Tulsi Leaves (Holy Basil) 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Tulsi Leaves (Holy Basil) – 100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($5.99)

Benefits:
The medicinal properties of tulsi have been studied in hundreds of scientific studies including in vitro, animal and human experiments. These studies reveal that tulsi has a unique combination of actions that include: Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic), mosquito repellent, anti-diarrheal, anti-oxidant, anti-cataract, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive (cancer preventing), radioprotective, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-hypertensive, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory, central nervous system depressant, memory enhancement, anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, anti-thyroid, anti-fertility, anti-ulcer, anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, anti-arthritic, adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-cataract, anti-leukodermal and anti-coagulant activities.[4,5,6,7] These pharmacological actions help the body and mind cope with a wide range of chemical, physical, infectious and emotional stresses and restore physiological and psychological function.

Nutrients
Here is the most notable nutrient content of 1 tablespoon (around 2 grams) of sweet basil (2, 3):

……………………..Fresh leaves, chopped    Dried leaves, crumbled
Calories               0.6                                         5
Vitamin A            3% of the RDI                    30% of the RDI
Vitamin K            13% of the RDI                 43% of the RDI
Calcium               0.5% of the RDI                4% of the RDI
Iron                       0.5% of the RDI                5% of the RDI
Manganese         1.5% of the RDI                12% of the RDI

Active compounds in whole tulsi leaves include [2]:

• Eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene) is largely responsible for the therapeutic effects of the herb
• Oleanolic acid
• Ursolic acid
• Rosmarinic acid
• Carvacrol
• β-caryophyllene [2]:
• Eugenol (67.4% – 72.8%)
• β-elemene (11.0% – 10.9%)
• β-caryophyllene (7.3% – 8.4%)
• Germacrene D (2.4% – 2.2%)
• Linalool (54.95%)
• Methyl chavicol (methyl carvicol – also called Estragol) (11.98%)
• Methyl cinnamate (7.24%)
• Linolen (0.14%) [R].

Stress, Anxiety  All parts of the holy basil plant act as an adaptogen. An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps your body adapt to stress and promotes mental balance. The concept of an adaptogen is a holistic approach. However, holy basil has pharmacological properties to help your mind cope with many types of stress.

The source of your stress can be:
chemical
physical
infectious
emotional

In the case of physical stress, holy basil may increase endurance in animals. According to a 2017 research review, animals who had holy basil leaf extracts and went through environment-induced stress scenarios showed:
enhanced metabolism
improved swimming time
less tissue damage
lower stress levels in loud environments

Human and animal studies saw reduced:
stress
sexual problems
sleep problems
forgetfulness
exhaustion

According to a 2022 study, holy basil extract helped reduce stress and improved quality of sleep. However, the study also notes that further research is necessary to confirm the benefits of holy basil for sleep.

There’s evidence that tulsi acts as an adaptogen by addressing physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. One of the most well-researched abilities of this herb is keeping hormone levels balanced naturally and helping manage symptoms of anxiety.

According to a scientific article published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine:

‘Tulsi has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties.’

Studies show that holy basil contains three phytochemical compounds that help achieve these results. The first two, ocimumosides A and B, have been identified as anti-stress compounds and may lower blood corticosterone (another stress hormone) and create positive alterations in neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

According to an article published in Alternative and Complementary Therapies, the third, 4-allyl-1-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2-hydroxybenzene, is also able to lower stress parameters in lab studies. To use holy basil for anxiety, research suggests taking holy basil leaf twice daily after meals can help with managing symptoms. You can also try drinking tulsi tea or adding tulsi to your meals.

Does holy basil increase testosterone? While some speculate that it can boost testosterone production, perhaps by possibly reducing stress and supporting thyroid/adrenal function, there isn’t much evidence proving it has this effect.

Some preliminary research in animals actually shows the compound called ursolic acid found in holy basil may reduce fertility by damaging sperm. Therefore, it may potentially be used as an effective male contraceptive agent, although it’s not used for this purpose medically at this time.

Diabetes, Blood Sugar  Holy basil benefits appear to include the ability to control blood sugar (glucose) levels as demonstrated by several test tube and animal experiments, as well as human clinical trials.

A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind trial of holy basil points toward its anti-diabetic activity. In this trial, patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes experienced decreases in fasting blood sugar levels, postprandial (after a meal) blood sugar levels, urine blood sugar levels and mean total cholesterol levels during the treatment period. Overall, researchers concluded this herb may be prescribed as part of a treatment plan for people with metabolic syndrome or mild to moderate noninsulin-dependent diabetes.

If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, all parts of the holy basil plant may help reduce your blood sugar. According to a 2017 research review, some human studies have shown that holy basil can help prevent symptoms of diabetes. Be cautious when adding holy basil to your diet. If you’re already taking medications to manage blood sugar, it may lower your blood sugar levels too much.

Cholesterol  Since holy basil targets metabolic stress, it may help with cholesterol levels. A 2018 study found that holy basil was able to decrease total, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol in older adults with metabolic disease.

Inflammation  According to a 2017 research review, holy basil may help alleviate inflammation. Tulsi contains compounds like eugenol, camphene, cineole, and camphor, which are believed to help reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest that tulsi might inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase enzymes, which are responsible for producing inflammatory compounds.

Tulsi had strong anti-inflammatory effects in an animal model of granulomatous disease [15]. COX-2 is a molecule commonly targeted by anti-inflammatory medications. Tulsi is a natural COX-2 inhibitor [16]. A study on tulsi showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in human cells, validating its traditional use in treating cardiovascular disease [17].

A purified extract of the fresh leaves and stems of tulsi yielded appreciable amounts of eugenol, as well as the following compounds: cirsilineol, cirsimaritin, isothymusin, isothymonin, apigenin, and rosmarinic acid [18]. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was comparable to ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin at 10-, 10-, and 1000-microM concentrations, respectively [18].

Wounds  A 2014 article suggests that holy basil may be able to support wound healing. This may be because it contains:
antibacterial properties
antioxidants
anti-inflammatory properties
analgesics, which help with pain relief

Skin Infections  Holy basil has been found to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic (painkilling) properties. It can help kill bacteria that can cause breakouts and skin infections, so it’s a great natural remedy for wounds, plus a home remedy for acne and other skin irritations. It’s believed to benefit the skin and treat skin infections both internally and externally.

The primary active compound of holy basil oil is eugenol, also the active ingredient in the powerful antimicrobial clove oil, which is widely believed to help combat many skin disorders. Holy basil also contains other therapeutic components, including gamma-caryophyllene and methyl eugenol. Research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science shows that when used with coconut oil as a carrier, herbal products containing holy basil absorb into the skin even better and could be even more effective against acne.

Cancer  Research shows that people who regularly consume tulsi may be less likely to be immunocompromised and less susceptible to developing certain types of cancer cells. According to research published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, tulsi and its phytochemicals (including eugenol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, myretenal, luteolin, β-sitosterol and carnosic acid), in some cases, may help prevent chemical-induced lung, liver, oral and skin cancers.

It’s believed this is due to the herb’s anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant activity, which alters healthy gene expressions, induces cancer cell death, prevents blood vessel growth from contributing to cancer cell growth and stops metastasis — which is the spread of cancer from one organ to another.

Holy basil also seems to protect the body from radiation poisoning and may help minimize damage from radiation treatment, according to research published in 2016 in the Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics. It selectively protects the normal tissues against the destructive effects of radiation.

The journal Nutrition and Cancer published an interesting review outlining how tulsi may cause less side effects than other cancer treatments as it’s generally non-toxic.

Fever  Holy basil supports immune function and is often recommended as a natural fever reliever, especially by practitioners of Ayurveda. Holy basil leaves are thought to act as antibiotic, germicidal and disinfectant agents, which means they can protect us from bacteria and viruses. When we have fevers, it’s proof that our bodies are fighting against infection. Therefore, with its infection-fighting properties, tulsi may fight a fever in a more fundamental way.

Respiratory – Asthma, COPD, Bronchitis, Cold  Holy basil benefits contains compounds including camphene, eugenol and cineole, which help provide relief from congestion and other symptoms of respiratory disorders. Scientific studies have confirmed that this herb has impressive anti-asthmatic abilities and may make breathing easier, which is why it’s a commonly recommended herb for respiratory issues in Ayurvedic medicine.

Vitamin K  One cup of tulsi leaves has more than your daily recommended value of vitamin K, making it a perfect source to prevent vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K can be beneficial to your bone density, digestive health and more. Vitamin K is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in bone health and heart health. It’s one of the main vitamins involved in bone mineralization and blood clotting, and it also helps maintain cognitive function, a healthy metabolism and cellular health.

Animal studies published in the Alternative Medicine Review also demonstrate that Ocimum tenuiflorum/Ocimum sanctum has cardio-protective properties. In other words, it appears to support heart function, including by maintaining healthy arteries and circulation.

Oral Health  Tulsi may fight bacteria in your mouth that can lead to dental issues, such as cavities, plaque, tartar and bad breath. It serves as a natural mouth freshener and cleanser because compounds found in the leaves support a healthy oral microbiome, including by killing bacteria and germs hiding in your mouth. Using an herbal mouthwash containing basil leaf twice daily seems to help reduce plaque and the risk for developing gingivitis. Tulsi may also diminish ulcers in the mouth, and in vitro studies demonstrate it may stop the growth of oral cancer cells. For natural dental care, try adding a drop of tulsi essential oil to your toothpaste or drinking one cup of tulsi tea every day.

Headaches  Practitioners of Ayurveda recommend holy basil as a natural headache remedy that can help relieve migraine pain. Research suggests this is due to its ability to relieve inflammation, sinus pressure and muscular tension by fighting effects of stress. Try diffusing holy basil essential oil or making tulsi tea to reduce headache symptoms.

Eye Health  Our eyes are susceptible to viral, bacterial and fungal infections that can be very dangerous. Tulsi is commonly prescribed in Ayurveda to fight against conjunctivitis — also commonly known as pink eye — thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It may also help prevent a range of eye issues, including cataracts. According to Dr. S.K. Gupta of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, topical administration of an herbal eye drop mixture containing turmeric and holy basil extracts helps counter the oxidative stress and insoluble protein formation that lead to cataracts.

Detoxification, Protection  Many of the physiological benefits of tulsi can be attributed to its ability to assist with the body’s internal housekeeping and protection of the body from toxin-induced damage. These functions are often attributed to tulsi’s high content of phenolic compounds and anti-oxidant properties, with Krishna tulsi (black/purple variety) having a higher phenolic content and anti-oxidant capacity than white Vana (wild) tulsi. [8]

Laboratory studies have shown that tulsi protects against toxic chemical-induced injury by increasing the body’s levels of anti-oxidant molecules such as glutathione and enhancing the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, which protect cellular organelles and membranes by mopping up damaging free radicals caused by lack of oxygen[9] and other toxic agents.[10,11]

Tulsi also helps to prevent cancers caused by toxic compounds by reducing DNA damage [12] and inducing apoptosis in precancerous and cancerous cells, thereby reducing the growth of experimental tumors and enhancing survival. [13,14] Furthermore, tulsi not only protects against the damage caused by toxic compounds, but also enables the body to more effectively transform and eliminate them by enhancing the activity of liver detoxification enzymes such as the cytochrome P450 enzymes, which deactivates toxic chemicals and enables them to be safely excreted. [15]

While these actions are vitally important for protecting against natural toxins produced within the body or by animals or plants, they are perhaps even more important in the modern age to protect against the vast range of pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, radiation and other industrial toxicants created from human activity.

Chemicals, Heavy Metals And Radiation  The ability of tulsi to protect against the damaging effects of various toxicants has been documented in numerous experimental studies. These studies attest to the ability of tulsi to prevent liver, kidney and brain injury by protecting against the genetic, immune and cellular damage caused by pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals. Thus, tulsi has been shown to protect against the toxic effects of industrial chemicals such as butylparaben,[16] carbon tetrachloride,[17] copper sulfate[18] and ethanol,[19] and common pesticides such as rogor,[20] chlorpyrifos,[21] endosulfan[22] and lindane.[23] Tulsi has also been shown to protect against the toxic effects of many pharmaceuticals drugs including acetaminophen,[24] meloxicam,[25] paracetamol,[26] haloperidol[27] and anti-tubercular drugs.[28]

In addition to protecting against toxic chemicals, tulsi has also been shown to protect against the toxic effects of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury[29,30,31] and the toxic effects of radiation.[32,33,34,35] Tulsi exerts its radio-protective effects by scavenging free radicals and reducing the oxidative cellular and chromosomal damage induced by radiation,[33,36,37,38] thereby reducing organ damage and enhancing postradiation survival in experimental animals.[39,40,41]

Botanical Name: Ocimum sanctum
English: Tulsi, Holy Basil
Ayurvedic: Tulasi, Surasaa, Surasa, Bhuutaghni, Suravalli, Sulabhaa, Manjarikaa.
Unani: Tulasi.
Siddha: Tulasi, Nalla-Tulasi.
Also, known as: Tamole, Thulasi, Tjlsi, Tulashi, Tulasi, Thiru Theezai, Tulasa, Tulas, Tulusa, Bana Tulasi, Badrooj, Basilic Des Moines, Bazsalikom Levél, Daun Lampes, Monk’s Basil, Peihan, Rayhhan, Reihan, Sacred Basil, Garden Balsam, Green Tulsi, Holy Basil, Huong Nhu Tila, Jagu Lu Myah, Kamimebouki, Kaphrao, Kaprao, Kemangi, Kemangi Laki, Kra Phrao, Lampas, Saling-Kugon, Saling-Kugon Ma, Selaseh Puteh, Solasi, Sulasi, Sursa, Bahumanjari, Devadundubhi, Apet-raakshasi, Shuulaghni, Graamya, Sulabhaa, Shree Tulasi, Vishnu Tulasi
Origin: India
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:
A rich heritage of knowledge on preventive and curative medicines was available in ancient scholastic work included in the Atharvaveda (an Indian religious book), Ayurveda (Indian traditional system of medicine) and so on. An estimate suggests that about 13000 plant species worldwide are known to have been used as drugs. Plant-based natural constituents can be derived from any part of the plant like bark, leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, seeds and so on, that is any part of the plant may contain active components. The beneficial medicinal effects of plant materials typically result from the combinations of secondary products present in the plant.

Ocimum sanctum has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. Tulsi, the Queen of herbs, the legendary ‘Incomparable one’ of India, is one of the holiest and most cherished of the many healing and healthy giving herbs of the orient. The sacred basil, Tulsi, is renowned for its religious and spiritual sanctity, as well as for its important role in the traditional Ayurvedic and Unani system of holistic health and herbal medicine of the East. It is mentioned by Charaka in the Charaka Samhita; an Ayurvedic text.

For more than 3,000 years holy basil has been honored as one of India’s most sacred and powerful plants. One of the oldest and most sophisticated systems of medicine in the world, Ayurveda, reveres this plant. Sanskrit, Tulsi means “beyond compare.” It is also referred to as the queen of herbs, and Mother Nature of medicine. Different types of holy basil: 1) Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) has green leaves, it is the most commonly cultivated holy basil and the easiest to find for purchase. 2) Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is the same species as Rama Tulsi but has leaves that are more purple in color.

Ocimum sanctum is an erect, much branched sub-shrub 30-60 cm tall, with simple opposite green or purple leaves that are strongly scented and hairy stems Leaves have petiole and are ovate, up to 5 cm long, usually somewhat toothed. Flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls Tulsi is an aromatic shrub in the basil family Lamiaceae.

Hindus have been worshipping the Tulsi herb morning and evening since the past 5000 years. Due to its effective benefits, it is not known in India, but also known in all over the world. The meaning of the word Tulsi is “the incomparable Plant”. Tulsi is the Sanskrit name of the Holy Basil plant.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: 1 tsp tulsi (2-3 g)/use, up to 3 times/day. This can be added to food, drink or to make tea.