Holy Basil / Tulsi (Sheng Lou Le)

Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum, O. sanctum L., O. grassum

Holy basil is considered a sacred plant in the Hindu tradition and is often planted around Hindu shrines. The Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means “the incomparable one.” This plant is not the same as common basil, aka sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). The entire plant, from the leaves to the seeds is considered a tonic for the body, mind, and spirit. It is used to treat bronchitis, malaria, eczema, stomach ulcers, eye diseases, and more. It is especially known for treating symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. It can address physical, chemical, metabolic, and psychological stress.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Holy Basil (aka Tulsi) and Your Brain.

Below is an overview of basil, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of basil.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaf, Stem, Seed, Flower

Flavors/Temps: Pungent, Bitter, Warm

Caution: Considered safe. No negative side effects have been reported from use of the leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers.

Key Constituents: Vitamin A & C, Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Chlorophyll, Eugenol, Cirsilineol, Cirsimaritin, Isothymusin, Apigenin, Rosmarinic acid, Ursolic acid, Oleanolic acids, Carotenoids, Orientin, Vicenin, Triterpenoic acids

History/Folklore: In Hindu traditions, holy basil is a symbol of chastity and purity. It is one of the most sacred plants in India and has been used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to benefit the body, mind, and spirit. It is considered “The Elixir of Life” and “Mother Medicine of Nature.” Today, it is recognized around the world for its adaptogenic properties that can help relieve the symptoms associated with stress and anxiety.

In the Hindu tradition, holy basil has a deep history of being used esoterically to harmonize the bio-energetic fields of the body and energetic chakra systems. In yogic philosophy, it is one of a handful of herbs that is known for its ability to balance the chakras. It is a profoundly healing plant that singularly heals the body, mind, and spirit.

Holy basil has been shown to increase levels of dopamine, reduce cortisol spikes caused by chronic stress, and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown it can improve mood and cognitive capacities.

Holy basil has been found to be as effective at relieving pain as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

The anti-inflammatory properties of holy basil are attributed to multiple metabolites that can either act alone or synergistically to inhibit inflammatory pathways. Ayurvedic medicine recommends daily use of the herb to help counter and treat many chronic diseases, especially those associated with inflammation.

Recent studies have found that rats exposed to chronic loud noise, a modern-day environmental health issue, experienced damaged DNA, suppressed neurotransmitters, and a weakened immune system. The daily dosing of holy basil helped to protect their brains, significantly reducing the negative impact of noise on neurotransmitters.

Research has found that patients given 500 mg of holy basil extract twice a day for 60 days significantly reduced general anxiety and relieved stress and depression. It has been found to be as effective as Valium and Tofranil for treating depression. The recommended dose for holy basil extract is 300 – 2,000 mg per day.

Studies have also revealed that holy basil can help protect and improve memory. Suppressed acetylcholine is commonly found in Alzheimer’s patients. The use of holy basil helped to counter this neurodegenerative activity and improve cognitive function. Stress can cause changes in brain cell signaling, neurotransmitters, and hormones. Holy basil can help counter the impact that stress has on the body, reducing inflammation, the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cancer.

Holy basil can protect your brain from industrial pollution, heavy metals (including cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and mercury), stroke, stress, and physical strain. A powerful antioxidant it can help clear free radicals from your system. Holy basil is said to help protect your brain from the toxic side effects of radiation and pharmaceuticals including acetaminophen, meloxicam, paracetamol, haloperidol, and anti-tubercular drugs.

The compounds orientin and vicenin found in holy basil have been proven to protect against radiation injury caused by nuclear reactors, x-rays, or other sources of environmental radiation exposure.

Holy basil may reduce the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) associated with a decrease in the circulation of testosterone. The reduction of LH and testosterone may result in sperm production. Studies are being conducted to see if holy basil may be used as an effective male contraceptive.

There are three types of holy basil that are used therapeutically:

1. Krishna (O. tenuiflorum): It has purplish leaves and has the highest concentrations of adaptogenic triterpenoic acids.
2. Vana (O. gratissimum): It is high in eugenol and is native to India and Africa.
3. Rama (O. sanctum): This is the most common type now grown in the US.

Not to be confused with sweet basil (O. basilicum) often used in Italian and Thai recipes, holy basil (O. tenuiflorum) is sometimes called “hot basil” in Indian cookbooks. It is known for its peppery taste.