Tulasi (తులసి in Telugu, तुलसी in Hindi), also known as Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum), is a sacred and powerful medicinal herb in Ayurveda and Indian households. It is known as “The Queen of Herbs” due to its broad-spectrum healing properties — both nutritional and medicinal.
🌿 Tulasi – Nutritional & Medicinal Profile
🔬 Nutritional Composition (per 100g fresh leaves)
Though not consumed in large quantities as a vegetable, Tulasi is rich in micronutrients and phytochemicals:
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 6,000–7,000 IU |
| Vitamin C | 18–25 mg |
| Calcium | 150–180 mg |
| Iron | 3–5 mg |
| Zinc | 1–2 mg |
| Magnesium | 40–60 mg |
| Potassium | 250–300 mg |
| Protein | ~3 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
Tulasi also contains flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and essential oils such as eugenol, ursolic acid, carvacrol, and linalool — which give it its strong healing effects.
✅ Health Benefits of Tulasi
1. 🛡️ Boosts Immunity
- Increases natural killer (NK) cells and T-cells.
- Helps prevent infections — especially cold, cough, flu, and respiratory infections.
2. 🫁 Respiratory Relief
- Acts as a natural bronchodilator and expectorant.
- Useful for asthma, bronchitis, sinus congestion, and throat infections.
3. 🧠 Reduces Stress & Anxiety
- An adaptogen — helps the body cope with mental and physical stress.
- Reduces cortisol levels and improves clarity and calmness.
4. 🩸 Blood Sugar Regulation
- Helps lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
- Useful in type 2 diabetes as part of herbal support.
5. 💓 Heart and Cholesterol Health
- Reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides.
- Antioxidants in Tulasi protect the heart and blood vessels.
6. ⚔️ Anti-Cancer Potential
- Contains eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid — shown in studies to inhibit cancer cell growth (especially breast and oral cancers).
- Helps reduce oxidative stress, which can trigger cancer mutations.
7. 🦷 Oral Health
- Acts as a natural mouth freshener and kills bacteria.
- Helps in gum disease, ulcers, and sore throat.
8. 🦠 Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungal
- Effective against Staph, Candida, and even flu viruses.
- Used in homemade kadhas, oils, and powders for infections.
9. 👶 Safe for Children
- Mild Tulasi tea or extract is used for fever, cold, or digestion problems in children.
- Can be given with honey and ginger for coughs.
🧪 Active Compounds in Tulasi
| Compound | Function |
|---|---|
| Eugenol | Pain relief, anti-inflammatory |
| Ursolic acid | Anti-cancer, muscle protector |
| Rosmarinic acid | Antioxidant, anti-allergy |
| Linalool | Calming, anti-anxiety |
| Cineole | Respiratory relief |
🍵 How to Use Tulasi
🔸 1. Tulasi Tea
- Boil 5–7 fresh leaves in 1 cup of water
- Add ginger, black pepper, and jaggery/honey
- Drink 1–2 times a day for immunity and respiratory health
🔸 2. Tulasi Juice
- Crush 10–12 fresh leaves, extract juice
- Mix 1–2 tsp with honey – good for cold and cough
🔸 3. Dry Powder
- Mix 1/4 tsp in warm water or honey
- Used for long-term immunity and detox
⚠️ Precautions
- Avoid high doses during pregnancy without guidance (mild uterine stimulant).
- May lower blood sugar – caution for diabetics on medication.
- Do not take large doses of essential oil orally – it’s concentrated and potent.
✅ Summary: Why Tulasi is So Powerful
| Benefit Area | Tulasi’s Role |
|---|---|
| Immunity | Increases T-cells, NK cells |
| Respiratory Health | Clears cough, cold, asthma |
| Mental Stress | Reduces cortisol, improves focus |
| Blood Sugar | Lowers glucose, supports insulin |
| Anti-infection | Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal |
| Cancer Protection | Antioxidants reduce DNA mutation risk |
Would you like:
- A traditional Kadha recipe with Tulasi for colds?
- Or a child-safe Tulasi syrup preparation for coughs and fever?