Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Basil known as Tulsi or Surasa in Ayurveda consists of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum revered for its distinct aroma and medicinal properties. Possessing Pungent and Bitter tastes with Hot potency and Sharp qualities it effectively pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas while potentially aggravating Pitta. It acts as a powerful anti parasitic and antimicrobial agent making it essential for treating respiratory disorders like Kasa or cough Shvasa or asthma and Pratishyaya or rhinitis. It is also indicated for hiccups flank pain and worm infestations. In fever management Tulsi juice is often used as a vehicle or processing agent for formulations like Tribhuvanakirti Rasa. Ideally taken as fresh juice or powder it helps clear deep seated mucus and improves digestion.
Basil, specifically Holy Basil, is one of the most revered plants in Ayurveda. Known as Tulsi or Surasa in Sanskrit, it is considered a holy plant and a potent medicinal herb. It is frequently used in formulations to treat fever, respiratory disorders, and poisoning. It is valued for its ability to balance Kapha and Vata doshas and is a common household remedy in India.
Basil is an aromatic plant found throughout India. It is highly regarded in the Indian tradition not only for its spiritual significance but also for its extensive medicinal properties. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a vital herb for treating respiratory ailments, parasitic infections, and poisoning. It is often used as a Svarasa (fresh juice) to process other mineral medicines (Bhavana) to enhance their potency, particularly in fever management.
According to Ashtanga Sangraha and other classical texts, Basil (Surasa) possesses the following properties:
Basil is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
Basil is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used in dietary or traditional medicinal quantities. It is non-addictive and commonly used in herbal teas.
Encyclopaedia Britannica – Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Botanical description, traditional uses, and significance.
https://www.britannica.com/plant/holy-basil
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (POWO)
Taxonomic details of Ocimum tenuiflorum.
https://powo.science.kew.org/
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Ministry of AYUSH
Official herbal monograph.
https://www.ayush.gov.in
Indian Medicinal Plants – A Compendium of 500 Species
Warrier, P.K., Nambiar, V.P.K., & Ramankutty, C.
Indian Materia Medica – Nadkarni, K.M.
https://archive.org/details/IndianMateriaMedica
Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda (CCRAS)
https://www.ccras.nic.in
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://www.who.int
Review Article: Tulsi – The Mother Medicine of Nature
Cohen, M.M. (2014). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.
https://www.sciencedirect.com
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, consuming a few fresh leaves or a weak tea daily is a common practice in India for general immunity and respiratory health.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken in the morning on an empty stomach or used as a vehicle (Anupana) with other medicines during fever or respiratory illness.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
It is commonly taken with warm water or honey. While sometimes used with milk in specific recipes, its hot potency usually pairs better with honey or water for respiratory issues.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Basil known as Tulsi or Surasa in Ayurveda consists of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum revered for its distinct aroma and medicinal properties. Possessing Pungent and Bitter tastes with Hot potency and Sharp qualities it effectively pacifies Kapha and Vata doshas while potentially aggravating Pitta. It acts as a powerful anti parasitic and antimicrobial agent making it essential for treating respiratory disorders like Kasa or cough Shvasa or asthma and Pratishyaya or rhinitis. It is also indicated for hiccups flank pain and worm infestations. In fever management Tulsi juice is often used as a vehicle or processing agent for formulations like Tribhuvanakirti Rasa. Ideally taken as fresh juice or powder it helps clear deep seated mucus and improves digestion.
Basil, specifically Holy Basil, is one of the most revered plants in Ayurveda. Known as Tulsi or Surasa in Sanskrit, it is considered a holy plant and a potent medicinal herb. It is frequently used in formulations to treat fever, respiratory disorders, and poisoning. It is valued for its ability to balance Kapha and Vata doshas and is a common household remedy in India.
Basil is an aromatic plant found throughout India. It is highly regarded in the Indian tradition not only for its spiritual significance but also for its extensive medicinal properties. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a vital herb for treating respiratory ailments, parasitic infections, and poisoning. It is often used as a Svarasa (fresh juice) to process other mineral medicines (Bhavana) to enhance their potency, particularly in fever management.
According to Ashtanga Sangraha and other classical texts, Basil (Surasa) possesses the following properties:
Basil is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
Basil is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used in dietary or traditional medicinal quantities. It is non-addictive and commonly used in herbal teas.
Encyclopaedia Britannica – Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Botanical description, traditional uses, and significance.
https://www.britannica.com/plant/holy-basil
Kew Science – Plants of the World Online (POWO)
Taxonomic details of Ocimum tenuiflorum.
https://powo.science.kew.org/
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Ministry of AYUSH
Official herbal monograph.
https://www.ayush.gov.in
Indian Medicinal Plants – A Compendium of 500 Species
Warrier, P.K., Nambiar, V.P.K., & Ramankutty, C.
Indian Materia Medica – Nadkarni, K.M.
https://archive.org/details/IndianMateriaMedica
Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda (CCRAS)
https://www.ccras.nic.in
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://www.who.int
Review Article: Tulsi – The Mother Medicine of Nature
Cohen, M.M. (2014). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.
https://www.sciencedirect.com
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, consuming a few fresh leaves or a weak tea daily is a common practice in India for general immunity and respiratory health.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken in the morning on an empty stomach or used as a vehicle (Anupana) with other medicines during fever or respiratory illness.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
It is commonly taken with warm water or honey. While sometimes used with milk in specific recipes, its hot potency usually pairs better with honey or water for respiratory issues.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem