Tulsi (Holy Basil)
TULSI
Ocimum tenuiflorum (synonym O. sanctum), O. gratissimum
Common Name
Family
Actions
Adaptogen, alterative, anti-cancer, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactagogue, hypoglycemic, immunomodulant, nervine, radio-protective
Energetics
Warming and cooling, combined. Also pungent.
Edible Uses
Tulsi leaves are best taken as a tea or juiced as chewing the leaves have been known to discolor or 'tan' the teeth. Its taste has been described as 'bumble-gum-like' or for other varieties, similar to the spice clove.
Native To
South Asia
Geographic Distribution
Lowland regions of India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, southern China, Thailand, and Malaysia in the wild format but may be cultivated as a garden herb worldwide.
Botanical Description & Identification
Tulsi is a shrub-like plant with green and purple leaves on a hairy stem. Each pair of leaves grows completely opposite the other. Tulsi can grow up to 3 feet in height in an optimal environment. This plant grows little white or purple flowers, which are highly attractive to bees, and begin to bloom in midsummer.
Key Constituents
Flavonoids, triterpenes, ursolic acid, volatile oils, mucilage, and vitamins A and C
Sustainability Issues
None known.
Harvesting Guidelines
Harvest leaves and flowering tops regularly year round in mild climates or from midsummer through fall in more temperate regions.
Uses
**BENEFITS OF TULSI (HOLY BASIL):
Holy Basil is known to:
*Reduce overall inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
*Sooth muscle cramping
*Protect DNA from free radical damage (antioxidant)
*Reduce and repel the materials associated with tumors
*Reduce overall pain
*Reduce fevers through perspiration promotion
*Reduce anxiety
*Protect the liver
*Boost the immune system
*Support detoxification of the body
*Reduce and repel environmental radiation
*Reduce symptoms of acne and infections of the skin
*Help control blood sugar
*Help balance stress hormones
*Relieve symptoms of fever
*Support oral health
*Support eye health
*Repel and dispel parasites
Tulsi is useful in the following more common disorders and diseases:
Most well known today for its help with the digestive system and nervous system.
Most common uses:
IBS, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, stress, ADD, ADHD, conjunctivitis, cataracts, acne, diabetes, cancer, radiation poisoning, poor circulation, bad breath, gingivitis, cavities, migraines, asthma, histamine intolerance, PTSD
Fun Facts:
Tulsi is:
* Known to contain more than 150 different species within the mint family.
* An herb used in ancient India to purify and living body or physical space.
* Not frost tolerant and love sunny, well draining soil.
* Named after the ancient Indian god, 'Tullsi', and in Sanskrit means "matchless
one". Its 'Holy' name derives from the Greek who claimed this herb to be of royal
heritage or decent.
* Known to have been used to persevere bodies of the deceased in ancient times.
* Known to be protective for those seeking radiation and chemotherapy due to its
ability to reduce radiation in the body.
References
Apelian, N., & Davis, C. (2019). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine.
Culpeper, N., & Foster, S. (2019). Culpeper's complete herbal. Illustrated & annotated edition. New York, Sterling Publishing Company.
Hoffman, D. (1987). The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.
Holmes P. Aromatica: a clinical guide to essential oil therapeutics – Vol. I. Singing Dragon, London, 2016.
Holmes P. Clary sage. The International Journal of Aromatherapy, 1993; 5(1): 15-17.
The Herbal Academy Herbarium and Materia Medica. Copyright: The Herbal Academy.
Tisserand R, Balacs T. Essential oil safety. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1995.
McIntyre, Anne. (1996). Flower Power. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, Inc.
McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants.
Safety
Medicinal use should be avoided by those who are pregnant as effects on the fetus are unknown. Those on blood thinner or glucose medications should also use caution as tulsi is known to affect these areas of the body.