Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Tulsi scientifically known as Ocimum sanctum is a revered medicinal plant in Ayurveda often referred to as Surasa. It possesses Pungent and Bitter tastes with Light Dry and Sharp qualities which allow it to effectively pacify Kapha and Vata doshas. It is highly valued for its potent antimicrobial and anti-toxic properties known as Krimighna and Vishaghna making it effective against worms and poisons. Therapeutically it is a premier remedy for respiratory disorders including cough asthma and rhinitis while also serving as a powerful febrifuge for various fevers. The fresh leaf juice is frequently used as a medium for processing herbo-mineral formulations like Tribhuvanakirti Rasa to enhance their efficacy in treating acute infections and digestion.
Tulsi, scientifically known as Ocimum sanctum, is one of the most sacred and widely used medicinal plants in India. In Ayurveda, it is revered as "The Incomparable One" and is classified as Surasa. It is a potent Kapha-Vata shamaka (pacifier of Kapha and Vata doshas) known for its ability to treat respiratory diseases, fevers, and poisons. It acts as a powerful antimicrobial (Krimighna) and is considered a tonic for the heart (Hridya).
Tulsi is an erect, much-branched, aromatic undershrub found throughout India. It grows up to 30–60 cm high and is often cultivated in homes and temples. There are two primary varieties mentioned in Ayurveda: Krishna Tulsi (black/purple leaves) and Shukla Tulsi (green/white leaves). It possesses a distinct aromatic odour and a pungent taste. It is highly valued for promoting digestion, clearing the respiratory tract, and countering poisons.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Tulsi is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India):
Tulsi is generally considered safe when taken in traditional dietary amounts or therapeutic doses. It is a common household remedy in India.
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Tulasi monograph
https://pcimh.gov.in
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
PubMed – Tulsi / Ocimum sanctum Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Ocimum+sanctum
ScienceDirect – Holy Basil Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/ocimum-sanctum
SpringerLink – Tulsi clinical studies
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Ocimum research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Google Scholar – Tulsi medicinal properties
https://scholar.google.com
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, fresh leaves (1-2) are often consumed daily for immunity.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken in the morning or when symptoms of cold, cough, or indigestion appear.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. Fresh juice is often taken with honey or warm water. It can also be boiled in water to make a tea. Milk is sometimes used as a vehicle to reduce its heating effect.
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
Tulsi scientifically known as Ocimum sanctum is a revered medicinal plant in Ayurveda often referred to as Surasa. It possesses Pungent and Bitter tastes with Light Dry and Sharp qualities which allow it to effectively pacify Kapha and Vata doshas. It is highly valued for its potent antimicrobial and anti-toxic properties known as Krimighna and Vishaghna making it effective against worms and poisons. Therapeutically it is a premier remedy for respiratory disorders including cough asthma and rhinitis while also serving as a powerful febrifuge for various fevers. The fresh leaf juice is frequently used as a medium for processing herbo-mineral formulations like Tribhuvanakirti Rasa to enhance their efficacy in treating acute infections and digestion.
Tulsi, scientifically known as Ocimum sanctum, is one of the most sacred and widely used medicinal plants in India. In Ayurveda, it is revered as "The Incomparable One" and is classified as Surasa. It is a potent Kapha-Vata shamaka (pacifier of Kapha and Vata doshas) known for its ability to treat respiratory diseases, fevers, and poisons. It acts as a powerful antimicrobial (Krimighna) and is considered a tonic for the heart (Hridya).
Tulsi is an erect, much-branched, aromatic undershrub found throughout India. It grows up to 30–60 cm high and is often cultivated in homes and temples. There are two primary varieties mentioned in Ayurveda: Krishna Tulsi (black/purple leaves) and Shukla Tulsi (green/white leaves). It possesses a distinct aromatic odour and a pungent taste. It is highly valued for promoting digestion, clearing the respiratory tract, and countering poisons.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Tulsi is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India):
Tulsi is generally considered safe when taken in traditional dietary amounts or therapeutic doses. It is a common household remedy in India.
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) – Tulasi monograph
https://pcimh.gov.in
WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42052
WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241515436
PubMed – Tulsi / Ocimum sanctum Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Ocimum+sanctum
ScienceDirect – Holy Basil Pharmacology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/ocimum-sanctum
SpringerLink – Tulsi clinical studies
https://link.springer.com
Wiley Online Library – Ocimum research
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Google Scholar – Tulsi medicinal properties
https://scholar.google.com
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, fresh leaves (1-2) are often consumed daily for immunity.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is often taken in the morning or when symptoms of cold, cough, or indigestion appear.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes. Fresh juice is often taken with honey or warm water. It can also be boiled in water to make a tea. Milk is sometimes used as a vehicle to reduce its heating effect.
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