medications (may lower blood pressure)
- Generally moderate interaction potential
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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