Herbal Spotlight: Tulsi / Holy Basil

(Ocimum sanctum syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum; Ocimum gratissimum; Ocimum africanum)

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Holy basil, sacred basil, tulsi, the incomparable one... all common names for a well-loved medicinal plant originally from tropical regions like India and Africa.

Today, we're going to cover many aspects of tulsi, from personal stories to ancient wisdom to modern clinical use backed by scientific research. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

• where and how tulsi is traditionally grown and revered
• why the plant has been commonly named "holy" and "sacred"
• the energetics and actions of tulsi as a medicinal plant
• when and how you might incorporate tulsi into your life
• scientifically-backed uses of tulsi on a clinical level
• why tulsi is so beloved

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.

Materia medica: Tulsi / Holy Basil

(Ocimum sanctum syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum; Ocimum gratissimum; Ocimum africanum)

Common names: tulsi, holy basil, sacred basil, ‘the incomparable one’, the ‘queen of herbs’, the ‘mother medicine of nature’ in India

Varieties: Ocimum sanctum syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum includes Rama (wider green leaves) & Krishna (purplish leaves); Ocimum gratissimum refers to Vana tulsi; Ocimum africanum is commonly known as 'temperate tulsi', Tulsi Kapoor or African basil

Family: mint family a.k.a. Lamiaceae

Actions: adaptogen, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antiviral, carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, nervine, antispasmodic, radioprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue, immunomodulatory, nootropic, hypotensive, reversibly anti-androgenic, hypoglycemic

Traditional uses:  Used as a rasayana. Daily tonic use. Useful for increasing vitality. Expands and sharpens awareness, aids meditation and promotes compassion. Opens the heart and mind, encourages devotion, encourages prosperity, clears aura and supports immunity. Respiratory ailments including coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis. Cardiotonic, often combined with herbs like arjuna to address heart issues. Common folk tradition to cook onion and tulsi in coconut oil and apply to head of someone with a fever after it cools. Tulsi and ginger commonly used for indigestion from overheating or stagnant digestion. Also traditionally used for diarrhea, nausea, poor memory, lack of concentration, ulcers, and diabetes.

Energetics: warming, pungent, very slightly bitter, slightly sweet, drying.

Ayurvedic energetics: VK-, P+, possible caution in high Pitta though can also be considered tridoshic.

Parts used: mostly leaf & flower, but whole plant has been used traditionally, including for spiritual purposes.

Dosages:

Tea: 1-2 tsp herb, cup of water, steep covered for 10-20 mins, 2-4x/day
Capsules: 1-2 500mg capsules, bid
Tincture: 2-4mls tid, up to 3-5mls tid

Traditionally used in medicated ghee, which according to Ayurveda, would bring it deeper into the tissues of the body, including into places like the nervous system and reproductive system

Safety: No known toxicity or side effects or contraindications

Herb drug interactions: theoretically, may promote CYP450 enzyme, possibly increasing breakdown of relevant drugs, also consider potential additive effects if on meds for blood sugar regulation, etc

Pregnancy/lactation: Used commonly in India, but caution advised in pregnancy or if trying to conceive, due to possible “antifertility” effect and possible teratogenic effects

General medicinal uses: Viral conditions (especially respiratory with excess mucus). Modulating stress response, overall supporting endocrine function. Uplifting mood, stagnant depression, uplifting spirit. Reducing oxidative stress, mildly modulating inflammation. Normalizing cholesterol. Balancing blood sugar and insulin levels. Protection with radiation and chemotherapy damage. Supporting drug/nicotine withdrawal. Mouth rinse for dental/gum health. Blood pressure regulation. Mild analgesia. Immune amphoteric, so can be supportive in excessive immune response like allergies and asthma. Or to promote immune response as needed. Enhancing cerebral circulation, memory, concentration, and mental clarity.

Possible womb-centered medicinal uses:  Reducing and modulating stress to improve things like sleep quality, mood, digestion and hormonal balance. Decreasing inflammation and mild pain relief in conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, menstrual cramps, and chronic pelvic pain. Cardiovascular system tonic, especially in perimenopause and post-menopausal years. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), especially for those with a metabolic component to support blood sugar and insulin regulation. Also for PCOS with hyperandrogenism (some evidence for potential anti-androgenic effects). Mood support, especially for PMS symptoms (mild depression, anxiety, etc), perimenopausal mood challenges, or even the teen years just after menarche. Lactation and postpartum, especially to support milk production and for baby blues or even possibly mild postpartum depression in the weeks and months following the birth.

Reminder: herbs are typically combined formulas to provide more targeted and synergistic effects rather than used on their own, so consider tulsi as a possible addition to formulas versus a single herb for any of these uses.

References

Braun, L. & Cohen, M. (2015). Herbs & natural supplements: An evidence-based guide, volume 2 (4th edition). Churchill Linvingstone Elsvier.

Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of herbal medicine: 550 herbs and remedies for common ailments (3rd edition). DK Publishiing.

Cohen, M. (2014). Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 5(4), 251–259. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-9476.146554

Easley, T., & Horne, S. (2016). The modern herbal dispensatory: A medicine-making guide. North Atlantic Books.

Jamshidi, N., & Cohen, M. (2017). The clinical efficacy and safety of tulsi in humans: A systematic review of the literature. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 9217567.  https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9217567

Khalsa, K.P., & Tierra, M. (2008). The way of Ayurvedic herbs: The most complete guide to natural healing and health with traditional Ayurvedic herbalism. Lotus Press.

Khosla M. K. (1995). Sacred tulsi (ocimum sanctum L.) in traditional medicine and pharmacology. Ancient science of life, 15(1), 53–61.

Kuhn, M., & Winston, D. (2008). Herbal therapy & supplements: A scientific and traditional approach (2nd edition). Wolters Kluwer.

Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: Herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief. Healing Arts Press.

Yance, D. (2013). Adaptogens in medical herbalism: Elite herbs and natural compounds for mastering stress, aging and chronic disease. Healing Arts Press.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast and blog is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I’m an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal health concerns.

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