Lamiaceae
Basil Holy
Ocimum sanctum
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia
Also known as: Holy Basil, Tulsi, Sacred Basil, Surasa
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlowerSeed
Therapeutic Uses
Chronic stress, anxiety, immune modulation, respiratory infections, fever, blood sugar balance, dental health (eugenol). The most sacred medicinal plant in Ayurveda — 'Queen of Herbs'.
Herbal Actions
Adaptogen, immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antistress, COX-2 inhibitor, hypoglycemic
Active Constituents
Eugenol (70% essential oil), rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, ocimumosides A and B, apigenin, luteolin, beta-caryophyllene
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 3 tsp fresh or 2 tsp dried per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | 3–5 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Three varieties (Rama — mild, Krishna — strong purple, Vana — wild/most potent). Daily use recommended as tonic. Best fresh — 3x dried equivalent. Traditional morning tea in Indian households. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Reduce fertility (antiandrogenic at high doses) — caution if trying to conceive. Anticoagulant activity. Caution in pregnancy.
Side Effects: Blood thinning effect. Very well tolerated generally.