Introduction
I know you all heard about, Holy Basil, commonly known as Tulsi. In India, it is more than a plant, it’s a symbol of health, purity, and protection in almost every Indian household.
In Ayurveda, Holy Basil is considered the “Queen of Herbs”, because of its many health benefits and healing properties. It has rich aroma and is also used in cooking, teas, and various natural remedies.
The leaves of the plant are mainly used in Ayurveda for medicinal preparation from ancient time. From boosting immunity or improving digestion to calming the mind and balancing hormones, Holy Basil supports almost every system of the body. In Ayurveda, Holy basil is known as a Rasayana – a rejuvenating herb that promotes long life and inner balance.
In this article, we will explore what health issues this herb covers and how to use it correctly without any complications. But first we will learn about its technical part.
Names, Varieties & Distribution
- Common Names: Holy Basil, Sacred Basil
- Sanskrit Names: Tulasi, Surasa
- Hindi: Tulsi
- Tamil: Thulasi
- Bengali: Tulasi
- Botanical Name: Ocimum sanctum / Ocimum tenuiflorum
- Family: Lamiaceae
Types of Holy Basil
There are three types of Holy Basil, which has been used in Ayurveda.
- Rama or Light Holy basil – This Tulsi has green, cooling and slightly sweet leaves. Rama Tulsi is regularly used for worshipping and is more common from other types.
- Shyama / Krishna Tulsi – It has purple leaves. It has slightly stronger and more pungent, excellent for respiratory issues.
- Vana Tulsi – It is a rare and wild plant.
Ayurvedic Profile & Properties
- Rasa (Taste): Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter)
- Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
- Virya (Potency): Ushna (hot)
- Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): Katu (pungent)
- Effect on Doshas: Balances Kapha and Vata, may increase Pitta slightly.
Active Compounds
Tulsi contains powerful natural compounds such as Eugenol, Ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid, and Linalool — which are known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Ayurvedic Actions
- Hrudya: Strengthens the heart
- Krimighna: Kills intestinal worms
- Kasa-Shwasahara: Relieves cough and breathlessness
- Medhya: Improves mental clarity
- Rasayana: Rejuvenates the body and mind
Health Benefits
It is beneficial in calculus, asthma, vomiting, hic-cough, cough, worm infestation, skin disease, eye disease, pain in lateral parts. Different parts of plant have been used in Ayurveda to cure various diseases including common cold, cough, headache, flu, asthma, fever, colic pain, sore throat, bronchitis, hepatic disease, malaria, wound, insomnia, arthritis, influenza, digestive disorders, it is also helping the body and mind to encounter different physical, chemical, emotional and infectious stresses and restore physiological and psychological functions.
Seeds are mucilaginous and demulcent and are given in disorders of genitourinary system like burning micturition, dysuria, urinary tract infection. Infusion of leaves is used as a stomachic is gastric and hepatic disorders of children.
The bruised fresh roots, stems, leaves are applied to bites of mosquitoes. Decoction of root is given as a diaphoretic in malarial fevers. The oil extracted from its leaves is reported to possess antibacterial and insecticidal properties and is effective as mosquitoes repellent.
Therapeutic Uses
Gout And Gonorrhoea - Take a decoction of holy basil leaf, which is helpful in gout and gonorrhoea. It is also useful in neuralgia.
Earache - A few drops of holy basil fresh leaves in the ear, gives relief from earache and dullness of hearing.
Diarrhoea and Piles - Take 10 grams of holy basil seeds, and be immersed in cold water for 3-5 minutes, take this mixture with sugar, help to treat diarrhoea, piles, cough, kidney disorder, and fever.
Gums and Teeth - Take 5 grams of powder of dried leaves and mix with mustard oil to make a fine paste. Massage gently on gums and teeth.
Stress - Chew 12 leaves of holy basil twice a day, helps to prevent stress.
Sore Throat - Take 10-12 holy basil leaves or 5 grams of basil powder, mix with water, and boiled it. Mix ¼ tsp of salt and use this water to gargle, gives relief from sore throat.
Skin Problems - Take fresh juice of holy basil leaf and apply it to the affected skin area, giving relief from ringworm, eczema, and other skin problems.
Cough & Cold - Make a decoction of leaves with honey and ginger, it is helpful in asthma, influenza, cough, and cold.
Eyes Problem - Two drops of black basil leaves should be put into the eyes daily at bedtime.
Malaria, and Dengue - Make a holy basil leaf decoction with half a Liter of water mixed with powdered cardamom, rock sugar, and milk. It helps to give relief from malaria, and dengue.
Urinary Tract - Holy basil leaves juice with honey taken for 6 months and expels stones via the urinary tract.
Conjunctivitis – Juice of Tulsi mixed with honey is used.
Urticaria – External application of juice of Tulsi is an excellent remedy of urticaria.
Postpartum Pain – Juice of leaves of black Tulsi mixed with honey is given wine to remove postpartum pain.
Common Cold – Tea prepared by adding four to five leaves of Tulsi, black pepper and ginger is taken twice daily to relieve the symptoms of common cold, rhinitsis, cough and respiratory infections. Chewing Tulsi leaves daily gives relief in cold, flu and fever.
General Dosage
-
Powder: 1–2 grams
-
Juice: 10–15 ml
-
Decoction: 50–100 ml (once or twice daily)
How to Use Tulsi in Daily Life
Tulsi Tea
Simply steep fresh or dried holy basil leaves in hot water for a few minutes to make a fragrant and refreshing herbal tea. You can enjoy it plain or add honey, lemon, or other herbs for added flavor.
Tulsi Infused Water
Add a few fresh holy basil leaves to a pitcher of water and let it infuse overnight in the refrigerator. This infused water provides a subtle basil flavour and offers hydration.
Tulsi Tincture or Extract
Holy basil extracts are available in tincture or liquid form, you can add a few drops of tulsi extract to your water, juice, or tea.
Tulsi in Cooking
Holy basil can be used as a culinary herb in various dishes. Add chopped fresh holy basil leaves to salads, soups, stir-fries, pasta sauces, or curries to infuse them with its aromatic flavour.
Tulsi Essential Oil
Dilute holy basil essential oil with carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, and apply it topically for aromatherapy or massage.
Tulsi Skincare
Skincare products containing Tulsi extract or essential oil can help soothe and nourish the skin, making it a beneficial ingredient in creams, lotions, and serums.
You may also like
