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Tulsi & Depression

Jun 25, 2011 | By Alicia Miller
Tulsi & Depression
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Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to alleviate a variety of mental and physical ailments. Tulsi is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps to increase your body's natural resistance to stress. Many practitioners use tulsi to treat depression, although there is limited scientific evidence to support claims that it works. Always consult your doctor before using any herbal remedy.

About Tulsi

Tulsi, also known as Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum, is an herb native to India and certain parts of Asia. Ayurvedic medicine, the native system of medicine practiced in India, relies heavily on herbal remedies for healing. Tulsi is an herb that is traditionally used in Ayurveda to help alleviate symptoms of depression. In his book, "Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide," Ayurvedic practitioner David Frawley suggests that drinking tea made with tulsi is an effective treatment for depression. Additionally, according to the Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, scientific evidence indicates that tulsi may be effective for treating asthma, type 2 diabetes and poison ivy and poison oak.

Facts about Depression

Depression affects an estimated 121 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Symptoms of clinical depression are different than feeling occasionally sad or blue. Depression causes a significant impact to your ability to function in everyday life and results in a lowered sense of well-being. Some of the common symptoms of depression include frequent sadness or tearfulness, crying spells, low self-esteem, sleep and appetite problems, a loss of interest in previously -enjoyed activities, a desire to spend more time alone, unexplained aches and pains and in some cases suicidal thoughts or gestures. Depression can often be successfully treated through a combination of psychotherapy and medication. However, some people prefer to avoid medication and instead turn to natural, holistic remedies, such as tulsi, although there is little scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness.

Clinical Evidence

Much of the evidence supporting tulsi's benefits for depression is anecdotal. However, some clinical studies have shown a few potential uses of tulsi for certain depressive symptoms. One study, published in the July/August issue of the journal "Methods and Findings in Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology," examined the antistress effects of tulsi on rabbits exposed to oxidative stress. The results showed that tulsi may provide protective effect from stress due to its antioxidant properties. These findings may be promising for those suffering from stress-induced depression, although further studies are needed. Another study, published in September 2008 in the "Nepal Medical College Journal," showed that tulsi provided substantial benefits for anxiety, stress and depression in study participants. However, further clinical studies are needed to fully confirm these benefits.

Considerations

Although tulsi may help depressive symptoms, you should not use herbal or nutritional remedies to self-treat your symptoms. Consult your doctor or a qualified medical professional if you think you may be suffering from depression. Depression can become worse if not properly treated. According to the Sutter Medical Center, there are no known interactions of tulsi with any medication. However, as with any herbal remedy, you should inform your doctor if you plan to use tulsi.

References

Article reviewed by Holland Hammond Last updated on: Jun 25, 2011

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