Holy Basil Flowers

(Holy Basil)
Sanskrit: तुलसी • Botanical: Ocimum sanctum Linn.

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum/tenuiflorum) is one of the most sacred and versatile plants in Indian tradition. It is grown in almost every Hindu household. The plant grows 1-2 feet tall with aromatic leaves. Two main varieties exist - Krishna Tulsi (dark purple) and Rama Tulsi (green). The flowers are small, arranged in whorls on terminal spikes. Tulsi is used extensively for respiratory disorders - coughs, colds, bronchitis and asthma. It is also an excellent febrifuge. The leaves have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Fresh leaf juice is given in fevers and coughs. The plant also has anti-stress (adaptogenic) properties. O. gratissimum Linn. is mentioned as Ram Tulsi. The essential oil contains 0.5% Eugenol. Dose: Swarasa 2-4 tola. Verse: 32-34.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Eugenol (0.5%), Essential oils, Ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Apigenin, Luteolin
Also Known As
English: Holy Basil, Sacred Basil
Sanskrit: तुलसी, सुलभा, बहुमञ्जरी, सुरसा
Hindi: तुलसी

What is Holy Basil Flowers (Tulsi Pushpa / तुलसी पुष्प)?

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum/tenuiflorum) is one of the most sacred and versatile plants in Indian tradition. It is grown in almost every Hindu household. The plant grows 1-2 feet tall with aromatic leaves. Two main varieties exist - Krishna Tulsi (dark purple) and Rama Tulsi (green). The flowers are small, arranged in whorls on terminal spikes. Tulsi is used extensively for respiratory disorders - coughs, colds, bronchitis and asthma. It is also an excellent febrifuge. The leaves have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Fresh leaf juice is given in fevers and coughs. The plant also has anti-stress (adaptogenic) properties. O. gratissimum Linn. is mentioned as Ram Tulsi. The essential oil contains 0.5% Eugenol. Dose: Swarasa 2-4 tola. Verse: 32-34.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Hridya (cardiotonic)
  • Kasahara (alleviates cough)
  • Shwasahara (anti-asthmatic)
  • Jwaraghna (antipyretic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.