Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Holy basil: the household remedy for coughs, colds and clarity.
Tulsi plant · Shrub · Parts: Leaf, Seed, Whole plant
- Taste (rasa)
- Pungent, bitter
- Energy (virya)
- Heating
- Balances
- Kapha, Vata
What it is used for
Benefits
- Eases cough and congestion in traditional and clinical use
- Adaptogenic support for stress and mental fog
- Antimicrobial action in the mouth and respiratory tract
How it has been used
Traditional uses & benefits
Holy basil is the household kaphahara and jvarahara plant — grown at the door and used at the first hint of a cold.
Traditional uses
- Early coughs, blocked chest and seasonal sniffles
- Clearing the head and lifting a dull, foggy mood
- Daily immunity upkeep through monsoon and winter
Practical guidance
- 1Steep 5–7 fresh leaves in hot water for 5 minutes; add honey only once the water has cooled to drinkable warmth.
- 2Morning is the traditional time — it is mildly stimulating, so avoid late at night.
- 3Chewed leaves are traditionally rinsed down, as the plant is acidic on tooth enamel.
How much
Dosage
2-4 fresh leaves chewed daily, or 300-600 mg extract, or one to two cups of tea.
How to take it
Preparation & usage
Tulsi kadha
Boil 10 leaves with grated ginger, 3 black peppercorns and a small piece of cinnamon in 2 cups water until halved. Add honey off the heat.
Twice daily at the first sign of a cold
Steam inhalation
Add a handful of leaves to hot water and inhale the steam under a towel.
Evening for blocked sinuses
Read this first
Precautions
- May thin the blood; caution with anticoagulants
- Avoid high doses when trying to conceive
- Do not add honey to boiling liquid
Where this comes from
Sources
Common questions
What is Tulsi used for?
Holy basil: the household remedy for coughs, colds and clarity. In traditional use the main applications are: Eases cough and congestion in traditional and clinical use; Adaptogenic support for stress and mental fog; Antimicrobial action in the mouth and respiratory tract.
What is the typical dosage of Tulsi?
2-4 fresh leaves chewed daily, or 300-600 mg extract, or one to two cups of tea. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.
How and when should Tulsi be taken?
Tulsi kadha: Boil 10 leaves with grated ginger, 3 black peppercorns and a small piece of cinnamon in 2 cups water until halved. Add honey off the heat. Timing — Twice daily at the first sign of a cold
Are there any precautions with Tulsi?
May thin the blood; caution with anticoagulants Avoid high doses when trying to conceive Do not add honey to boiling liquid Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.
Does Tulsi replace medical treatment?
No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.
Where to buy
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