You may have heard of tulsi, but how well do you really know it? Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is one of the most respected, all-around pure ayurvedic herbs that’s starting to pop up in grocery stores and vitamin shops.

It’s light and dry with a bitter and pungent taste profile, heating effect (virya) on the body and a pungent post-digestive effect (vipaka). It helps lower vata and kapha, while increases pitta. Its leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds, and even the whole plant are used for traditional ayurvedic healing.

Not to be confused with basil, tulsi (also known as holy basil or sacred basil) is one of Ayurveda’s most sacred healing herbs.

Here’s why.

1. Tulsi as stress and mood support

It’s a sattwic herb, which means that it promotes purity and clarity, thus helping balance body, mind, spirit. And this balance supports you in managing life’s ups and downs.

Modern studies back this: in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adults supplementing Ocimum sanctum extract for 6 weeks showed significantly reduced anxiety and stress symptoms, along with improved sleep and general well-being.

In short, tulsi behaves like an adaptogen, helping the body balance under stress.

2. Immune function protector and external stressor fighter

It’s believed to help increase ojas (roughly translated as immunity) and is considered as one of the scared rasayana (rejuvenative) herbs.

And thanks to its antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, allopathic research has taken notice as well. This study even describes how tulsi helps protect organs and tissues from chemical, metabolic and physical stress.

3. Good for the heart – and metabolism

Stress takes a toll on your entire body and it has a special effect on your heart. Due to tulsi’s stress relief qualities, it’s believed to be a metaphoric “heart rejuvenator”.

Modern research shows tulsi may help normalize blood glucose, lipids and blood pressure. A systematic review found favorable evidence for tulsi’s role in metabolic, immunologic, and neurocognitive domains.

And the Cleveland Clinic notes that it may help lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.

4. Respiratory health: tulsi’s big win

If we’re to call out one system that tulsi is particularly beneficial for, it’s the respiratory channel (pranavaha srotas). Ayurveda often recommends this herb for coughs, colds, bronchitis, and vata kapha-related allergies. In fact, when given with honey, it can act as expectorant and alleviate coughing, shortness of breath, and fever. And as a lung stimulator, it’s also one of the main anti-asthmatic herbs.

Modern research is behind on large human respiratory trials, but the herb’s anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating activity makes it fit the physiology of respiratory support.In short, it may be one of tulsi’s most compelling traditional uses, especially for mild respiratory support or as part of a daily tonic in vata kapha allergy seasons.

5. The anti-X effect

In addition to its antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic actions, tulsi is also antibiotic, antiseptic, anti-diabetic, anti-pruritic (anti-itching), anti-cancer, anti-histamine, and anthelmintic (expels worms). [add peer-reviewed public sources here]

6. Digestive system support

It’s especially helpful in reducing gas and bloating due to its carminative effect and addressing dysentery (diarrhea).

7. An underrated ally for skin health, aging, and renewal

Even if you’ve heard about tulsi, you probably don’t know how beneficial it is for your skin. Because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial profile, it makes a strong case as a skincare ally. It helps calm and comfort the skin, reduce redness and irritation, protect against environmental damage.

What’s more is that it can be one of your skin’s best friends if you’re prone to eczema and other skin diseases.

According to Healthline, “tulsi may help improve acne, reduce skin inflammation, and increase the speed of hair growth.”

And research has found that it may help inhibit collagenase and hyaluronidase (the enzymes that break down connective tissue in skin), which means it could help support skin structure and slow signs of ageing.

Other applications include insect bites, scabies, arthritis, eye diseases, and more.

These are just some of the reasons why we love using tulsi in our USDA-certified organic skin care and specialty teas, such as our popular AMLA C facial toner and spray, organic and Soothing tea, organic.

Final thoughts on tulsi

Tulsi has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and it’s increasingly becoming a subject of research in modern medicine. While the results are promising, most human studies are small and long-term data is scarce. But, today’s researchers have taken an interest in learning more.

Consult your healthcare provider or a qualified practitioner if you’re looking to take tulsi as a supplement. It can be contraindicated if you have high pitta and–as with any herb–, if you’re taking other medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If applying topically as a single herb, we recommend patch testing it if you have sensitive skin. In general, we always recommend taking herbs synergistically.

That’s why we crafted our formulas carefully with other herbs that help balance tulsi’s heating effect, while giving you the benefits of this sacred herb.

Have you tried tulsi? How did you use it?

Disclaimer: this blog should be used as an informational and educational tool, and is not intended as medical advice.