Holy Basil (Tulsi)
An adaptogenic herb from Ayurveda used for stress support.
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What it is
Holy basil, or tulsi, is a revered herb in Ayurvedic tradition, used as an adaptogen for stress and general well-being.
How it works
Holy basil (tulsi) is an adaptogenic herb from Ayurveda, thought to help the body manage stress and support balanced cortisol. Its compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
What it's been studied for
Taken to support stress resilience and a calm, balanced mood.
What the evidence shows
Some small studies suggest holy basil may help stress and anxiety symptoms, but the trials are limited in size and quality. Promising but not firmly established.
Who should consider it
It's used to support stress resilience and a calm, balanced mood. Evidence is limited to small studies, so it's promising but not firmly established. It may lower blood sugar and affect clotting.
Amounts commonly studied
Studies commonly use around 300-600 mg per day of leaf extract.
How to take it
Studies commonly use 300-600 mg per day of leaf extract. Look for standardized leaf extracts; teas and tinctures are also common.
Forms & absorption
Capsules, teas, and tinctures; look for standardized leaf extracts.
Food sources
Holy basil leaves are used in teas and cooking in some traditions, distinct from culinary sweet basil.
Safety & interactions
Generally well tolerated. It may lower blood sugar and mildly affect clotting, so coordinate with a provider if relevant, and discuss use in pregnancy.
Myths & what it won't do
Myth: tulsi is a proven stress cure. Reality: small studies suggest it may help stress and anxiety symptoms, but the trials are limited. Myth: it's harmless for everyone. Reality: it may lower blood sugar, mildly affect clotting, and isn't well studied in pregnancy.
Common questions
- Does holy basil reduce stress?
- Small studies suggest it may help stress and anxiety symptoms, but the evidence is limited and not yet firm.
- How is it different from cooking basil?
- Holy basil (tulsi) is a distinct species used medicinally, not the sweet basil used in Italian cooking.
- Any cautions?
- It may lower blood sugar and mildly affect clotting; discuss use in pregnancy or with medications with your provider.
The amounts listed here are what published research has used — not a prescription or a recommended dose for you. Confirm anything you plan to take with your own healthcare provider, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.
Related goals
Research on Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Recommendations on this page are informed by published research. This is educational information, not medical advice.
- Jamshidi N, Cohen MM. The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:9217567. View study →Note: Reviewed 24 human studies that reported favorable effects, including for stress; the authors noted the right dose, form, and best-suited users still need clarifying.