Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Holy Basil (ocimum sanctum-folium), also known as Tulsi, is a member of the basil family originating from Southeast Asia. Tulsi is a warming aromatic shrub, great for balancing both vata and kapha. In Ayurveda, it is known to be an extremely sacred or sattvic herb, promoting prana, detoxification, and pure positivity. It plays an important role in daily puja (worship), and is often found in home courtyards. In a psychological sense, tulsi promotes clarity, awareness, and calm.
Benefits
-Adaptogenic
-Supports the lungs & respiratory health
-Promotes healthy circulation
-Stress and anxiety management
-Maintains stable body temperature
-Loads of vitamin K (great for bone health)
-Balancing to vata and kapha doshas
What Ayurveda and Western Science Has to Say…
Energetics:
Rasa: Pungent, bitter
Virya: Heating
Vipaka: Pungent
Guna: Dry, light
Dosha: VK-, P+
Lungs
In ayurveda tulsi is known for increasing prana and its support of the lungs, removing dampness, kapha, and mucus buildup. This benefit goes in conjunction with aiding in flu/cold recovery. As a natural expectorant, Tulsi gives relief to sinus irritation, congestion, and coughing. It is also used to treat asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis, and other respiratory allergies. This herb ignites action on the rasa dhatu* treating fevers and regulating body temperatures.
In a study done on mice with respiratory tract infection, researchers found that a diet supplemented with tulsi-infused oil significantly decreased bacterial colonization of the lungs (Saini, 2009).
*the plasma tissue, which nourishes the other tissues; also has effect on the skin and the menstrual cycle
Digestion & Detoxification
Naturally warming, yet pungent, Tulsi moves vata through the intestines and smooths out the digestive tract. This process of movement is called apana vayu which is an aspect of vata that moves energy downwards and is responsible for eliminating stool, gas, urine,etc. The eliminating effect of tulsi goes hand in hand with reducing sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood.
Tulsi has a strong detoxification effect on the body and its tissues and cells. Due to its phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties (higher in black and purple varieties), tulsi can fight against toxin forming illness such as cancer. In one study, researchers gave 2 groups of rats different levels of leaf extracts from tulsi and another herb called azadirachta indica. The results included suppressed carcinomas, inhibition of cell proliferation, apoptosis induction, and lower protein oxidation along with heightened antioxidant activity (Manikandan, 2008)
Nervous system
One of the most adaptogenic herbs, tulsi helps the body cope with stress, stimulates mental clarity, and mental rejuvenation. In addition to its ability to balance kapha in the lungs, it also balances excess kapha and vata in the head and nervous system. This can manifest as tension headaches or congestion headaches (tip: tulsi tea is a great remedy for tension problems).
Tulsi is predominantly known for being adaptogenic, providing symptomatic relief for anxiety and depression. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, some participants received 125 mg of tulsi extract twice a day for 8 weeks (other participants received a placebo). At the end of the 8-week trials, scientists found significant improvements based on a number of tests. Compared to the placebo, actual tulsi extract showed improvement based on stress tests PSS and AIS, lower concentrations of cortisol in hair and saliva, and lower blood pressure (Lopresti, 2022).
How to Take Tulsi
Tea – Can be combined with pippali for lung congestion and nasal allergies; with ginger, fennel, and cardamom for digestive issues; with brahmi and gotu kola for mental clarity. Smash some fresh tulsi leaves against a cup to release aroma and pour hot water.
In food – Can be used as any other herb in cooking. Provides a peppery taste to food.
Supplement – For easy supplemental consumption, consider taking tulsi as a tablet, liquid extract, or powder. If in powder form, mix with warm water.
Extract – Tulsi extracts can be used topically (for antimicrobial properties against human and animal pathogens) and orally for all the benefits listed in this article. Extracts are made either through distillation processes, powder maceration, or tincture.
Herbal oil – Having a tulsi-infused oil can be a great addition to your vata and kapha oil. Set aside some time to give yourself an abhyanga massage to add to your daily self-care routine! Tulsi oil supports healthy circulation of blood and lymph.
Contraindications
Not recommended to those who have respiratory infections with high pitta without other cooling herbs. Also, not recommended for those who are pregnant, nursing, or those who are trying to become pregnant. Avoid tulsi if you have low blood sugar.
Sources
“Ayurvedic Medicine: The principles of Traditional Practice” by Sebatian Pole
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/pages/plants-tulsi-holy-basil-benefits
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19597641/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18946617/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9524226/
8/14/24
Article by Alysha Evans
