Quick facts
| Botanical name | Ocimum tenuiflorum (O. sanctum) |
|---|---|
| Other names | Holy basil |
| Part used | Leaves |
| Common forms | Fresh leaves; tea with ginger; drops and capsules. |
Ayurvedic properties
Ayurveda describes every herb by its taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka) and effect on the doshas.
| Taste (rasa) | Pungent, bitter |
|---|---|
| Qualities (guna) | Light, dry |
| Potency (virya) | Heating |
| After digestion (vipaka) | Pungent |
| Effect on doshas | Calms Kapha and Vata |
Traditional uses
- Cough, cold and sore throat
- Fever (in combination formulas)
- Stress
- Respiratory allergy
These are uses described in Ayurvedic practice; they are not all supported by clinical research.
What research shows
Very limited
Limited
Moderate
Strong
Small human studies suggest modest effects on stress and blood sugar. Evidence for respiratory uses comes mainly from tradition and laboratory studies.
Safety
Avoid or ask a doctor first if you have:
- Pregnancy and when trying to conceive — concentrated forms
- Before surgery — concentrated forms
Possible interactions
- Diabetes medicines — may lower blood sugar further
- Blood thinners — theoretical added effect
Side effects
Tea and fresh leaves in normal amounts are generally safe.
Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, a rash, or feel unwell after starting any herbal product.
Buying safely
- Buy licensed products whose label shows the manufacturer's name and address, an AYUSH licence number, batch number and expiry date.
- Prefer products that name the botanical species and the part used.
- Be wary of products promising cures, “no side effects”, or rapid results — some have been found to contain hidden steroids or other drugs.
- Tell every doctor and pharmacist about all the herbal products you take.
- Report side effects through the Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance programme. See our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide.
Related conditions
Tulsi (Holy Basil) is discussed on these condition pages:
Other herbs
Ashwagandha Turmeric (Haridra) Triphala Guduchi (Giloy) Brahmi Shatavari Amalaki (Amla) Neem Guggulu Kapikacchu Yashtimadhu (Liquorice)
Please note: this page is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner who knows your health and your other medicines.