Tulsi (Tulasi (Surasa, Gramya, Sulabha, Bahumanjari))
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a revered herb in Ayurveda and Southeast Asian medicine, known for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is used to support stress management, metabolic health, and respiratory function.
Botanical name: Ocimum tenuiflorum. Also known as: Holy Basil, Tulsi, Sacred Basil, ApetaRakshasi, Gauri, Bhutaghni, Devadundubhi), Rama Tulsi, Hot Basil, Indian Basil, Tulasi, Ajaka, Baranda, Vrinda, Manjari, Thai Basil, Krishna Tulsi/Shyama Tulsi, Apetaraksasi, Gowri.
Properties
Adaptogenic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Immunomodulatory, Neuroprotective
Dosage
2-3 cups of tulsi tea daily, or 300-600mg of extract twice daily
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
- Virya: ["Ushna (heating)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (pungent)"]
Benefits
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Shoolahara (pain reliever)
- Kaphahara (expectorant)
- Vishaghna (anti-toxic)
- Jwaraghna (antipyretic)
Traditional uses
- Cough
- Cold
- Fever
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Indigestion
- Skin diseases
- Stress
- Anxiety
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: balancing
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (limited data)
- Fertility issues (may affect fertility)
- Hypothyroidism (may lower thyroid function)
Side effects
- May lower blood sugar
- May thin blood
- Nausea (rare)
Interactions
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medications
- Thyroid medications
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 15 RCTs and databases tracking 20+ RCTs show favorable clinical outcomes with tulsi, suggesting it's an effective treatment for lifestyle-related chronic diseases, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and psychological stress. Studies have shown that tulsi supplementation can improve fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and cholesterol levels in diabetic patients.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Shoolahara (pain reliever)
- Kaphahara (expectorant)
- Vishaghna (anti-toxic)
- Jwaraghna (antipyretic)
Classical clinical indications
- Cough
- Cold
- Fever
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Indigestion
- Skin diseases
- Stress
- Anxiety
Frequently asked questions
What is Tulsi?
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a revered herb in Ayurveda and Southeast Asian medicine, known for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It is used to support stress management, metabolic health, and respiratory function.
What are the benefits of Tulsi?
Deepana (appetizer). Pachana (digestive). Shoolahara (pain reliever)
How is Tulsi used in Ayurveda?
Cough