College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC HERB SUPPLEMENTS

Holy Basil Leaf (tulsi) Herbal Chopped (Ocimum sanctum)

Re-vitalizing circulatory & lung tonic.

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Holy Basil is a warming herb with a pleasant floral taste. It brings lightness to the mind, clears the lungs, and generally improves circulation. The subtle floral aroma is soothing and relaxing, not overpowering, to most people.

Holy Basil is one of Ayurveda's favorite and most widely used lung tonics. As an adaptogen, Holy Basil also helps the body handle stress. This makes it a perfect herb for times of chaos and uncertainty.

Holy Basil is also known as Tulsi. It is a medicinal, aromatic herb in the mint family. The scientific name for Holy Basil is Ocimum sanctum. "Ocimum" comes from a Greek word meaning "smell". So it's no surprise that Holy Basil has a powerful perfumey & saccharine odor, somewhat like potpourri.Basil plants are often kept outside or inside houses to purify the air.

The word "sanctum" means holy or sacred. Often, plants that are called holy are also good for human health, and that's why they have been given ritual significance. This is the case for Holy Basil. Conversely, plants called wolfsbane or death angel tend to be poisonous. In Greek Orthodox weddings, the bride and groom wear holy basil in their head wreaths - testifying to its hallowed or exalted status.
There are a few types of Holy Basil - including several green types and purple. Purple Holy Basil is the strongest.

What does Holy Basil Taste Like?

Holy Basil is very aromatic with a slight flowery taste. The smell of Holy Basil is sweet and so is the aftertaste. The strong aroma slightly numbs the tongue.

When you drink Tulsi tea, your tongue can also feel quite rough, because of the astringent effect in Holy Basil. This roughness is counterbalanced with a slight slippery quality (called demulcent).

Holy Basil also has a mild bitterness and pungency. The combination of this gentle spiciness and aroma gives it a warm spreading quality in the body. This pungency also pushes heat upward. You may be able to feel a throbbing sensation in your head as blood flow increases there.

Warming, increases heat

As with most pungents, Tulsi increases the heart rate.
Holy Basil increases heat and pushes it upwards to the head, ears, and eyes, which may feel hot or pulsating. Cheeks may be more rouged by the vasodilating qualities.
Vata and Kapha individuals will enjoy the rise in body temperature, since they are predominantly cold. Although Holy Basil is generally supportive for Pitta, it may aggravate Pitta in some individuals. Many Pitta individuals already feel heat in their head.

The heating effects of Holy Basil are not limited to the head but can spread throughout the entire body.

Increases Circulation

Generally, aromatic compounds relax nerves and smooth muscle tissue. This effect relaxes the smooth muscle tissue of blood vessels, opening and dilating them (called vasodilation). The effect increases blood flow, especially notable in the skin.
As Holy Basil warms this "exterior", it opens up the pores. The improved blood flow and antispasmodic action on muscles altogether creates a feel of relaxed smoothness.

Altogether the improved circulation heats and stimulates the blood (rakta). For Vata individuals who tend to have poor blood circulation, this increase of blood flow and heat can revitalize their whole body.

For Pitta's, increased blood flow can stress the liver, and lead to tension and irritability.

Encourages Menstruation

Since dilation of blood vessels increases blood flow, Holy Basil can be used to increase menstrual flow. In some cases it could cause a woman's period to come early. Taking Holy Basil can be helpful for both Vata and Kapha individuals to increase their menstrual flow. Vata's generally have a light and scanty flow, while Kapha's flow can be stagnant and in need of movement.

Pitta's already tend to have a heavier flow, and HOly Basil can aggravate this.

Relaxing, Clears the Mind

As with most pungent aromatics, Holy Basil brings a calm yet alert quality to the brain.

The breath becomes calm, and for some creates mild euphoria. For Vatas, this can tip into spaciness.

Holy Basil is special because it is both light and relaxing. Oftentimes relaxing herbs and foods have a heavy quality, which can make you feel sleepy (think mashed potatoes). But rather than putting you to sleep, Holy Basil is light. It improves creativity and focus.

So why is Basil considered holy in the Vedic tradition? Holy Basil's name reflects the hallowed status of meditation in the Vedic tradition. Holy Basil activates the top of the head, called the adipati marma point. At the adipati marma point, several veins and parts of the skull meet. According to Vedic religious tradition, this is the point where divine consciousness enters the body of a human.

How about you? Is Holy Basil holy to you? Do you find Holy Basil expansive or merely ungrounding? Other faith traditions believe that God enters the person in their heart, not the head. In this case, Holy Basil happens to strengthen the heart too. So it seems the holiness of this herb is ecumenical!

A full discussion of this plant's holiness may be beyond the scope of the article. For now it's enough to know Holy Basil is a pleasant mood lifter that improves concentration. And, that Holy Basil's spacey qualities can aggravate Vata in some individuals.

Relaxes Muscles, Releases Tension

So far we have learned that Holy Basil increases circulation and opens up blood vessels. The aromatic compounds in Holy Basil relax smooth muscles and skeletal muscles everywhere in the body, too. Plus, opening the blood vessels provides plentiful blood to muscles, also relaxing them. In Chinese medicine this is called, "smoothing the liver."

Holy Basil also helps release emotional pain which may be stored in tight muscles. The release with aromatic herbs can feel cathartic.

Clears the Lungs

Just as Holy Basil clears your blood, mind, and muscles, it can have a similar effect on your lungs. As it improves blood flow, Holy Basil warms your lungs and dries excess moisture from them. These lung-lightening effects make Holy Basil very useful on damp, soggy days.

Holy Basil is beneficial for respiratory conditions where your lungs need to be cleaned but are inflamed, such as in bronchitis or other lung infections.

The ability of Holy Basil to lighten and clear mucus from your lungs is beneficial in many situations.

Holy Basil balances your immune system and is often used as an anti-inflammatory in lung conditions. As an antihistamine, Holy Basil is especially useful for respiratory and gut allergies.

Dries the Body

Holy Basil has a mild diuretic effect. It can make you pee more and dry out your body. But it doesn't irritate your kidneys like other diuretics can. Instead, Holy Basil is soothing.

Strengthens Digestion & Dries Up Stools

Holy Basil strengthens digestion by increasing your digestive fire (agni). Strong digestion improves absorption of nutrients from your food and increases your immunity. Holy Basil's strength as a digestive aid also helps with decreasing gas and bloating.

Strong agni also increases your appetite. On an empty stomach, the pungency of Holy Basil can irritate the stomach while the aromatic quality can cut through mucus.

The astringent effect and mucus destroying aromatic compounds of Holy Basil can cause drier stools. Improved absorption of nutrients makes stools smaller.

Summary

Holy Basil is a purifying herb that clears the lungs and improves circulation. Holy Basil helps clears and rejuvenates the lungs by removing excess Kapha from the respiratory system. This allows easy, comfortable breathing. Holy Basil's lung-expanding effect is useful for increasing respiration in people who live at high altitudes or who have a history of respiratory illness.

Holy Basil also relaxes the mind while increasing alertness. It relaxes the nerves, blood vessels, and smooth muscle tissues in the body. Blood flow improves. With increased circulation comes more warmth. So Holy Basil might aggravate Pitta by increasing blood flow and heat.

Ayurveda Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Whole Plant Large

Ayurveda Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Flower Large

Ayurveda Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Leaf Large

Ayurveda Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Harvested Large

Ayurveda Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Monogram Large

Metabolic Nature of Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

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CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

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DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

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HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

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LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

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MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

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TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

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PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

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SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

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DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Pitta aggravating Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

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PACIFIES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

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AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

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MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

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SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

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Other

Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.

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Downward

DOWNWARD

Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.

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Inward

INWARD

Inward moving substances promote introspection, self reflection, stillness, or slow the system down.

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Outward

OUTWARD

Outward-moving substances stimulate circulation, push heat towards the skin, or are stimulating.

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Upward

UPWARD

Upward-moving substances (Urdvha Gati Marga) include anything stimulating or activating, or that move upward in the body.

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Blood Plasma Lymph

BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH

Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.

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Fat

FAT

Fat tissue (Meda Dhatu) includes adipose tissue and sebum (skin oil).

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Red Blood

RED-BLOOD

Red blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.

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Anti Aging

ANTI-AGING

Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.

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, Cleanse And Detox, Digestion,
Energy Vitality

ENERGY-VITALITY

Includes vitality improving foods, herbs, and exercises by dosha.

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, Heart Circulation Blood, Immune System, Kidney Bladder Urinary, Mind Stress Sleep, Respiratory Health, Weight Loss

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Appetizer

APPETIZER

Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat.

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Stomachic

STOMACHIC

An herb that increases appetite or settles a nauseas or nervous stomach. These generally increase the digestive fire, therefore relieving symptoms of sluggish or difficult digestion.

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Constipative

CONSTIPATIVE

An herb that binds stools / stops diarrhea. When used in excess, these herbs and foods can cause constipation.

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Burns Toxins

BURNS-TOXINS

An herb that detoxifies by helping your body metabolize toxins, as opposed to eliminating them.

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Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

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Nerve Relaxant Grounding

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

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Stimulates Crown

STIMULATES-CROWN

Creates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area at the top of the head.

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Stimulates Front Of Brain

STIMULATES-FRONT-OF-BRAIN

Creates a feeling of awareness or tension in the area in the forehead. Activates the frontal lobe - the area responsible for motor function, emotional expression, thinking, and decision making.

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Antidepressant

ANTIDEPRESSANT

Herbs that lift feelings of depression, benefit the mind and improve mental function.

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Anxiolytic

ANXIOLYTIC

Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines.

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Boosts Gaba

BOOSTS-GABA

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, reduces nerve excitability. It is the body's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus, it promotes relaxation, calm, and sleep.

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Nervine

NERVINE

Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.

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Sedative

SEDATIVE

Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.

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Refreshing

REFRESHING

Stimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized.

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Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

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Adrenal Tonic

ADRENAL-TONIC

Strengthens, supports, or increases output of adrenals.

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Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

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Clears Sinuses

CLEARS-SINUSES

Cleanses sinuses by draining excess mucus, allowing for clear, easy breathing.

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Warms Chest

WARMS-CHEST

Warms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. Often these herbs are hot, aromatic, and pungent.

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Bronchodilator

BRONCHODILATOR

An herb that encourages the widening or opening of the lung airways. They are helpful in wheezing and asthma.

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Decongestant

DECONGESTANT

An herb that reduces mucus production often by restricting blood flow to mucus membranes.

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Expectorant

EXPECTORANT

Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract.

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Lung Tonic

LUNG-TONIC

Strengthens the lungs. Lung tonics include antifibrotic, vessel tonic, or nourishing herbs with an affinity for the lungs. They aid recovery in acute or chronic lung conditions.

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Adaptogen

ADAPTOGEN

Herbs that promote stabilization of physiological processes and homeostasis. Adaptogens increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal physiological functioning.

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Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

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Antibacterial

ANTIBACTERIAL

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

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Antifungal

ANTIFUNGAL

Herbs that destroy fungus.

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Antimicrobial

ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

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Immune Calming

IMMUNE-CALMING

Herbs that interrupt an allergic reaction or calm the immune system, useful in allergies and autoimmune conditions.

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, Mast Cell Stabilizer
Cardiac Stimulant

CARDIAC-STIMULANT

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.

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Warms Ears

WARMS-EARS

Stimulates peripheral circulation to warm extremities, including the ears.

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Warms Head

WARMS-HEAD

An herb that increases sensations of heat and warmth in the head.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-HEAD' FOODS / HERBS

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Vasodilator

STRONG VASODILATOR

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.

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Blood Tonic

BLOOD-TONIC

An herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

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Dries Mouth

DRIES-MOUTH

Makes the mouth feel dry, or pasty.

SEE ALL 'DRIES-MOUTH' FOODS / HERBS

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Warms Kidney

WARMS-KIDNEY

Warms the kidneys by increasing blood flow to the organ.

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Hypolipidemic

HYPOLIPIDEMIC

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.

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Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR' FOODS / HERBS

Emmenagogue

EMMENAGOGUE

Herbs which stimulate menstruation. Emmenagogues are used for scanty menstruation, to relieve menstrual pain, and improve blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus.

SEE ALL 'EMMENAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

Muscle Relaxant

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.

SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

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Antispasmodic

ANTISPASMODIC

Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, heart palpitations, migraine, or IBS.

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Constituents:
Rosmarinic Acid

ROSMARINIC-ACID

Inhibits autoantibodies from binding to TSH receptors in the thyroid.

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Foods with a Similar Nature to Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

  • Allspice

    Allspice has these Actions in Common

    Warms-head, Antidepressant, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Stimulates-energy, Vasodilator, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Dries-mouth, Muscle-relaxant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Warms-chest, Antibacterial, Appetizer, Clears-sinuses, Internal-detoxicant, Nervine, Stomachic

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  • Basil

    Basil has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Bronchodilator, Decongestant, Immune-calming, Nervine, Warms-head, Antibacterial, Anxiolytic, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Antidepressant, Appetizer, Cardiac-stimulant, Diuretic, Lung-tonic, Warms-ears

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Seed

    Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

    Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Bronchodilator, Clears-sinuses, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Warms-ears, Antimicrobial, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Warms-head

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  • Mustard

    Mustard has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Warms-head, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Bronchodilator, Clears-sinuses, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Warms-ears

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Powder

    Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

    Burns-toxins, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Muscle-relaxant, Vasodilator, Warms-head, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Bronchodilator, Clears-sinuses, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Warms-ears, Antimicrobial

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  • Rosemary

    Rosemary has these Actions in Common

    Nervine, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Burns-toxins, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Antidepressant, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Emmenagogue, Muscle-relaxant, Stomachic, Antifungal, Bronchodilator, Decongestant, Immune-calming

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  • Mint

    Mint has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Mast-cell-stabilizer, Stimulates-crown, Stomachic, Antifungal, Appetizer, Immune-calming, Nervine, Stimulates-energy, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Burns-toxins, Internal-detoxicant, Refreshing, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Antidepressant, Anxiolytic

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  • Thyme (fresh)

    Thyme (fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Adaptogen, Antispasmodic, Burns-toxins, Expectorant, Lung-tonic, Vasodilator, Antibacterial, Appetizer, Decongestant, Immune-calming, Nervine, Antimicrobial, Bronchodilator, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Cloves

    Cloves has these Actions in Common

    Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Warms-head, Antifungal, Anxiolytic, Diaphoretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Warms-chest, Antimicrobial, Burns-toxins, Expectorant, Nervine, Warms-ears, Antibacterial

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  • Cinnamon

    Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Stimulates-energy, Antimicrobial, Cardiac-stimulant, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Warms-chest, Antibacterial, Appetizer, Decongestant, Emmenagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antifungal, Burns-toxins

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  • Ginger (Fresh)

    Ginger (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Decongestant, Lung-tonic, Stimulates-energy, Anti-inflammatory, Burns-toxins, Hypolipidemic, Nervine, Stomachic, Antispasmodic, Cardiac-stimulant, Internal-detoxicant, Refreshing, Vasodilator, Adrenal-tonic, Appetizer

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Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

  • Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama)

    Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama) has these Actions in Common

    Decongestant, Stimulates-crown, Adaptogen, Expectorant, Stimulates-energy, Adrenal-tonic, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulates-front-of-brain, Antidepressant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antispasmodic, Lung-tonic, Anxiolytic, Muscle-relaxant, Blood-tonic, Nervine, Cardiac-stimulant, Refreshing

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  • Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama)

    Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama) has these Actions in Common

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Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) Impact Statistics

In each study below, students from the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the effects. See other studies of food & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your temperature?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
7
19
3
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your sweat quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
2
19
7
2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the color of your tongue body?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
13
0
16
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the swelling of your tongue body?

23
19
15
11
7
3
4
6
20
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your appetite/hunger?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
1
10
16
3
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your digestion speed?

15
12
9
6
3
0
2
10
12
6
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

TOXINS

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the amount of gas & bloating?

15
12
9
6
3
0
2
13
9
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool smell?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
18
8
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

Tongue: How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
3
7
15
5
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the color of your tongue coating?

30
24
18
12
6
0
2
3
2
0
23
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
5
22
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
2
24
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your sweat smell?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
2
24
3
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

HYDRATION

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine frequency/quantity?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
18
8
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the cracks on your tongue?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
4
20
6
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your energy levels?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
4
8
17
1
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your muscle tension?

20
16
12
8
4
0
5
15
8
2
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your anxiety?

20
16
12
8
4
0
5
14
9
2
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the stillness of your tongue?

23
19
15
11
7
3
6
20
4
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

DIGESTION

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your appetite/hunger?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
1
10
16
3
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your digestion speed?

15
12
9
6
3
0
2
10
12
6
0
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the amount of gas & bloating?

15
12
9
6
3
0
2
13
9
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

TONGUE

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the swelling of your tongue body?

23
19
15
11
7
3
4
6
20
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the color of your tongue body?

20
16
12
8
4
0
1
13
0
16
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the stillness of your tongue?

23
19
15
11
7
3
6
20
4
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the color of your tongue coating?

30
24
18
12
6
0
2
3
2
0
23
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the cracks on your tongue?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
4
20
6
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

Tongue: How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

20
16
12
8
4
0
3
7
15
5
0
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

STOOL

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool lightness?

20
16
12
8
4
0
2
6
17
4
1
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool smell?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
18
8
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool consistency?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
10
14
5
1
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool frequency/quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
3
19
6
2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your stool color?

25
20
15
10
5
0
3
0
2
3
22
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

URINE

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine clarity?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
23
6
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine smell?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
5
22
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine lightness?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
4
21
5
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your urine frequency/quantity?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
3
18
8
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

30
24
18
12
6
0
1
2
24
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

SWEAT

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your sweat quantity?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
2
19
7
2
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your sweat smell?

30
24
18
12
6
0
0
2
24
3
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

SYSTEMIC

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your energy levels?

20
16
12
8
4
0
0
4
8
17
1
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your muscle tension?

20
16
12
8
4
0
5
15
8
2
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your anxiety?

20
16
12
8
4
0
5
14
9
2
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

How did Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) affect your temperature?

25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
7
19
3
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 30 Study ID:21 (2021-02-23 - 2021-04-11)

Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

Guidelines - Preparation & Dose

1/2 - 1 tsp in warm water 2x/day or as directed by your practitioner.
See guidelines for herbs?
Follow these guidelines
See contraindications below.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any herb supplement for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

Holy Basil thins the blood so avoid before surgery.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi). Please see your health care provider for more information.

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