Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

What is Holy Basil?

Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is an herb that is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its health benefits and medicinal properties. It is native to India.

How does it work?

Holy basil is believed to work by balancing the hormones and reducing stress levels. It is also thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help protect the body against disease and improve overall health.

What is the active ingredient or ingredients that makes it work?

The active ingredients in holy basil include eucalyptol, eucalyptus, and camphene. Other compounds found in holy basil include triterpenoids, flavonoids, and volatile oils.

What forms does it come in?

• Fresh or dried leaves
• Essential oil
• Capsules
• Teas
• Extracts

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Holy basil has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, with references to its use dating back to ancient Hindu scriptures.

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

An imbalance or deficiency of holy basil may not have any specific symptoms, but it is important to note that the herb is generally considered safe for most people in recommended doses.

What does Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) help with?

Holy basil, also called tulsi, is a leafy herb from India. It has a long place in Ayurvedic practice. People take it as a tea, a dried leaf, or a capsule.

• High blood sugar in type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
  Early evidence — human studies in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes; sizes and doses not recorded in our file. In these studies, fasting blood sugar went down. Sugar spikes after meals were smaller too. Researchers think it changes how cells respond to insulin, but that part is not settled.
  Evidence grade C
• Feeling stressed or on edge
  Early evidence — human studies on file, without recorded sizes or doses. People who took holy basil reported less stress and fewer anxious feelings. Most did not report feeling drowsy. Studies also tracked cortisol, a stress hormone, and suggest the herb may help the body handle it.
  Evidence grade C
• Brain fog, poor memory or slow thinking
  Early evidence — small clinical studies in people; sizes not recorded in our file. Small human studies found better scores for memory, attention and reaction time. The gains were modest. They looked largest in people whose dullness came from stress or poor sleep.
  Evidence grade C
• Getting sick often
  Early evidence — some modern human research plus long traditional use; sizes not on file. In the studies on file, regular use raised counts of some key immune cells. Whether that means fewer infections was not shown. Tulsi has long been an Ayurvedic herb for cold and flu season.
  Evidence grade C
• High cholesterol
  Early evidence — some clinical evidence in people; sizes and doses not recorded. Some human studies found small drops in total cholesterol and in triglycerides. HDL, the so-called good cholesterol, rose a little. The changes were modest, and diet and lifestyle were part of the picture.
  Evidence grade C
• Aches, joint pain and long-term inflammation
  Not yet tested in people — lab work on eugenol only; no human pain trial on file. Eugenol is the main active compound in holy basil. In lab studies, it blocked some of the same inflammation pathways as common over-the-counter pain drugs. No human trial on file has tested it for aches or sore joints.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
  Not yet tested in people — no sleep trial on file; idea rests on its calming effect on stress. Our file holds no sleep study for holy basil. The idea comes from its reported calming effect on the stress response. People with racing thoughts at night often try it, but that is report, not proof.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Coughs, colds and chest congestion
  Not yet tested in people — traditional Ayurvedic use and lab antimicrobial work only. Tulsi has long been used for coughs, colds, bronchitis and asthma. In lab studies, it slowed some microbes and damped inflammation. No human trial on file has tested it for these airway problems.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Low energy and burnout
  Not yet tested in people — traditional adaptogen use and user reports only. Ayurvedic practice calls holy basil an adaptogen. Users often say their energy feels steadier, with fewer peaks and crashes. Our file holds no human study on energy, stamina or recovery.
  Evidence grade insufficient

What Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) has not been shown to do

• No human trial on file shows it clears acne; skin and wound uses rest on tradition and lab work.
• No human trial on file shows it helps people sleep longer or fall asleep faster.
• No human trial on file shows it prevents colds, flu or chest infections.
• Nothing on file suggests it can take the place of diabetes medicine or cholesterol medicine.
• Nothing on file tests it as a treatment for a diagnosed anxiety disorder or depression.

How to read this:

The grades rate the evidence, not the herb. A means many good human trials agree. B means one good human trial. C means small or early human studies. D means weak or mixed human results. Insufficient means no human study on file, only lab work, animal work or tradition. Our file did not record the size or dose of these studies, so we do not state them. This page lists options, not advice. Talk with your doctor, above all if you take medicine for blood sugar or cholesterol.

What can Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) help prevent?

• Recurrent upper respiratory infections: regular use may reduce frequency and severity of common colds
• Blood sugar spikes after meals: evidence supports blunting postprandial glucose in people at metabolic risk
• Stress-related immune suppression: adaptogenic effects may help prevent immunity dips during high-stress periods

Which foods are rich in it?

Holy basil is not commonly found in food. However, it is commonly used as an herbal supplement in various forms.

What are possible side effects?

Holy basil is considered well tolerated for most people in recommended doses.

Possible side effects of Holy basil include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Skin irritation (if using topically)

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of Holy basil can vary based on various factors, including age, weight, and overall health. Generally, a dose of 300-600 mg of Holy basil extract is recommended for adults.

How many days does it take to work?

The amount of time it takes for Holy basil to work can vary based on the individual and the condition being treated. In some cases, it may take several weeks to see results.

What time of day is best to take it?

The best time of day to take Holy basil may vary based on the individual and the reason for taking it. However, it is generally recommended to take it in the morning or early afternoon.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

Holy basil can be taken with or without food. However, it is recommended to take it with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset.

Recommended use for insomnia:

• Time it takes to work: approximately 4 to 8 weeks
• Dosage for 18yrs old and up: 300 mg Frequency: daily