Nutritional value of Tulsi:
Tulsi leaves are rich in vitamins A, C and K and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. It also contains high amounts of protein and fiber. Below is the detailed nutrition facts list for 100 grams of Tulsi (also known as basil). Please note that when used as herbal medicine, the amount of Tulsi you consume will be much less.
| Amount per 100 g serving | % of daily value | |
| Calories | twenty two | |
| Total fat | 0.6g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 grams | 0% |
| cholesterol | 0 grams | 0% |
| total carbohydrates | 2.7 grams | |
| Dietary fiber | 1.6 grams | 6% |
| carbohydrate | 0.3g | |
| protein | 3.2 grams | 6% |
| sodium | 4 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 295 mg | 8% |
| iron | 17% | |
| magnesium | 16% | |
| calcium | 17% | |
| Vitamin C | 30% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0% |
Fresh Tulsi leaves and dried (or powdered leaves) may contain slightly higher proportions of the above nutrients.
Phytochemicals Found in Tulsi Could Help Wound Healing? This may be because the antibacterial activity helps prevent wounds from becoming infected.
did you know?
- Tulsi has antioxidant properties that help protect against free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Tulsi may help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Tulsi may help lower blood sugar levels.
- In the United States, Tulsi is commonly consumed as a tea or taken in supplement form.
Benefits of Tulsi Backed by Research:
1. Natural immunity enhancer:
Tulsi is rich in vitamin C and zinc. Therefore, it acts as a natural immunity booster and protects against infections. It has immense antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that protect us from various infections. Tulsi leaf extract increases the activity of T helper cells and natural killer cells, strengthening the immune system.
2. Reduce fever (antipyretic) and relieve pain (analgesia):
Tulsi has antibacterial and antiviral properties that help fight infections and thereby reduce fever. Fresh Tulsi juice taken with black pepper powder can cure periodic fever. Boiling Tulsi leaves along with cardamom powder (elaichi) in half a liter of water and mixing it with sugar and milk is also effective in lowering body temperature.
3. Reduce colds, coughs and other respiratory illnesses:
Camphene, cineole and eugenol in Tulsi help reduce coldness and congestion in the chest. Tulsi leaf juice mixed with honey and ginger is effective in treating bronchitis, asthma, flu, coughs and colds.
4. Reduce stress and blood pressure:
Tulsi contains Osimoside A and B compounds. These compounds reduce stress and balance the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. The anti-inflammatory properties of Tulsi can reduce inflammation and blood pressure.
5. Anti-cancer properties:
The phytochemicals present in Tulsi have strong antioxidant properties. Therefore, they help protect us from skin, liver, oral, and lung cancers.
6. Good for heart health:
Tulsi has a profound impact on the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases by lowering blood lipid levels, inhibiting ischemia and stroke, reducing hypertension, and having higher antioxidant properties.
7. Good for diabetics:
Tulsi leaf extract has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
8. Useful for kidney stones and gouty arthritis:
Tulsi detoxifies the body and has diuretic properties. It reduces uric acid levels in the body, which is the main cause of kidney stone formation. Lowering uric acid levels can also relieve symptoms in people with gout.
9. Useful for gastrointestinal diseases:
Tulsi leaves help in treating indigestion and loss of appetite. They are also used to treat flatulence and bloating.
10. Good for skin and hair:
Tulsi helps clear blemishes and acne on the skin. It is rich in antioxidants and helps prevent premature aging. Tulsi also strengthens our hair roots, thereby preventing hair fall.
The antifungal properties of Tulsi prevent the occurrence of fungus and dandruff.
11. As an insect repellent:
For centuries, dried Tulsi leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
12. Insect bites and blood purification:
In addition to simply repelling insects, extracts from Tulsi leaves can be used on insect bites and stings to relieve pain. They also reduce swelling or resulting irritation to a great extent. Also, consuming Tulsi on a daily basis helps in purifying the blood.
13. Oral and Dental Health:
Tulsi is often used in herbal toothpastes simply because of its amazing teeth and gum strengthening properties. Additionally, it can act on canker sores , providing comprehensive oral health care.
14. Treatment of eczema:
Tulsi is also sold commercially in the form of ingestible pills and topical ointments. These can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema. They also provide long-lasting relief from itching and irritation.
15. Reduce stress and fatigue:
Studies have also shown that Tulsi has various benefits for physical and mental health. For example, drinking a Tulsi drink after a tiring day can be rejuvenating and help relieve stress and fatigue. Likewise, consuming Tulsi drinks during long study periods also helps improve students' concentration.
16. Tulsi cures infections:
Tulsi is known to have antibacterial activity against different microorganisms such as Candida albicans, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. This property is attributed to the plant components present in its different parts. The oil extracted from the Tulsi plant has antibacterial activity against organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus pumilus.
17. Tulsi cures fever and common cold:
Tulsi leaves are used to treat fever. Tulsi leaves boiled with tea are used to prevent malaria and dengue fever. A decoction of Tulsi leaves can be boiled with cardamom powder and mixed with sugar and milk to treat acute fever. The juice extracted from Tulsi leaves helps reduce fever. It is also effective in reducing fever in children.
18. Tulsi for Respiratory Diseases:
Tulsi helps in treating diseases related to the respiratory system. A decoction made from Tulsi leaves is used with ginger and honey to treat asthma, cough, flu, colds and bronchitis. A decoction of leaves, salt, and cloves can also provide quick relief from flu symptoms. Tulsi leaves have expectorant properties and help in removing mucus from the bronchi.
19. Tulsi cures diabetes:
Studies conducted on animals have shown that Tulsi leaves have hypoglycemic (lowering of blood sugar) effects. Tulsi leaves can be used as an adjunct to dietary therapy and medication in mild to moderate non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Another animal study showed that Tulsi leaf extract has a stimulating effect on insulin production. Tulsi and neem extract together are known to reduce blood sugar levels in humans.
20. Effects of Tulsi on kidneys:
Tulsi is known to strengthen the kidneys. Tulsi leaf juice taken along with honey helps in passing kidney stones through urine.
21. Tulsi cures heart disease:
Tulsi is known to be effective in treating and preventing heart disease by reducing blood cholesterol levels and preventing ischemia and stroke. Apart from this, Tulsi also plays an important role in platelet aggregation and prevention of the risk of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure that affects the arteries on the lungs and right side of the heart).
22. Tulsi Skin:
Holy basil is proven to be the safest skin cream and the benefits are huge. When you eat and apply Tulsi, it reflects on your skin. This amazing herb is used to treat acne, skin infections, lighten dark spots and improve skin texture. Here is a list of Tulsi benefits for skin.
- Tulsi helps in brightening the skin tone.
- Tulsi helps in healing acne marks on the face.
- Mixing and blending Tulsi with eggs can help tighten the pores of the skin.
- Tulsi helps in treating skin infections and any type of skin allergies.
23. Tulsi Hair:
Holy basil can be applied to your hair for a variety of reasons, and what it does is make your hair look better in every way. Here are some ways in which Tulsi is good for your hair.
- Tulsi can help prevent hair loss.
- Tulsi reduces hair graying and keeps hair thick and black.
- Tulsi reduces dandruff.
- Tulsi can help prevent dry scalp.
24. Tulsi Weight Loss:
Tulsi is a natural ingredient that helps in weight loss. If you want to know how to burn fat quickly without any side effects, then you need to opt for drinking Tulsi tea. Two cups a day will make a difference. Also, you need to remember that drinking Tulsi tea will be more effective only during exercise. Of course, Tulsi tea can help you lose weight without exercise, but exercise makes the process faster. Here are some of the ways Tulsi can help you lose weight.
- Tulsi tea controls your metabolism and helps your body absorb essential nutrients.
- Tulsi tea helps strengthen the digestive system, which is important for quick weight loss.
- Tulsi tea has zero calories and boosts your stamina.
25. Tulsi Eyes:
Your eyes are susceptible to a lot of dust and pollution every day. Therefore, most of the people suffer from eye related problems and Tulsi can instantly cure eye related problems such as:
- Tulsi soothes eyes.
- Tulsi leaves left overnight in boiling water can be used to wash your eyes.
- Tulsi eye wash also reduces stress on the eyes.
Best of all, it relieves stress on your eyes and makes them feel relaxed. Tulsi eye wash can also help you prevent many other eye-related problems such as conjunctivitis and boils.
26. Tulsi Prevents Premature Aging:
Vitamins C and A and phytonutrients are essential oils found in Tulsi that are used as excellent antioxidants to protect the body from premature aging. If herbal tea is said to make you feel and look younger, imagine what Tusi can do. Drinking 2 cups of Tulsi tea can help you look younger and prevent premature aging.
27. Tulsi quits smoking:
Tulsi leaves help fight cancer and prevent it from attacking you. The best way to quit smoking is to chew Tulsi leaves, which help remove nicotine content from the body. It helps purify the blood. Here are some ways tulsi can help you quit smoking.
- Chew Tulsi leaves whenever you feel the urge to smoke.
- Be sure to drink Tulsi tea.
Tulsi can definitely help you quit smoking, as long as you learn how to deflect and resist the urge to smoke. It's all in your head, and the power of deviating from habits is the first step to changing them.
Medical uses of Tulsi:
Tulsi is known as a miraculous herb and sometimes even a sacred herb due to its medicinal properties. There are many diseases that can affect people again after they have left them. But after consuming tulsi, you can be sure that these diseases will not affect you. Here are some of the ways Tulsi can solve various medical problems.
- Tulsi can help treat fever.
- Tulsi leaves are used to treat skin problems like acne, blackheads and premature aging.
- Tulsi is used to treat insect bites.
- Tulsi is also used to treat heart disease and fever.
- Tulsi is also used to treat respiratory ailments.
- Tulsi is used to treat fever, common cold, sore throat, headache and kidney stones.
- Tulsi helps in treating asthma.
Attributes of Tulsi:
Tulsi is known to possess many properties such as:
- It may be an antipyretic (fever reducer)
- it may have anti-inflammatory activity
- It may be an antiemetic (prevent vomiting)
- It may help lower blood sugar (anti-diabetic)
- It may have a hypotensive effect (lower blood pressure)
- It may have hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering) activity
- It may act as an analgesic (relieve pain)
- It may have antiasthmatic activity
- It may be a hepatoprotectant (liver protectant)
- It may help reduce stress (anti-stress)
- It may be an effective expectorant (drain mucus)
- It may have anti-cancer potential
- Possibly diaphoretic (causes sweating)
did you know?
- Tulsi may have antibacterial properties that help fight certain bacteria and viruses.
- Tulsi may have potential anti-cancer properties that help inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
- Tulsi may have neuroprotective properties that help protect the brain from oxidative stress.
- Tulsi may have analgesic properties that help reduce pain and inflammation.
Potential uses of Tulsi:
Potential uses of Tulsi to treat infections:
Tulsi may have antibacterial activity against different microorganisms such as Candida albicans, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. This property may be attributed to the plant components present in its different parts. The oil obtained from the Tulsi plant may have antimicrobial activity against organisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus pumilus.
Potential Uses of Tulsi to Treat Fever and Common Cold:
Tulsi leaves may help reduce fever. Tulsi leaves boiled with tea may help treat malaria and dengue fever. A decoction of Tulsi leaves boiled with cardamom powder, mixed with sugar and milk, helps treat acute fevers. The juice extracted from Tulsi leaves may help reduce fever. It may also be effective in reducing fever in children.
Potential Uses of Tulsi to Treat Respiratory Diseases:
Tulsi may be helpful in treating ailments related to the respiratory system. A decoction of Tulsi leaves mixed with ginger and honey may help treat asthma, coughs, flu, colds, and bronchitis. A decoction of leaves, salt, and cloves can also provide relief from the flu. Tulsi leaves may have expectorant properties and may help drain mucus from the bronchi.
Potential Uses of Tulsi in Treating Diabetes:
Studies conducted on animals suggest that Tulsi leaves may have hypoglycemic (lowering of blood sugar) effects. Tulsi leaves can be used as an adjunct to dietary therapy and medication in mild to moderate non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Another animal study suggests that Tulsi leaf extract may have a stimulating effect on insulin production. Tulsi and neem extracts combined may help lower blood sugar levels in humans. 2 However, serious illnesses like diabetes must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Therefore, always consult your doctor.
Potential uses of Tulsi for kidneys:
Tulsi may have the potential to strengthen the kidneys. Tulsi leaf juice taken with honey may help pass kidney stones through urine. However, this claim requires further research. Consult your doctor and do not rely on home remedies. Do not self-medicate.
Potential Uses of Tulsi to Treat Heart Disease:
Tulsi may help lower blood cholesterol levels, may also curb ischemia and stroke, and may help treat heart disease. In addition to this, Tulsi may also play an important role in platelet aggregation and may reduce the risk of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs and right side of the heart). However, please consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
Other potential uses of Tulsi:
- Tulsi leaves act as a nerve tonic and may help enhance memory.
- Tulsi leaves also strengthen the stomach and promote sweating.
- Tulsi leaves may be described as an anti-stress agent. Consuming Tulsi leaves can prevent stress. make
Although there are studies showing the potential uses of Tulsi in various conditions, these are not enough and further research is needed to determine the true extent of Tulsi’s benefits to human health.
How to use Tulsi?
Tulsi plants are available in different formulations such as:
- Tribhuvanakirti Raza
- Muktapan Kamalta Raza
- Manamitra
- Muktadi Mahanjana
Tulsi leaves are available in different recipes such as:
- Mahavalankusa Raza
- Prakamut Raza
- Manamitra
- Tribhuvana Kirti Rasa
Tulsi can be used as:
- cold brew
- Vegetable or mixed legume soup
- Refreshing drinks
- Ghrit (Medicinal Ghee)
- Medicinal powder
- Medicated oil
- Sheetajwarantakvati (drugs against malaria)
- tulsi tea
Your Ayurvedic doctor will prescribe you the form and dosage according to your needs. Please do not self-medicate.
You must consult a qualified physician before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace ongoing modern medical treatment with Ayurvedic/herbal preparations without consulting a qualified physician.
Tulsi Side Effects:
One clinical trial reported that the side effects of consuming Tulsi were temporary mild nausea. Since the trial only lasted 13 weeks, the failure to detect any negative effects does not rule out the possibility of long-term side effects. However, the traditional history of Tulsi use means any significant long-term effects are rare and it is likely safe for daily consumption, which requires further research to determine.
- Tulsi may affect fertility in women trying to conceive.
- Some people experience nausea or diarrhea when they first add Tulsi tea to their diet, so it is best to start with a small amount and gradually increase your intake over time.
- Tulsi may lower blood sugar and should be used with caution by people with diabetes who are taking blood sugar-lowering medications.
Things to note when using Tulsi:
Consult your doctor before consuming Tulsi. Especially pregnant women, lactating women, children and the elderly need to be more cautious.
Interactions with other drugs:
Holy basil may cause drug interactions in patients receiving drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 (artemisinin, cyclophosphamide, ketamine, efavirenz, methadone, and bupropion) or rifampicin. Therefore, one must be careful while taking these medicines with Tulsi.
