Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is a member of the Lamiaceae family, native to India, South Asia, and Eastern Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and stems have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and antispasmodic actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, unani medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Tulsi
Scientific Name	Ocimum sanctum
Plant Family	Lamiaceae
Genus	Ocimum
Species	sanctum
Native Range	India, South Asia, Eastern Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Antispasmodic
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Unani Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Ocimum sanctum
Common Name: Tulsi
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Ocimum Basilicum
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface glabrous and dark green, lower surface pale green and covered with stomatal bands.
Flowers: Bilaterally symmetrical flowers with four lobes, two of which are expanded into bluish-white petals and two are reduced to small lobes, arranged in whorls along a square stem, with yellow stamens and a two-lobed pistil.
Stems: Erect growth habit, opposite branching, glabrous surface, cylindrical cross-section, aromatic resinous exudation.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Unani Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a calming anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a gentle tonic, for long-term use contexts.
Antispasmodic: Traditionally described as a mild antispasmodic, for tension-related applications.
Carminative: As described in traditional systems, a warming carminative, within digestive system contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A mixture of naturally occurring compounds responsible for plant aroma.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Capsule: A preparation format using encapsulated plant powders.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.