3/24/2020 Tulsi: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations

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HOLISTIC HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS

The Health Benefits of Tulsi PRINT

By Cathy Wong Updated on January 20, 2020

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3/24/2020 Tulsi: Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations

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In This
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Health Bene ts Common Questions
Possible Side E ects A Word From Verywell
Selection, Preparation & Storage

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), also known as holy basil, is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine
that originated in India. Closely related to culinary basil, tulsi is native to India and Southeast Asia.

Tulsi is considered an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are plants that help to adapt the body to stress and boost energy.
Tulsi contains a number of bene cial compounds including:

Eugenol: a terpene with pain-relieving properties, also found in clove oil

Ursolic and rosmarinic acid: compounds with antioxidant, anti-in ammatory, and anti-aging properties
Apigenin: a avonoid that helps the body removes waste at the cellular level
Lutein: an antioxidant carotenoid important for eye health
Ocimumosides A and B: compounds that reduce stress and balances the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine

In alternative medicine, tulsi is typically used for asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, colds, and the u.

Health Benefits
To date, very few studies have looked at tulsi's e ects on human health. However, preliminary research suggests that the
herb may o er certain bene ts:

Anxiety
As an adaptogen, research suggests Tulsi may relieve anxiety and improve moods. Several animal and laboratory have
shown its e ectiveness, but few clinical trials have been done.
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In a 2008 study of 35 adults with generalized anxiety disorder, researchers found that taking tulsi in capsule form twice
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for 60 days signi cantly reduced levels of anxiety. Subjects also reported feeling lower levels of stress and
depression.

A 2015 placebo-controlled trial of healthy adults found Tulsi may ease stress and also improve cognitive functions like
reaction time.

High Cholesterol
Tulsi may help keep cholesterol in check, according to a 2006 study on rabbits. Although the study showed that tulsi had
signi cant cholesterol-lowering and antioxidant e ects, results also found the herb had no e ect on diabetes. An earlier
study, however, found tulsi lowered blood sugar in rats.

Metabolic Syndrome
A 2017 literature review published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found tulsi
shows promise in preventing a treating lifestyle-related chronic diseases, including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and
psychological stress.

The review of 24 studies that reported on the therapeutic e ects of tulsi on metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease,
immunity, and neurocognition found favorable clinical outcomes without any signi cant side e ects. The researchers
note, however, that more studies are needed to clarify the bene cial dosage for di erent populations.

Respiratory Infections
In a 2009 study on mice, scientists discovered that dietary supplementation with tulsi and clove protected the animals'
lungs against colonization with Klebsiella pneumoniae , a common hospital-acquired bacteria known to cause
pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

Mercury Poisoning
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A 2002 study on mice suggests that treatment with tulsi may provide protection against mercury-induced toxicity, which
known to damage the central nervous system, endocrine system, kidneys, and other organs.
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Possible Side Effects

Like other supplements, little is known about the safety of long-term or regular use of tulsi due to a lack of research.

Tulsi may lower blood sugar and should be used with caution in people who have diabetes and are on blood-sugar-
lowering medication.

Women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should not take tulsi as it may a ect reproductive capacity,
possibly due to its ursolic acid content. Tulsi may increase testosterone levels.

Tulsi contains eugenol, a substance also found in the essential oil of cloves and balsam of Peru. While small amounts of
tulsi may prevent toxin-induced damage to the liver, in greater amounts eugenol may cause liver damage. Overdose is
also possible, causing symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, or convulsions.

Keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated. In some
cases, the product may deliver doses that di er from the speci ed amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may
be contaminated with other substances such as metals. 

Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who
are taking medications has not been established.

Selection, Preparation & Storage

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Tulsi is available in capsules, tinctures, powders, and as an herbal tea, and is sold in health-food stores and online. Also
holy basil, look for its scienti c name (Ocimum sanctum) on the ingredients list.
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Tulsi is often sold in combination with other herbs and spices and can be found in herbal tea blends promoting stress
relief and energy. The herb itself is ca eine-free, however, it may be combined with other tea leaves that contain ca eine.
If you are watching your ca eine intake, check the label to be sure it is free of ca eine.

Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. To ensure you are purchasing a quality product
look for a trusted independent, third-party seal on the label, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia, NSF International, or
ConsumerLab.

Common Questions
Is tulsi an adaptogen?

Tulsi is considered an adaptogenic herb, plants that help to adapt the body to stress and boost energy. It is often found in
preparations that contain other adaptogens, such as ashwagandha, astragalus root, Siberian ginseng, and turmeric, that
work synergistically to provide optimal bene ts.

Related: What Are Adaptogen Herbs?

A Word From Verywell

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend tulsi as a treatment for any condition. It's also important to note
that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're
considering using tulsi for any health purpose, make sure to consult your physician rst.

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