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Holy Basil-Tulsi

General Information

OTHER NAMES: Ocimum sanctum; Ocimum basil, Holy Basil; Tulsi, "king" Ocimum tenuiflorum (don't get Holy Basil mixed up with the everyday "Italian" basil  have on your spice rack!)


HISTORY: 5000 years of cultivation - Used for medicinal

purposes in ancient Greece, an important component of Ayurvedic medicine


PROPERTIES: Antioxidant, "antitumor," antiviral, antibacterial/ antimicrobial, adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, anti- asthmatic

Considered Uses

Respiratory: Asthma, whooping cough (pertussis), respiratory illnesses - runny nose, bronchitis, coughs, nasal/sinus congestion, cold and flu, swimmers ear, earache


Cardiovascular: Enhances cardiac function; works against heart disease; atherosclerosis


Gastrointestinal: Indigestion, aconsumer lan=bsbdominal distension, stomach disorders, oral ulcers, stimulates the liver and spleen, chronic active hepatitis, gas (flatulence). Stimulates digestive process


Genitourinary: Bladder and kidney health, possibly UTI


Musculoskeletal: Arthritis and fibromyalgia may increase strength, pain, and swelling.


Skin: Insect bites, warts, ringworm, acne, hair growth, dandruff


Glucose: Blood sugar regulation (may decrease blood sugar)


Cholesterol: May help reduce cholesterol


Thyroid: May help regulate hyperthyroidism


Immunity: Enhances immunity


Neurologic: May enhance brain function, headache


Mental Health: Stress, migraines, nervous conditions, insomnia, anxiety


Infectious Disease: Malaria, AIDS, hepatitis, Tuberculosis


Other: Decreases platelet aggregation (blood thinning), insect repellants, mercury poisoning

longevity, snake and scorpion bites


                                                   *   *   *


SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset/nausea/diarrhea, increased bleeding, decreased fertility, decreased blood sugar, tooth discoloration, may worsen hypothyroidism


CAUTION/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Regular use of Tylenol and basil, use with antidiabetic medications (may lower blood sugar too much), hypothyroidism, phenobarbital, blood thinners


FORMS: elixer, extract, capsule, teas. Bulk tea (tulsi tea), oils, mouthwash


DOSAGE: As directed

Reported doses - often NOT supported by evidence (reported by various sources (WebMD, RxList, Epocrates, German Commission E, NIH publications and others). Read dosages and instructions carefully when available on the label.

  • 500 mg daily for 1 1/2 to 3 months (1)


*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com, German Commission e or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Holy Basil-Tulsi

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*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. It is essential that you investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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