Tulsi (Holy Basil)Tulasī
Pacifies Vata and Kapha; mildly heating to Pitta.
- Common name
- Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- Sanskrit (IAST)
- Tulasī
- Latin botanical
- Ocimum sanctum
- Form
- Herb / Powder (Choorna)
- Category tags
- RespiratoryAdaptogen · Warming
Overview & dosha effects
Pacifies Vata and Kapha; mildly heating to Pitta.
Traditional uses
The following are traditional Ayurvedic uses documented in classical texts and modern materia medica — not therapeutic claims for the treatment of disease.
How it is taken
Tea: 1 tsp dried leaves in hot water, 2–3 cups daily. Capsules: 300–600 mg.
Classical text references
- [1]Charaka SaṃhitāSūtrasthāna
Grouped with kāsahara and śvāsahara (cough and dyspnoea) herbs.
- [2]Bhāvaprakāśa NighaṇṭuPuṣpa Varga
Rasa (kaṭu, tikta), vīrya (uṣṇa) — kapha-vāta-hara.
Modern research
Contemporary clinical and pharmacological reviews (see references) explore Tulsi (Holy Basil)'s role in the areas where Ayurveda has traditionally used it. Evidence quality varies; treat single studies with caution and prefer systematic reviews.
Safety notes — read before use
As with all traditional herbs, avoid in active flare-ups of the condition you're treating and in anyone with a known allergy to the plant family. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop rash, breathing changes, swelling, digestive upset or any new symptom after starting.
- ✕Pregnancy and active conception attempts — may reduce fertility and uterine contractility in animal studies
- ✕Hypoglycemia or diabetics on insulin/sulfonylureas — monitor closely
- ✕Hypothyroidism — may lower thyroxine
- ✕Two weeks before surgery
- ✕With anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin) due to eugenol content
Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without direct supervision by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your GP or obstetrician. Many Ayurvedic herbs have not been studied in pregnancy and traditional cautions apply.
May interact with prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medications, sedatives, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants and drugs metabolised by the liver. Always share a complete list of herbs and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist.
Specific to Tulsi (Holy Basil): Mild blood thinning and blood-sugar-lowering effects.
Belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. Those allergic to basil, mint, oregano, or sage may react. Eugenol can trigger contact dermatitis.
This is educational information, not a prescription. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (vaidya) and your GP before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, over 65, take prescription medication, have a chronic condition or are scheduled for surgery.
Classical alternatives
For Pitta-dominant respiratory issues with heat, Yashtimadhu (Licorice) or Vasa (Adhatoda) is cooler. During pregnancy, plain ginger tea is safer for colds.
References
- [1]Charaka Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna — Grouped with kāsahara and śvāsahara (cough and dyspnoea) herbs.
- [2]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu, Puṣpa Varga — Rasa (kaṭu, tikta), vīrya (uṣṇa) — kapha-vāta-hara.
- [3]PubMed · Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) clinical review ↗
- [4]Banyan Botanicals · Tulsi ↗
