Queen of herbs(Tulsi) - Health benefits, application, chemical constituents, side effects and many more

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Queen of herbs(Tulsi)

The plant which is seen in everyone house, it is basil which is also called as Tulsi. It is common Indian homes plant. Every married women worship to this plant for healthy life of all family. It is one of the best medicinal herb. It has many medicinal characteristics such as antibacterial, antifungal, antipyretic, antioxidant, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, anthelmintic, antiallergic and anticancer. Tulsi is also called as 'QUEEN OF HERBS'. In the Ayurveda system tulsi is often referred to as an “Elixir of Life/Mother Medicine of Nature” for its healing powers and has been known to treat many different common health conditions. 

It has different names in different languages Hindi Name(Barbari, Bambari, Vantulsi, Baarbara, Ram Tulsi), Marathi Name(Bhu-tulasi, Sabaja), English Name(Common basil, Sweet basil), Bengali Name(Babui tulsi, Khubkalam), KannadaName(Kaama gaggare, Kaama kasturi), MalayalamName(Pach-cha-pushpam, pachcha, ram-tulasi, tirunetru, kattuthrithavu), Gujarati Name(Ran tulsi, Damaro), Tamil Name(Tirunittru, Chankanirakkarantai,
Chapchavitai, Tirtuthpathachi),  PunjabiName(Baburi, Babari), Urdu Name(burg faranjmushk, burg firanjmishk)




Spiritual value of tulsi in India:

It is the most worshipped plant in India. Every indian women in every morning after the bath do worship to these plant. Tulsi is a sacred plant for Hindus and is worshipped as the avatar of Lakshmi. Traditionally, tulsi is planted in the centre of the central courtyard of Hindu houses. Leaves and flowers of these plant are used to worship the god Vishnu and it's avtar
 There is another ceremony related to Tulsi, that is Tulsi vivah which is done after the Diwali in Karthik poornima.





Rumer/myth about Tulsi

There is a rumor that if Tusli is chewed, mercury will get into the body. It is goot to chew Tulsi leaves.


Vitamin and mineral content in basil(Tulsi):


Tulsi consists of lots of vitamin, minerals, essential oil and chemical compounds
• Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, C, E, K, B6, choline

• Minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus
-Minerals in which are in small amount: sodium (very less than potassium), iron, magnese, copper, zinc, selenium, Mercury

• chemical compounds: Some of the phytochemical constituents of tulsi are oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, β-caryophyllene (about 8%).

• essential oil: eugenol (~70%) β-elemene (~11.0%), β-caryophyllene (~8%) and germacrene (~2%), with the balance being made up of various trace compounds, mostly terpenes.

• The leaf volatile oil contains eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene), euginal (also called eugenic acid), urosolic acid (2,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydro-1H-picene-4a-carboxylic acid, carvacrol (5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol), linalool (3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol), limatrol, caryophyllene (4,11,11-trimethyl-8-methylene-bicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene), methyl carvicol (also called Estragol: 1-allyl-4-methoxybenzene) while the seed volatile oil have fatty acids and sitosterol; in addition, the seed mucilage contains some levels of sugars and the anthocyans are present in green leaves. The sugars are composed of xylose and polysaccharides






Medicinal properties and uses of tulsi


  • Rasa(Taste) – Katu(Pungent), Tikta(Bitter)
  • Guna(Qualities) – Laghu(Light), Rooksha(Dry), Teekshna(Piercing)
  • Taste conversation after digestion – Katu(Pungent)
  • Veerya(Potency) – Ushna(Hot)
  • Effects on Tridosha - Balances Vata and Kapha Dosha but increases Pitta dosha
  •                  Click here to explore more about Tridosha (vata-Kapha-Pitta)
  • Kapha Vinashini – balances Kapha dosha, useful to relieve excess sputum production
  • Krumidosha, Krumihara – Anti microbial, Tulsi plant is one of the best anti viral herbs of Ayurveda.
  • Ruchikrut– improves taste, relieves anorexia
  • Agnivardhini, Vahni Deepani – improves digestion strength
  • Tuvara – astringent
  • Tikta – bitter
  • Hrudya – acts as cardiac tonic, congenial for heart, useful to relieve cholesterol deposition in blood vessels.
  • Dahavardhini– increases burning sensation
  • Shwasahara – useful in treatment of asthma and chronic respiratory disorders.
  • Kasahara – useful in cough and cold
  • Hidhmahara – useful in repeated hiccups
  • Vamihara – relieves vomiting
  • Parshvaruk – relieves pain in flanks
  • Kushta – useful in skin diseases with pain and itchiness
  • Visha – anti toxic
  • Kruchra –relieves difficulty in urination
  • Ashma – useful in kidney and bladder stones
  • Druk – useful in infectious eye disorders
  • Bhutahara – useful in psychiatric disorders
  • As per Bhavaprakasha, both white and black varieties have similar qualities.

Some important properties of Tulsi:


• Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. 

• Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of ‘elixir of life’ and believed to promote longevity.

• Traditionally, O. sanctum L. is taken in many forms, as herbal tea, dried power or fresh leaf.

• Basil has antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties comparable to diazepam and antidepressant drugs.
        - Tip: drink holy basil as tea using the leaves daily every morning on empty stomach



Uses, Remedies, Benefits and Application

1) Basil’s fresh leaves are crushed to extract juice. Two drops of this juice is put into both nostrils on empty stomach. This helps to relieve sinusitis related headache.


2) For itching rashes, tulsi leaves are made into paste and applied over the skin.


3) Fungal Infections (ring worm) - Take 10 fresh leaves of holy basil and extract juice. Mix a pinch of Neem/Turmeric powder to this and apply over the affected skin area. Do this for 10 days. Here antifungal properties of Tulsi helps to reduce fungal infections.

               Click here to explore more about Turmeric. 

              Click here to explore more about Neem



4) Tulsi arka(liquid preparation obtained by the distillation) is useful in cough, cold, dyspnea, hiccups, and also helps with sore throat, bronchitis, bronchial asthma and malaria. Its intake naturally increase Immunity.


5) 6-12 ml of juice of Holy Basil mixed with 1-3 grams of black pepper powder is very beneficial in the treatment of recurrent fevers.

                Click here to explore more about Black pepper


6) Hoarse voice and Laryngitis : extract the juice of 8-10 Tulsi leaves. Mix it with 1 spoon honey and take it    OR    Take 6-8 Basil leaves along with 2 pepper grains and a pinch of rock salt. Chew them and slowly suck the juice.

                 Click here to explore more about Rock salt.         


7) Stomach Problems : Stomach problems like acidity, constipation and flatulence can also be treated with Tulsi leaves. Tulsi maintains the digestive and make proper bowel movement. 

It naturally increases your stomach’s defense by:

  • Decreasing stomach acid
  • Increasing mucus secretion
  • Increasing mucus cells
  • Extending life of mucus cells


8)Herbal tea : Tulsi with licorice, lemon grass and Ginger.

               Click here to explore more about Licorice


9) Daurgandhyahara – chewing one or two holy basil leaves daily helps to relieve bad breath issue. 


10) Tulsi helps clear out the skin of blemishes and acne. It is rich in antioxidants, and that helps it to prevent premature ageing. The essential oils and Vitamin C present in Tulsi leaves help fight off the harmful effect of free radicals- the primary cause of ageing.


11) Tulsi has the power to fight bacteria in your mouth that lead to dental issues, such as cavities, plaque, tartar and bad breath. Tulsi leaves acts as a mouth freshener.  It has astringent properties which make the gums hold the teeth tighter, thereby keeping them from falling.


12)  Tulsi's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which includes activity against a range of human and animal pathogens, suggests it can be used as a hand sanitizer, mouthwash and water purifier as well as in animal rearing, wound healing, the preservation of food stuffs and herbal raw materials and traveler's health. 


13) Tulsi’s essential oil may help manage depression and anxiety. Whereas Chewing 10-12 fresh Tulsi leaves/Tulsi tea control stress and manage anxiety. 


14) Tulsi leaves show a positive impact in reducing cholesterol level in the body, thereby helpful in preventing cardiac diseases. Tulsi leaves also act as a tonic for the heart.


15) Tulsi is an essential ingredient in the preparation of Ayurvedic cough syrups. It is highly useful in getting rid of cold and flu.


16)  The decoction prepared by mixing honey, ginger and Tulsi leaves is quite helpful incombating bronchitis, influenza and asthma.


17) Tulsi leaves are widely used due to their healing power. It is a tonic forthe nervous system and thus, helps a great deal insharpening the memory. 


18) For sore throat, the leaves of  Tulsi is of great value. Just boil the leaves of Tulsi in water and gargle with this decoction gives relief from sore throat.


19) Many herbal cosmetics contain tulsi. Also used in skin ointments due to its anti-bacterial properties. Oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is used in these preparation.


20) The leaves are quit effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these condition.


21) The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is applied and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.


22) Tulsi plant, like most herbs, is a delicious way to enhance the flavor of your cooking, or make an excellent tea. This sub-shrub looks quite attractive in a decorative pot, is not harmful to animals and it is fairly easy to grow.


23) As per the Research, Holy basil (tulsi) leaves may improve pancreatic beta cell function and thus enhance insulin secretion.


24) Grind 125 grams of Tulsi leaves in a mortar to a paste.Cook this paste in two kilograms of Tulsi juice to which one kilogram of seasame oil has been added. Continueboiling till all the water is boiled away. Then cool the oil,strain it and store in a glass bottle. This oil is very useful inthe treatment of skin diseases 


25) Prepare tulsi and ginger juice and take one spoonful of these extracts daily for healing up cramps and stomach ache.
                 Click here to explore more about Ginger


26) Holy basil helps in increasing hair luster. It also gives volume to hair and cures lice problem. The leaves of this plant contain anti-aging elements. They also purify blood and help in treating acne. The juice of holy basilleaves removes dark spots from the face and provides glow and radiance. 


27) Basil is an important component of many alcoholic beverages, including bitters, liquors and spirits. By adding a blend of mixed essential oils of fennel, basil and cori-ander to a salt solution of whey, Russian re-searchers found a method to enhance the storage of a carbonated fermented milk beverages.


28) Fresh, frozen or dried basil (1–40g/1) is also used in spirits, garlic or lemon alcoholic beverages, which may be sweet or dry, according to a German patent.


29) A number of studies have been carried out in this respect on Ocimum spp. One hundred per cent repel-lence of O. gratissimum essential oil (2% in acetone) has been observed against Musca domestica (the housefly). Another study demonstrated that O. basilicum essential oil repelled the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.


30) Pour one cup of boiling water into a teapot. Add 12 to 15 Tulsi leaves, two pieces of lemon grass (green tea), and12 to 15 mint leaves. Allow to brew for 15 minutes and strain. Add lemon juice and honey to improve the taste. Drink this decoction every morning on an empty stomach.It stimulates digestion, purifies the blood, and imparts afeeling of freshness.



                 Click here to explore more about Lemon



Notes :

  • Tulsi can control blood glucose levels.
  • It protects your eyes from environmental damage and free radicals.
  • Few olden times Tulsi was usllent to store the food grains by adding dried Tulsi leaf in the grain. 
  • Eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene), the active constituents present in O. sanctum L. have been found to be largely responsible for the therapeutic potentials.
  • Tulsi extracts are used in Ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning and malaria. 
  • Tulsi is known as a general vitalizer and increases physical endurance, it contains no caffeine or other stimulants. 
  • Wound healing property is also present in aqueous extract of the leaves of tulsi
  • It provides anti- fertility time upto which we take medication of Tulsi. The benzene compound in this help for anti-fertility
  • Basil is also high in anti-oxidants and helps your body detox. StudiesTrusted Source show that holy basil can protect your body against toxic chemicals.
  • Acts as immunity booster.
  • It improves taste perception.

  • It is used for seasoning in tomato paste products.  
  • The sweet basil oil is widely used in perfumery compounds.

  • It is a very useful gastronomic herb found in a wealth of dishes, sauces and condiments, soups, stews and stuffing, and also in fish, meats and vegetables. It is easily blended with other herbs, including, garlic, oregano, mustard, parsley, pepper, rosemary and thyme




Side effects

  • Excess use or over-dosage may cause increased burning sensation.
  • People with excessive hunger, burning sensation, bleeding disorders, heavy periods, nasal bleeding, and with Pitta Body type should avoid prolonged use of Tulsi, due to its hot and Pitta increasing nature.
  • Avoid Tulsi with/after/before milk 




Different types of tulsi

> There are 15 different varieties
> There are commonly three
types of Tulsi that are considered the most
i.e. Ocimum tenuiflorum (Krishna tulsi),
Ocimum sanctum (Rama Tulsi) and Ocimum
gratissimum (Vana Tulsi)

1) RAMA TULSI (OCIMUM SANCTUM)          
2)KRISHNA TULSI (OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM)

 3)AMRITA TULSI (OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM)

4)VANA TULSI (OCIMUM GRATISSUM)

5)SWEET BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM)

6) THAI BASIL (OCIMUM THYRSIFLORA)
7)PURPLE BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM)
8)LEMON BASIL (OCIMUM CITRIODORUM)
9)VIETNAMESE BASIL (OCIMUM CINNAMON)
10)AMERICAN BASIL (OCIMUM AMERICANUM)
11)AFRICAN BLUE BASIL (OCIMUM KILIMANDSCHARICUM)
12)Green ruffles basil
13)Cardinal basil
14) Greek basil
15)Spicy globe basil



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Refrance: 

1) NCBI
2) PUBMED
3) Wikipedia
5) spices board of India
6) nutrition today Iww journal
7) AYU (An international quarterly journal of research in Ayurveda), 
8) sciencedirect.com
9) research article published by Muhammad Asif Hanif University of Agriculture Faisalabad
10) journal of ayurvedic and food chemistry
11) Local tradition and knowledge
12) J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Oct-Dec; 5(4): 251–259. PMCID: PMC4296439
13) Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017; 2017: 9217567.  PMCID: PMC5376420
14) Charaka Samhita
15) Pharmacogn Rev. 2010 Jan-Jun; 4(7): 95–105.   PMCID: PMC3249909
16) The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
17) Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
18) International Journal of Research and Review.  Vol.8; Issue: 5; May 2021.   Review Article E-ISSN: 2349-9788
19) Research J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2010; 2(2): 103-108
20) Indian Journal of Natural Science. Vol.10 / Issue 60 / June / 2020
21) Research Journal of Medicinal Plants
Year: 2011 | Volume: 5 | Issue: 6 | Page No.: 650-669.   DOI: 10.3923/rjmp.2011.650.669







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