Botanical Overview
Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. Indigenous to India and Southeast Asia, its leaves are the primary part used medicinally. Holy Basil is renowned in traditional systems for its adaptogenic and immunomodulatory properties.
Energetics
It has a warming temperature and drying moisture quality, with bitter and pungent tastes. The plant energetically moves in an ascending and outward direction and is considered tonifying with respect to qi and blood.
Primary Actions
- Adaptogen
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Immunomodulatory
- Nervine
Indications
Western
- Cold
- Cough
- Fever
- Stress
- Anxiety
Syndromes
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Chronic stress
- Inflammation
TCM
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Thirst
Syndromes
- Wind-heat invasion
- Lung heat
- Digestive disturbances
Ayurveda
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Asthma
- Stress
Syndromes
- Vata imbalance
- Kapha disorders
- Agni dysfunction
- Rakta dhatu disorders
Unani
- Respiratory ailments
- Fever
- Headache
- Gastric disturbances
Syndromes
- Warm diseases
- Gastric catarrh
- Nervous disorders
Constituents & Mechanisms
Holy Basil contains phytochemicals such as eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, oleanolic acid, linoleic acid, beta-caryophyllene, flavonoids, and tannins which contribute to its pharmacological effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion with 1-2 g dried leaf, 2-3 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
- Essential oil topical usage diluted
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe in culinary and therapeutic doses. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient data. It may lower blood sugar and hence should be used cautiously with antidiabetic drugs. Potential interactions with anticoagulants exist. Allergic reactions are rare.
Astrological Correspondences
Planetary ruler: Sun; Elemental ruler: Fire.
Selected References
- Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) – Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects
- Ocimum tenuiflorum – Plants For A Future (PFAF)
- Ocimum sanctum L. – WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
- Tulsi (Holy Basil): Therapeutic Applications and Symbolism – Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants
- Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) – Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
- Planetary and Elemental Rulership of Tulsi – Esoteric Herbal Astrology