What is Holy Basil (Tulsi)?

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil or Ocimum Tenuiflorum, is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogenic herbs work to help the body regulate reactions to psychological stress.

What are the benefits of Tulsi?

It is related to culinary basil, the name Holy Basil is derived from its use in Ayurvedic medicine. This aromatic herb is native to the Indian subcontinent and is cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. The taste is described as hot and bitter. In Ayurveda it is said to normalise Kapha and Vata. Tulsi is also credited for brightening the complexion, providing stamina, increasing brain power and producing a calm emotional disposition [i].

Popular uses for Tulsi

Anxiety

Stress

Liver support

Anti-diabetic

Antimicrobial

Mental health and brain health

The modern lifestyle, increasingly driven by mobile devices and technological advances leads many people to a more faced-paced existence. Tulsi has been proven to have anti-anxiety properties with effects com parable to anti-anxiety medications such as diazepam [ii]. Anti-depressant actions have also been seen and comparable to anti-depressant drugs[iii]. Preferred to as ‘Liquid Yoga’, regular consumption of Tulsi may be beneficial to mental health in a similar fashion to regular yoga practice [iv].

Animal studies further reveal that Tulsi enhances memory and cognitive function [v] [vi].

Liver support for environmental factors

Psychological stress combined with the physical stress of pollutants in our food and atmosphere. Studies suggest to the ability of Tulsi to prevent liver, kidney and brain injury by protecting against the genetic, immune and cellular damage caused by pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals [vii] [viii] [ix].

Metabolism benefits

Tulsi has been shown to provide protection against metabolic disease or pre-diabetes which can lead to a diabetic state [x].

Protection against infections

Modern research has revealed that Tulsi has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activity [xi].

Precautions and Interactions:

Holy basil (Tulsi) is not recommended for those who are taking specific medications such as anti-coagulants (drugs that slow down blood clotting) these include: Coumadin (warfarin) Heparin, or Aspirin [xii].