Holy Basil (A.K.A. Tulsi)
(Ocimum sanctum; O. tenuiflorum)
Energetics: Warming but will cool, neutral moist/drying.
Taste: Sweet. Pungent.
Tissue States:
Systems Affected: Nervous system. Immune system. Digestive system. Cardiovascular.
Parts Used: Leaf & flower.
Key Components: Volatile oils (eugenol)
Preparations & dosage: Infusion: Overnight cold infusion of the flower extracts demulcent properties. Steep 1 handful of flowers in 1 quart cool water overnight. This makes a rather cooling and relaxing nervine drink. Hot infusion steeped 5-10 minutes. Can take up to 4 oz of plant material per day. Tincture: In either alcohol and/or glycerin. Fresh 1:2 in 75% alcohol or 100% glycerin. Infused oil: Food: Use in cooking for flavor and medicine.
Actions:
Foundational: Aromatic. Relaxant.
Primary: Adaptogen. Nervine. Aromatic Digestive. Neuroprotective. Immunomodulator.
Secondary: Tonic (cardiovascular). Antioxidant. Analgesic.
Uses:
There are different varieties of Holy Basil. They have slight differences but can essentially be used interchangeably. Rama, Krishna, Amrita, Kapoor & Vana. I have the most experience using Vana.
Stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, viral infections, fungal infections, depression, colds & flu, herpes virus, radiation exposure, high blood sugar, allergic rhinitis, ulcers, pain. Trophorestorative to nervous system (repairing where there is damage). Supports ones heart to open. Strengthening to the nervous system to come back to equilibrium. When taken for a few weeks people notice a quality of openheartedness and quality of mind. Calming. Soothing to the heart & mind & bring us back to a place to find that peaceful, meditative place. Specific for reproductive support but its spicy/pungent qualities make it an abortifacient so once pregnant, stop use. NOT SEDATING unlike other nerviness allowing one to be present. A transformative herb moving a person towards heath when taken daily. Holy basil is one of those herbs you can take for a life time to ensure vibrant health and longevity. A building & nourishing herb. by increasing the bodies ability to efficiently use oxygen, it promotes energy & endurance while helping the body adapt to stress. Shown to positively affect people who have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. As a cerebral stimulant for people with mental fog. Can combine with other cerebral stimulants such as rosemary & ginkgo to help people with menopausal cloudy thinking, poor memory, ADD, ADHD and to speed up recovery from head trauma. DIGESTION: often but not always paired with dried ginger to promote stagnant digestion. Also helpful for heartburn and helps to heal ulcers. LIVER: considered a hepatoprotective herb (protects liver from harm). FRESH JUICE sweetened with honey used for intestinal parasites. Helps regulate blood sugar in diabetics & can significantly lower fasting blood glucose (may be due to its high antioxidant levels). Someone taking insulin should use with caution and adjust insulin intake accordingly. HEART: Slightly blood thinning & promotes good circulation. Can lower stress related high blood pressure. When taken daily can optimize cholesterol levels. Stress is bad for cardiovascular health & the adaptogenic properties in Holy Basil can help mediate stress related damage. Helps strengthen and modulate the immune system. Can take as preventative and to address active upper respiratory viruses such as cold/flu. Affinity for the lungs & can be used for bronchitis & pulmonary weakness. Taken over time shown to have beneficial effect on asthma and seasonal allergies. Add ginger & honey to holy basil tea to sooth sore throat. Use topically and/or internally for bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Often used for viral herpes outbreaks & applied externally to ringworm & eczema (can help eczema taken internally as well due to its beneficial effects on liver). Able to reduce cancerous tumors & can protect healthy cells from radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
As an adaptogen it supports the hypothalamic, pituitary-adrenal axis. It works like many adaptogens and helps relieve the negative effects of stress, anxiety, depression, overwork, etc.
Adaptogens are taken regularly over a long period of time to reap their benefits.
Brain fog (especially associated with menopause). Poor memory. ADD. ADHD. Healing from head trauma.
Clarity of mind and allowing one to come back to the resent moment.
Damp/stagnant/stuck digestion.
And effective mouth rinse to prevent cavities by reducing the bacteria that causes them. Found to be more effective than flouride containing mouth rinses.
May have effect against oral cancer cells.
Helpful in those with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Shown to lower blood glucose, cholesterol (LDL, VLDL & Triglycerides). In this way it can also be helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease.
Helpful in relieving pain from arthritis as well as other inflammatory conditions.
Modulates the immune system. Effective for acute upper respiratory infections, asthma, seasonal allergies. Bronchitis. Pulmonary weakness.
Helps to expel mucus from the lungs.
Combines well with: Rosemary. Rose. Ginger. Arjuna. Hawthorn. Nettle. Goldenrod. Spearmint. Peppermint.
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting:
Contraindications: Those taking insulin to control diabetes may find they need to adjust their insulin dosage while taking holy basil. Some claim it can cause infertility in men and women so best avoided in those wishing to become pregnant or while pregnant.
Sources:
The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Studies:
“A Comparative Evaluation of the Anticaries Efficacy of Herbal Extracts (Tulsi and Black Myrobalans) and Sodium Fluoride as Mouthrinses in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
A randomized controlled clinical trial of Ocimum sanctum and chlorhexidine mouthwash on dental plaque and gingival inflammation
Effect of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) Supplementation on Metabolic Parameters and Liver Enzymes in Young Overweight and Obese Subjects.
“Effect of Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Powder on Blood Lipoproteins, Glycated Proteins and Total Amino Acids in Patients with Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.”
Ocimum sanctum L (Holy Basil or Tulsi) and its phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Inhibitory effect of ethanol extract of Ocimum sanctum on osteopontin mediated metastasis of NCI-H460 non-small cell lung cancer cells
Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.
“A Comparative Evaluation of the Anticaries Efficacy of Herbal Extracts (Tulsi and Black Myrobalans) and Sodium Fluoride as Mouthrinses in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
A randomized controlled clinical trial of Ocimum sanctum and chlorhexidine mouthwash on dental plaque and gingival inflammation
Effect of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) Supplementation on Metabolic Parameters and Liver Enzymes in Young Overweight and Obese Subjects.
“Effect of Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Powder on Blood Lipoproteins, Glycated Proteins and Total Amino Acids in Patients with Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus.”
Ocimum sanctum L (Holy Basil or Tulsi) and its phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Inhibitory effect of ethanol extract of Ocimum sanctum on osteopontin mediated metastasis of NCI-H460 non-small cell lung cancer cells
Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.
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