The tulsi herb, also called holy basil, sacred basil and tulasi, naturally grows in India and tropical Asia. This herb has long been used in ayurvedic medicine to treat various health problems. Tulsi supplements come in tea, powder, fresh leaf and oil forms. Check with your doctor before using the tulsi herb to treat specific ailments.
Plant Characteristics
The tulsi herb belongs to the mint plant family, or Lamiaceae, and reaches heights up to 18 inches. This plant's scientific names, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum sanctum, mean "the incomparable one" and "sacred fragrant lipped basil." This herbaceous perennial shrub bears many branches and red or purple flowers. The pale, slightly hairy leaves typically have an astringent taste and a strong, pleasant aroma similar to cloves.
History
Tulsi was first mentioned in ancient ayurvedic medical texts over two centuries ago. This herb has long been considered an important symbol of Hindu religion, and followers often grow tulsi in their houses and temples. Practitioners of ayurvedic medicine traditionally used the tulsi herb for treating headaches, colds, stomach problems, malaria and poisonings. Many ancient cultures even believed that tulsi promoted longevity.
Chemistry
Drugs.com reports that the tulsi herb contains flavonoids, saponins and tannins. Another active ingredient is an essential oil that contains various volatile compounds, including carvacrol, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid and eugenol, a substance also found in lemon balm and cloves. Tulsi plants also contain small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, sodium, manganese and zinc.
Benefits
The components found in the tulsi herb contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Drugs.com adds that tulsi's active ingredients might also act as antibacterial, anticancer and anti-ulcer agents. Tulsi has long been considered an adaptogen, which means it might help your body effectively handle chemical, physical, environmental or mental stress, reports SALAM Research, an independent research company located in Rochester, New Hampshire. Hypoglycemic activity has been studied, but clinical trials are lacking, according to Drugs.com.
Uses
The University of Michigan Health System explains that taking tulsi supplements might help diabetics lower blood sugar levels. This herb may also help reduce pain sensitivity and improve wound healing. Drugs.com states that the tulsi herb might help protect you from radiation damage. Andrew Weil, M.D., adds that animal research indicates that the tulsi herb might be useful in treating viral, fungal and bacterial infections, but human studies need to be conducted.
Cautions
Drugs.com warns that taking tulsi herbal supplements might increase the effects of barbiturate medications. The University of Michigan Health System reports that consuming large amounts of the tulsi herb might affect fertility. According to SALAM Research, tulsi also sometimes acts as a mild blood thinner, so talk to your doctor if you are taking blood thinning medications.
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