TULSI HERBAL MONOGRAPH
Tulsi
Ocimum sanctum
Holy Basil
Family: Lamiaceae
Description: Tulsi is a fragrant, bushy perennial shrub native to India and found growing wild and cultivated in tropical parts of the world.
Energetics: warm, neutral
Taste: pungent, sweet
Parts Used: leaves, flowers
Actions: adaptogen, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, anxiolytic, carminative, radioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, nervine, anti-carcinogenic, immunomodulator, anti-depressant, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic and anti-coagulant.
Folklore & Traditions: Tulsi has been used in Ayurvedic Medicine for at least 5,000 years. In Ayurveda, Tulsi is considered a Rasayana herb, one that “nourishes a person’s growth to perfect health and promotes long life” In the Hindu tradition Tulsi is the most sacred of plants and forgiveness from the plant must be asked first before harvesting the leaves. Tulsi is believed to be the doorway between heaven and earth so tea of the leaves is often given to the dying to guide their soul from this world to the next. The wood of the tulsi plant is used in the making of mala beads for meditation and prayer. Tulsi can be seen growing in sacred places where offerings are made to the plant. It is used for purification of the body and of physical spaces. According to legend, the plant came into being as a manifestation of the goddess Tulasi and is worshipped as her physical incarnation.
Constituents: volatile oils, saponins, polysaccharides, glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, carotene, eugenol, methyl eugenol, linalool, apigenin,.flavonoids, triterpenes, ursolic acid, mucilage, vitamin A.
Medicinal Uses: As an adaptogen, Tulsi has been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalisation of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function, balancing cortisol levels, and through its anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties.
Tulsi is considered to be a cardiovascular tonic for its ability to increase circulation and lower stress-related hypertension. It supports healthy blood pressure, healthy cholesterol levels and healthy circulatory function. As an alterative, Tulsi removes heat and toxins from the bloodstream, liver, circulation, and intestines. Tulsi can also support detoxification of toxins stored in body fat eg. heavy metals, pharmaceutical drugs.
Tulsi is also used to regulate blood sugar. Diabetics have used Tulsi to lower their fasting blood glucose. Tulsi’s adaptogenic properties can also improve energy levels, especially after a long illness, and promote endurance, making it a relevant herb for treating chronic fatigue syndrome
Tulsi is useful for stress and anxiety, having anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. Studies show Tulsi enhances memory and cognitive function and protects against ageing-induced brain deterioration eg alzheimers and dementia. As a herb that clears mental fog, it can be useful to treat traumatic head injuries, ADD/ADHD and mental fog caused by excessive cannabis use.
As an immunomodulator Tulsi strengthens and balances the immune system’s ability to respond to infection. With an affinity for the lungs, it can be used to treat and prevent upper respiratory infections and coughs, colds and flu. Due to Tulsi's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity it can be used internally and externally to treat viral, fungal, and bacterial infections, intestinal parasites and ringworm. Tulsi is used internally and externally to treat herpes and shingles. As a bitter, Tulsi is used to improve digestion, heartburn, heal ulcers, and increase nutrient absorption.
Tulsi has also been shown to reduce certain types of cancerous tumors and to have radioprotective qualities in patients receiving cancer treatments.
Tulsi flower essence increases mental clarity and focus, and facilitates a shift in perspective, making clear the soul’s purpose. It assists in understanding and navigating familial contracts and facilitates soul integration from childhood trauma.
Chakra: Crown chakra
Contraindications & Cautions: Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and also couples trying to conceive should avoid Tulsi as has been shown to have anti-fertility properties in animal studies. Patients taking Warfarin should not use Tulsi due to its slightly blood-thinning effects. Diabetics may need to monitor their insulin more closely if they are taking Tulsi.
Shop Tulsi Love Heart Tea here.
Shop Tulsi Aura Essential Oil Roll-on here.
References: Ayales, Adriana. The Herbal Astrology Oracle. Hay House, 2022.
Gladstar, Rosemary. Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. Storey Publishing, 2012.
Hardin, J & Rose, K. Materia Medica : Profiles & Uses of Herbs, 2016.
https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/tulsi
https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/tulsi-rh
https://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/a-close-study-of-holy-basil-zbcz1502/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
https://www.wishgardenherbs.com/blogs/wishgarden/tulsi-the-queen-of-herbs
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The statements made regarding this plant have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The efficacy of this plant may or may not have been confirmed by TGA approved research. This blog post is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any adverse reactions.