Holy Basil Leaf
Ocimum tenuiflorum (Rama)
Ocimum sanctum (Krishna),
Ocimum gratissimum (Vana)
Also known as Green Holy Basil, Hot Basil, Indian Basil, Kala Tulsi, Kemangen, Krishna Tulasi, Krishna Tulsi, Manjari, Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Rama Tulsi, Red Holy Basil, Sacred Basil, Sacred Purple Basil, Shyama Tulsi, Sri Tulasi, Suvasa Tulasi, Tulasi, Tulsi, Tulsi Patra.
History: Considered a Sacred plant in India, old world medicinal practices such as in Ayurveda, Greek, Roman, and Siddha used Holy Basil to counteract stress and anxiety. It is considered an adaptogen since it does not affect mood but instead affect functions of the body.
Modern Use: Tulsi stimulates the immune system, reduces mucous in the lungs and nasal passages, warms the body and induces sweating, and has the added benefit of antimicrobial properties, making it a very effective ally in times of cool, damp sickness. Its diaphoretic properties are sought especially in cases of malarial fever in the form of a root decoction. Tulsi, as many diaphoretics, is also used commonly as a response to skin disease and itch. It helps here by reducing histamine activity. It is similarly beneficial in soothing asthmatic reactions.
Perhaps its most common use, tulsi is fantastic for soothing the nervous system. Because of its high flavonoid content, it is beneficial as a healing agent to bodies that have undergone chronic stress. In animal studies, these anti-stress effects manifest as balancing cortisol levels and normalizing the size of the adrenal glands. As a stress tonic,
Warning:
Holy Basil Leaf, Rama & Krishna (Ocimum tenuiflorum/Ocimum sanctum): Holy Basil may modify glucose regulation.
Holy Basil Leaf, Vana (Ocimum gratissimum): Not to be used during pregnancy.