02/10/2026
Holy Basil or Tulsi
Ocimum tenniflorum
Taste: Pungent, sweet
Tendencies: Warming
Uses:
Properties: Adaptogen, antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-oxidant, antiviral, anxiolytic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, galactagogue (promotes the flow of mother’s milk), immune amphoteric
“Holy Basil is classified as a rasayana, an herb that nourishes a person’s growth to perfect health and promotes long life”
As a primary adaptogen, holy basil helps regulate cortisol levels, reducing symptoms of physical and emotional stress, anxiety, and exhaustion.
Clinical trials suggest it can help lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes and improve lipid profiles by lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties strengthen the immune response against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
It contains compounds like eugenol that act as natural analgesics and anti-inflammatories, potentially easing joint pain and inflammation related to conditions like arthritis.
Traditionally used to treat asthma, bronchitis, and common colds by clearing mucus and improving lung capacity.
Regular supplementation has been linked to improved sleep quality and reduced disturbances, often by managing the stress triggers that cause insomnia.
Used in mouthwashes, it can reduce plaque, gingivitis, and mouth ulcers due to its antimicrobial activity.
Nutritional Profile
Holy basil is a rich source of several key nutrients:
Vitamin K: Critical for bone mineralization and heart health.
Antioxidants: High levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, and phytonutrients that protect cells from oxidative damage.
Minerals: Contains essential minerals including iron, calcium, zinc, and manganese.
This is probably one of the top five herbs that have the most beautiful benefits!
Contraindications: avoid using during pregnancy and avoid using while trying to get pregnant. Holy basil can also possibly speed up the elimination of some medication‘s but there have not been any human or animal studies showing that it can actually cause clinically significant herb/drug interactions.
Source: Adaptogens by David Winston
