Tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum, is a plant native to India, where it is used medicinally and in religious rites. While the herb has "generally recognized as safe," or GRAS status in the U.S., you should be aware that allergies to the herb are possible and that certain people should not take the herb, either due to their medical conditions or because the drug might interact adversely with medications or other supplements.
Chemical Makeup
Tulsi is a source of essential oil, terpenes, flavonoids, eugenol, caryophylline, triterpenoic acid, camphor and nerol.
Tulsi's Effects on Stress
The botanist James Duke calls tulsi an "adaptogen," a plant that helps the body work well when it is under stress. A growing number of studies with human subjects have indicated that tulsi may indeed protect the body from stress and lower cortisol, a stress-related hormone that causes many of the destructive effects associated with stress. Studies also show that tulsi is a strong antioxidant and may protect the liver. Clinical studies are underway to investigate the herb's effectiveness in controlling blood sugar.
Early Research Indicates Possible Uses
Tulsi appears to have properties protecting the body from the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Tulsi may have antidepressant effects as well, and may have possibilities as a pain reliever, an anti-inflammatory, and as an antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent. While animal studies exist suggesting that tulsi may be effective in these ways, we do not know how effective the herb might be in human subjects. More study is needed to gain this information and to explore dosage and safety issues.
Side Effects and Allergies
While tulsi has "Generally Recognized as Safe" status in the U.S., any herb or supplement can have side effects or can produce allergic responses in some individuals. More research needs to be done to determine the side effects of the herb.
Persons with allergies to tulsi, also known as holy basil, or any other member of the basil family, should avoid using the herb. Symptoms of allergy can include hives, rash and swelling. Chest pain or tightness, and swelling of the mouth, lips and throat may indicate a life-threatening allergy. Seek medical help at once.
Considerations
Because tulsi may lower blood sugar levels, diabetics should use the herb only under the supervision of a physician. Careful blood sugar monitoring is warranted. Adjustments may need to be made to the dosages of oral diabetic medicines or insulin.
Tulsi may increase the action of anticoagulant drugs and drugs that have similar effects, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents like naprosyn. Bleeding has also been seen when tulsi is used with saw palmetto, garlic and ginkgo biloba. Tulsi can increase the effects of phenobarbital and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Make sure to tell your physician about any herbs or supplements you may be taking to avoid the risk of drug interactions or adverse events. Also let your physician know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver disease before using tulsi.
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