PARTS USED:
- Leaf, seeds, whole plant
USES:
One of those plants that does everything!
Adaptogen
- Deep tissue adaptogen for physical and mental stress
- Protective against noise-related stress
- Anxiety
- Antidepressant
Neuroprotective
- Improves memory and cognitive function – possibly beneficial against Alzheimer’s and dementias
- May prevent tonic-clonic seizures
Respiratory
- Used in Ayurveda as an expectorant and demulcent
- Helps with cough and colds
- Anti-tussive
- Relieves mucous buildup
- Asthma
- Bronchitis (use the flowers for this)
- Antispasmodic
- Mucilage (seeds)
GI
- Digestive aid
- Stimulates appetite
- Demulcent
- Carminative
- Anti-ulcer
- Anti-emetic
- Anti-diarrheal
Antimicrobial
- Antibiotic
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
- Anthelmintic
- Antiprotozoal
- Antimalarial
- Reduces fever – diaphoretic
- May help in UTI
- Good for topical use
Antioxidant
Wound healing
- Improves granulation and strength of new tissue
- Prevents keloids and hypertrophic scars
Moderates the immune system
- Helps with allergies
- Enhances immune responses
Cardiovascular effects
- Protects the myocardium from stress
- Lowers cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL
- Increases HDL
- Inhibits platelet aggregation
- May protect vessels from atherosclerosis
Oral health
- Prevents plaque formation when used with Tea Tree and Cloves
- Controls plaque and gingivitis (equally as effective as Chlorhexidine oral rinse)
Anti-inflammatory – as strong as Ibuprofen and Naproxen
- Specific for ear pain
Hepatoprotective
Diabetic protocols
- Reduces blood sugar
- Improved glucose tolerance
- Increases circulating insulin levels
- Protects liver and kidneys from damage due to high glucose levels
- Reduces symptoms in patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Protects against metabolic stress
- Due to poor diet, lack of physical activity, psychological stress
- Helps against Metabolic Syndrome
- Helps with chronic inflammation
Protects against ingested toxins
- Pesticides, heavy metals, air pollution, etc.
- Acetaminophen, Haloperidol, Anti-TB drugs
Insect repellent and insect bites (essential oil)
Antispasmodic
Antitumour/Anticancer
- Helps precancerous and cancerous cells self-destruct
- Reduces tumour growth
PREPARATION:
- Infusion
- Tincture
SIDE EFFECTS AND TOXICITY:
- Sperm count, motility and velocity are reduced while taking this remedy, but return to normal within two weeks of stopping…do not take if actively trying to conceive
- Use caution if on anticoagulants
- Carefully monitor blood pressure if taking Ocimum in presence of hypertension or borderline hypertension – known to increase bp
- Carefully monitor if taking cardiac meds or antidiabetics
- Unclear about use in pregnancy or lactation
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Tulsi is worshipped as a Goddess and every part of the plant is revered including the surrounding soil; all Hindu homes usually have a Tulsi plant, placed in a special spot (ie near an entry) where it can be prayed over
- The plant is used to make Holy Water (Hindu, Greek Orthodox), and the wood is turned into prayer beads
- Tulsi is planted in key spots to reduce air pollution (Taj Mahal)
- Credited with giving…”luster to the complexion, sweetness to the voice and fostering beauty, intelligence, stamina and a calm emotional disposition”
