Tulsi for Depression

Depression is a serious illness that causes more that just symptoms of occasional sadness or moodiness. While everyone experiences a low mood from time to time, depression causes prolonged, significant impairment on your ability to function and has a severe effect on your overall well-being. Some people believe that tulsi, an herb commonly used in Ayurveda and herbal medicines, may provide some benefits to people suffering from depression. Always consult your doctor before using any herbal remedy.

About Tulsi

Tulsi, also known as holy basil or ocimum tenuiflorum, is an herb native to India that is believed to have restorative, antidepressant and adaptogenic properties, according to physiologist Merrily A. Kuhn and herbalist David Winston in their book, "Winston & Kuhn's Herbal Therapy and Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach." Ayurvedic and herbal medicine practitioners use tulsi in essential oil, fresh and dried leaf, powdered, and extract forms to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, gastrointestinal upset, common colds and cognitive function. Tulsi's exact mechanism of action isn't totally understood, but it contains a number of active ingredients, including terpines and flavonoids, which may have an antidepressant effect. However, most of the evidence regarding its antidepressant effects is anecdotal.

Depression Facts

Depression is a persistent state of low mood that results in symptoms such as lack of self-esteem, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, apathy and fatigue. While the causes aren't entirely known, depression is thought to occur due to a combination of biological, social and psychological factors. In Western medicine, depression is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. However, Ayurveda, the medical system native to India, often uses holistic and alternative treatments, such as herbs like tulsi, meditation and yoga to provide relief from depressive symptoms. According to herbalist David Winston and Steven Maimes in their book, "Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief," adaptogenic herbs like tulsi may help depression by calming the central nervous system.

Clinical Evidence

A limited amount of clinical evidence supports claims regarding tulsi's antidepressant effects. A review published in the May-June 2006 issue of the "Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources" reports that tulsi has shown a calming, antidepressant effect in several clinical studies. A study, published in the May 2011 issue of the journal "Pharmaceutical Biology," showed that tulsi had an anti-anxiety and antidepressant effect on laboratory mice subjected to two sets of tests to measure depression and anxiety. However, there are virtually no additional studies to validate these effects. More clinical studies are needed to fully examine tulsi's potential benefits for people with depression.

Considerations

There are no well-known side effects or interactions with any drugs, foods or herbs associated with the use of tulsi. According to Memorial Medical Center, two animal studies suggest that tulsi may have a negative impact on fertility, but there have been no similar reports in human trials. However, as with any dietary or herbal supplement, you should inform your doctor if you choose to use tulsi. Consult your doctor if you think you may be suffering from depression. Depression can become worse if left untreated.