February 2026 Herb of the Month: Tulsi (Holy Basil)

History of Tulsi

Hindu Culture

Tulsi has traditionally held a deeply significant and sacred role in Hindu culture. Most households and temples have their own plots of tulsi, and it’s even associated with the goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing purity, devotion, and protection.

References to Tulsi’s benefits go back thousands of years. In both the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita, Tulsi is described as a wonderful “rasayana.” This means it’s a rejuvenative herb that promotes longevity and vitality, and helps balance all three doshas. Its role historically was never purely medicinal; it was also spiritual and emotional. 

Ayurvedic Medicine

In Ayurveda, scriptures refer to Tulsi as one of the main pillars of herbal medicine. Traditionally, Tulsi has been used to treat anxiety/depression, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, diarrhea, eye disorders, fever, insect bites, snake bites, malaria, and a variety of skin disorders.1,2

Additionally, as the British Empire moved into the Indian subcontinent, they were plagued by mosquitoes like never before. Dr. George Birdwood, a Professor of Anatomy at Grant Medical College in Mumbai, wrote a letter to The Times in 1903 describing the dire situation. 

“When the Victoria Gardens were established in Bombay, the men employed on those works were pestered by mosquitoes. At the recommendation of the Hindu managers, the whole boundary of the gardens was planted with holy basil, on which the plague of mosquitoes was at once abated, and fever altogether disappeared from among the resident gardeners.”

Medicinal Benefits of Tulsi

Adaptogen:

Herbalists consider Tulsi an adaptogen. An adaptogen is an herb that helps the body adapt to physical, emotional, and environmental stressors. Studies show that Tulsi contains compounds such as eugenol, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and apigenin, all of which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of these active compounds, studies suggest that Tulsi may have medicinal benefits such as:

• Support balanced cortisol levels
• Improve resilience to chronic stress
• Enhance cognitive performance under stress
• Reduce symptoms of mild anxiety

Immune & Respiratory Support:

Tulsi is used to help with conditions such as coughs and congestion due to its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, in traditional medicine practices, its warming properties are considered especially useful during cold and damp weather.

Metabolic Health: 

Studies show that Tulsi can help balance blood sugar by reducing fasting and postprandial glucose levels. It does this by enhancing insulin secretion while also improving insulin sensitivity. Additionally, Tulsi can help manage symptoms of metabolic syndrome, such as high cholesterol and inflammation, through its high concentration of antioxidants. 

Cardiovascular Health: 

As mentioned, Tulsi contains powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants help reduce stress-induced hypertension, lowering LDL cholesterol, and prevent plaque buildup in arteries. As an adaptogen, it also reduces cortisol levels, helping manage blood pressure and protecting the heart from oxidative stress.

Anti-Inflammatory: 

As we now know, tulsi contains compounds such as eugenol, linolenic acid, and beta-caryophyllene that help reduce inflammation and joint pain. It does this by inhibiting inflammatory markers, such as COX-2, in a manner similar to NSAIDs.

Emotional & Energetic Aspects of Tulsi

Energetically, Tulsi is warming but not overstimulating. Because of this, it can lift spirits and provide clarity, all while helping you stay spiritually grounded. Its flower essence helps clear blocked energies. Energy healers use tulsi to provide a sense of groundedness and connection during times of burnout, grief, and apathy. Additionally, Tulsi is often used in daily rituals, which are inherently grounding. Brewing a cup of Tulsi tea, inhaling its sweet and spicy aroma, and drinking it slowly can create space for the nervous system to downshift. 

Recipes

Cup of Kindness Tea Blend by Tina Sams:

a “part” can be any unit of measure, grams, teaspoons, cups

Ingredients

• 2 parts dried tulsi
• 1 part dried rose petals
• 1 part dried lemon balm
• 1 part dried elderberries
•  ½ part chopped crystallized ginger

Instructions

• Steep in hot water and enjoy a moment of peace

Calendula Tulsi Chai Recipe by Chesnut School of Herbal Medicine

Ingredients

• 5 cups water
• 4 medium cinnamon sticks (Cinnamomum verum) or substitute 20 grams cinnamon bark chips.
• 12 slices dried astragalus root (Astragalus propinquus) or substitute 10 grams cut and sifted astragalus root.
• 1 ½ tablespoons cut and sifted dried ginger root (Zingiber officinale)
• 2 teaspoons hulled cardamom seeds (Elettaria cardamomum)
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (Piper nigrum)
• 2 small star anise pods (Illicium verum)
• 2 whole cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)
• ⅓ cup whole dried calendula flower (Calendula officinalis)
• 1 tablespoon packed dried tulsi leaf (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
• ¼ cup organic cane sugar, honey, or stevia, to taste – Optional

Instructions

• In a medium pot, combine the water with the cinnamon, astragalus, ginger, cardamom, peppercorns, star anise, and cloves.
• Bring to a boil, covered, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes.
• Turn off the heat, add the dried calendula flowers and tulsi leaves, and stir.
• Infuse, covered, for 20 minutes, and then strain.
• If you prefer sweet chai, add the sugar after straining; stir well.
• Let cool, and store the chai concentrate in the refrigerator. Use within 4 days.

Tulsi is generally well tolerated by most individuals. However:

• Use caution during pregnancy unless guided by a qualified practitioner
• Monitor if taking blood sugar-lowering medications
• Consult a healthcare provider if on anticoagulants

Consider welcoming Tulsi into your daily rhythm this month. Brew the tea. Sit with the aroma. Notice how your body responds.

Loving learning about herbs? Check out our previous Herbs of the Month and continue building your home apothecary, one plant at a time.

January 2026: Rosemary

November 2025: Hibiscus

October 2025: Mugwort

References:

1. Chatterjee M., Verma P., Maurya R., Palit G. Evaluation of ethanol leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum in experimental models of anxiety and depression. Pharm. Biol. 2011;49:477–483. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2010.523832. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

2.Cohen M.M. Tulsi—Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. J. Ayurveda Integr. Med. 2014;5:251–259. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.146554. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]