Ayurvedic Herb

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

SanskritTulasiBotanicalOcimum tenuiflorum (syn. Ocimum sanctum); Vana tulsi is Ocimum gratissimumAlso calledHoly basil, Krishna tulsi, Rama tulsi, Vana tulsi

A fragrant, peppery basil kept on doorsteps across India, sipped as a warm tea to clear the head and settle a busy mind.

Tulsi (Holy Basil), leaf

In many Indian homes a pot of tulsi sits by the front door or in the courtyard, tended every morning like a member of the family. The plant is sacred to Vishnu and Lakshmi, and the name means something like "the incomparable one."

Rub a leaf between your fingers and you will smell clove, pepper and a little lemon. That bright, sharp aroma is a good clue to how Ayurveda sees it: a light, warming herb that opens the chest and lifts heaviness from the mind.

There are three common types. Rama tulsi is green and mellow, Krishna tulsi has purple leaves and a spicier bite, and Vana tulsi is the wild forest variety with a lemony, almost floral note.

Ayurvedic Properties

RasaTastes
  • Pungent
  • Bitter
ViryaHeating or cooling
Heating
VipakaPost-digestive effect
Pungent
AgniEffect on digestion
Kindles agni

Pungent and warming, it lightens and kindles digestion.

GunaQualities
  • Light
  • Dry
  • Sharp
TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
  • Vata: decreases
  • Pitta: increases in excess
  • Kapha: decreases
  • decreases (calms that dosha)
  • increases (can aggravate it)
  • neutral or balancing
  • not known
  • V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha

Tulsi is a natural fit for kapha and vata, especially in damp, chilly weather. Pitta types usually do fine with a cup or two, but very strong brews or large amounts can add too much heat.

Traditional Uses

  • Traditionally used to support clear, easy breathing in the cold and damp months.
  • Traditionally used to support a calm, clear and devotional state of mind.
  • Traditionally used to support the body's resilience during times of stress.
  • Traditionally used to support healthy digestion and a steady appetite.

How People Use It

  • TeaSteep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaf in a cup of just boiled water for 5 to 10 minutes, covered so the aromatic oils stay in the cup.
  • HoneyA pinch of powdered tulsi stirred into a spoonful of raw honey is a classic way to take it on a cold morning.
  • FoodFresh leaves can be torn into soups, dal or a warm salad at the end of cooking, much like sweet basil.
Try This

Morning Tulsi Ginger Tea

A bright, warming cup for grey mornings when the head feels heavy.

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons dried tulsi leaf (any variety)
  • 3 thin slices fresh ginger
  • 1 cardamom pod, lightly crushed
  • Raw honey to taste
  1. Bring the water, ginger and cardamom to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. Turn off the heat, add the tulsi, cover the pot and let it steep for 5 to 8 minutes.
  3. Strain into two mugs and let it cool until it is comfortable to sip before stirring in honey.
  4. Drink it slowly while the house is still quiet.

Pairs Well With

Cautions

  • Safety research on tulsi is limited. Short human studies have reported few side effects, but long term use has not been well studied.
  • Avoid medicinal amounts during pregnancy, while trying to conceive and while breastfeeding, because safety has not been established.
  • Tulsi has been studied for effects on blood sugar, so check with your doctor first if you take diabetes medication.
  • Stop using it about two weeks before planned surgery and tell your care team about any herbs you take.
  • Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using tulsi regularly, especially if you take any medication.

In Our Shop

Organic Tulsi Holy Basil (Krishna)

Organic Tulsi Holy Basil (Krishna), from $4.75. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.

Shop Tulsi →

From the Journal

Sources and Further Reading

This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.