
Holy Basil (Tulsi) Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects Supplement Information and Usage Guide
Holy Basil (Tulsi) is revered in Ayurveda for its stress-relieving properties and ability to support immune and respiratory health.
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Tulsi, is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine used for promoting balance and resilience to stress. It has a long-standing history as a sacred plant in India, often grown near homes and temples.
The leaves of holy basil contain compounds like eugenol, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid, which may offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic effects. It is commonly used in teas, tinctures, and capsules.
Holy Basil is taken for stress support, immune function, and respiratory health. While traditional claims are extensive, scientific evidence is still developing, with some promising early results for stress and metabolic regulation.
Other names & forms of Holy Basil (Tulsi) supplement : ocimum sanctum, tulsi, sacred basil, holy basil extract, tulsi extract
Benefits
Holy Basil offers a broad range of health benefits, particularly for emotional resilience, immune function, and blood sugar regulation:
- Stress Adaptation: Holy Basil may help the body respond to stress and support a balanced mood.
- Immune Support: This herb is traditionally used to support immune health and resilience against everyday challenges.
- Respiratory Health: Taking Holy Basil may promote lung and respiratory health, particularly in times of seasonal changes.
- Hormonal Balance: Some studies suggest Tulsi may support hormonal balance and metabolic wellness.
Dosage
The dosage of Holy Basil (Tulsi) supplement can vary based on personal requirements and recommendations:
- Stress and mood: 300–600 mg/day of Holy Basil extract (standardized to 2% ursolic acid or eugenol).
- Immune support and general wellness: 500–1000 mg/day, in 1–2 doses.
- Traditional use (leaf powder): 2–3 grams/day as tea or capsules.
- Recommendation: Best taken consistently; can be combined with other adaptogens.
Side Effects
Holy Basil (Tulsi) is cherished for stress relief, but some users notice minor side effects as their system adapts. Look for:
- Stomach upset or mild digestion changes—nausea or loose stools
- Headache or mild dizziness, especially when starting a new supply
- Occasional mild sedation or drowsiness if taken in larger amounts
- Possible changes in blood sugar—monitor if diabetic
- Rare allergic reactions—itching or rash in those sensitive to Lamiaceae plants
Interactions
Possible interactions include:
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents: Holy Basil’s mild antiplatelet activity can add to warfarin or supplements like Garlic and Ginkgo Biloba, increasing bleeding risk.
- Diabetes medications: Holy Basil may lower blood sugar; when used with insulin or Cinnamon, monitor for hypoglycemia.
- Sedatives and CNS depressants: Its calming eugenol content can potentiate benzodiazepines or herbs like Valerian, leading to excessive drowsiness.
- Thyroid medications: Some reports suggest holy basil can alter thyroid hormone levels; if you take levothyroxine, check TSH periodically.
Precautions
Before adding Holy Basil to your daily routine, make sure you’re not in any of these higher-risk groups. If you are, consult your healthcare provider:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Limited safety data; avoid unless under medical supervision
- Individuals with diabetes: May lower blood sugar; adjust medications if necessary and monitor levels
- People on blood-thinning medications: Potential to increase bleeding risk; use with caution
- Those with low blood pressure: May decrease blood pressure further; monitor regularly
- Patients scheduled for surgery: Potential interactions with anesthesia; discontinue at least two weeks prior
Studies
These studies provide scientific insights into Holy Basil (Tulsi) benefits:
A 2012 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 500 mg Ocimum tenuiflorum extract (OciBest) twice daily for 60 days significantly lowered self-reported stress scores (−18%; P < 0.05) and serum cortisol versus placebo.
A 2023 double-blind RCT of Holixer™ found 8 weeks of 300 mg Ocimum tenuiflorum extract reduced objective cortisol levels by 27% (P < 0.01) and perceived stress scores by 20% versus placebo.
A 2021 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial reported that 8 weeks of 300 mg holy basil daily improved subjective sleep quality by 25% versus placebo, although polysomnography measures showed no significant changes.
A 2017 systematic review concluded that while Tulsi may have stress-modulating potential, the small sample sizes and heterogeneity of trials preclude firm clinical recommendations.
This article was originally published on Stackbb.com, your trusted source for science-based supplement guides.
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Important Disclaimer: The information provided on this page about Holy Basil (Tulsi) supplement is for informational purposes only and has not been reviewed or validated by a medical professional. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or part of your healthcare regimen. Individual needs and responses to supplements may vary, and what works for one person may not be appropriate for another.