Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Holy basil—also known as tulsi—is often called the “queen of herbs,” and for good reason. This aromatic, adaptogenic plant supports digestion, helps ease inflammation, and gently relaxes an overworked nervous system. It’s a beautiful gift for anyone who needs more calm, balance, or digestive support in their life. Tulsi teas, tinctures, or dried leaf blends all make lovely additions to a wellness bundle.

Holy Basil is a revered adaptogenic, nervine, immunomodulating, and cardiometabolic-supporting herb with deep roots in Ayurveda and growing global clinical use. It works gently yet profoundly across the stress-hormone-immune axis.

Traditional Uses in Herbal Medicine

Primary Actions

• Adaptogen

• Nervine tonic

• Anxiolytic

• Immunomodulator

• Antimicrobial

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antioxidant

• Hypoglycaemic

• Cardioprotective

• Expectorant

• Carminative

• Anti-ulcer

• Mild anti-depressant

Traditional Herbal Uses

• Chronic stress & adrenal fatigue

• Anxiety, depression, nervous exhaustion

• Recurrent infections

• Asthma & respiratory inflammation

• PCOS

• Insulin resistance

• Brain fog & fatigue

• Cardiometabolic syndrome

• Stress-related digestive disorders

Key Herbal Constituents

• Eugenol – analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

• Ursolic acid – anti-inflammatory, anticancer, metabolic support

• Rosmarinic acid – antioxidant, anti-allergic

• Ocimumosides A & B – stress-modulating adaptogens

• Linalool – nervine, anxiolytic

• Apigenin & Luteolin – anti-inflammatory flavonoids

• Triterpenoids – immune modulation

• Volatile oils – antimicrobial, respiratory support

Primary Herbal Applications

1. Stress, Anxiety & Burnout

• Reduces cortisol dysregulation

• Supports adrenal resilience

• Calms mental overstimulation, anxiety, and overwhelm

• Helpful for emotional depletion, trauma recovery, and long-term stress

2. Immune System Support

• Enhances immune surveillance

• Antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal

• Supports chronic infections, recurrent respiratory illness, post-viral fatigue, and stress-related immune weakness

3. Respiratory & Lung Health

• Supports asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, post-infectious lung weakness

• Reduces inflammation and promotes bronchial relaxation

4. Blood Sugar & Metabolic Balance

• Improves insulin sensitivity

• Lowers fasting blood glucose

• Supports prediabetes, PCOS, metabolic syndrome, and cortisol-driven weight gain

5. Cardiovascular Protection

• Lowers LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and mildly reduces blood pressure

• Provides antioxidant protection for vascular tissue

6. Cognitive Clarity & Mood

• Enhances memory, focus, and neuroprotection

• Supports brain fog, stress-related depression, and mental fatigue

7. Digestive & Gut Support

• Carminative and mild bitter

• Helps gas, bloating, stress-related IBS, and microbial imbalance

• Supports gut–brain axis regulation

Forms & Typical Use

• Tea (infusion): Daily nervous & immune tonic

• Tincture: Stress, anxiety, glucose regulation

• Capsules: Long-term adaptogenic support

• Glycerite: Sensitive nervous systems

• Fresh leaf: Digestive and respiratory support

Body Systems Supported

• Nervous System

• Immune System

• Endocrine System

• Respiratory System

• Cardiovascular System

• Digestive System