Holy basil

Also known as ocimum sanctum, tulsi.

Last reviewed October 9, 2026 · Jump to references

What is Holy basil?

In plain words

Holy basil, also called tulsi, is an herb used in traditional medicine and herbal teas. The body absorbs and breaks down some of its plant chemicals, although how these act together in people is not well understood. Researchers study it for stress, blood sugar control, and inflammation. Human studies are generally small, so its benefits and long-term safety remain uncertain.

Technical definition

Holy basil, or tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum, synonym Ocimum sanctum), is an aromatic botanical in the mint family containing constituents such as eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid. It has no single established molecular target; preclinical studies suggest effects on inflammatory signaling, including NF-κB, and cellular responses to oxidative stress, but these mechanisms are not firmly established in humans. In the United States, it is marketed as a dietary supplement and is not FDA-approved to treat disease.

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Evidence by use

Each use is rated on its own. There is no single overall effectiveness score.