The basil commonly used in supplements and herbal tea is holy basil — sometimes called tulsi — which is the O. tenuiflorum species,also known as O. sanctum.
What is the difference between tulsi and holy basil?
Both tulsi and basil belong to the Lamiaceae family. The edible basil leaves are mainly used for culinary dishes whereas tulsi is mainly used as an indigenous medicinal ingredient. This is the main difference between tulsi and basil.
Why is tulsi called holy basil?
As Tulsi traveled west along the early trade routes from the Orient to Europe, it became known to the Christians as “sacred” or “holy” basil as is reflected in its Latin botanical name, Ocimum sanctum.
Is tulsi also called holy basil?
holy basil, (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also called tulsi or tulasi, flowering plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) grown for its aromatic leaves. Holy basil is native to the Indian subcontinent and grows throughout Southeast Asia.
Who should not take holy basil?
Holy basil is probably safe for most people; however, Pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who are trying to become pregnant, and people with type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and those undergoing surgery should avoid holy basil.
What does holy basil do for the body?
Holy basil has been shown to boost your body’s health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach.
Can I take holy basil every day?
When taken by mouth: Holy basil is possibly safe when used short-term. Holy basil leaf extract has been safely used at a dose of 500 mg daily for 60-90 days. Taking holy basil might cause nausea or diarrhea.
What happens if we eat tulsi leaves daily?
When chewed, the mercury content in Tulsi gets released in your mouth, which can damage your teeth and cause discolouration. Also, tulsi leaves are acidic in nature and your mouth is alkaline, which can cause your teeth enamel to wear off sooner.
What are the 3 types of tulsi?
There are three different types of tulsi or holy basil namely.
- Rama Tulsi: Rama Tulsi is also called green leaf tulsi and this is a different type of tulsi breed that has light purple flowers and has a clove-like scent to it.
- Krishna Tulsi:
- Vana Tulsi:
When should I take holy basil?
To use holy basil for anxiety, research suggests taking holy basil leaf extract twice daily after meals can help with managing symptoms. You can also try drinking tulsi tea or adding tulsi to your meals.
What are the side effects of tulsi?
May cause low blood sugar. Research on animals shows that holy basil may: Cause low blood sugar (animals and humans) Promote bleeding.
You should be cautious about using holy basil if you:
- Have low blood sugar.
- Are trying to get pregnant.
- Take anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs.
How do you consume tulsi?
How to Consume Tulsi? Consume Tulsi leaves raw, plucked fresh from the plant, add it your tea or make kadha out of it. Tulsi tea: To make tulsi tea, boil 1 cup of water and pour it over 1 tsp of fresh tulsi leaves, 1/2 tsp of dried tulsi leaves or 1/3 tsp of tulsi powder.
Can I use tulsi instead of basil?
Add the Tulsi – one handful of the leaves or more – it will be fine, trust me. Just make sure there’s nothing sweet in the sauce as it’ll make it taste a tad Thai.
What happens if we drink tulsi water daily?
Studies have shown that regular intake of tulsi water can act as an antidote for stress-related disorders and improve brain function. This is because tulsi helps counter metabolic stress levels in the body, normalizes external contributors like blood glucose and pressure which contribute to stress.
How long does it take for holy basil to work?
Holy basil and ashwagandha may start working at different times, which is a good reason to take both of them together. Ashwagandha has been shown to start working within the first two weeks. People report feeling the full benefits of holy basil in about 60 days.
Can basil cause blood clots?
Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting. Taking basil oils or extracts along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
What does holy basil do to the brain?
Holy Basil is a powerful nootropic supplement. It should help improve memory by boosting acetylcholine in your brain. And may help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. You can safely take up to 3,000 mg of Holy Basil daily if needed.
Can I drink Tulsi tea everyday?
Tulsi leaves also have anti-microbial properties and sipping tulsi tea on the daily will help you combat against harmful bacteria and germs in the mouth. Tulsi tea can also act as a mouth freshener and help you curb bad breath.
What is the best way to take holy basil?
Traditionally, holy basil (tulsi) was made into essential oil or dried for tea. Today, adding to juice, smoothies, and snacks are some of the best ways to incorporate this adaptogen into your daily life. It is available in whole form (fresh or dried), powder, and extract form.
Does holy basil affect the thyroid?
Holy basil and its main component, eugenol, has been shown to reduce cortisol and help support the liver, the brain, the gastrointestinal system, glycemic control, the thyroid, recovery and wound healing, and the immune system.
What is tulsi holy basil good for?
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, radioprotective, hepato-