Benefits of Tulsi - Holy Basil and how to grow it

(Ocimum sanctum)

History and Origin

Tulsi is a perennial, aromatic plant native to the Indian subcontinent. It is very frost sensitive and for us grows as an annual.  It has been cultivated for thousands of years and is possibly the most important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Revered as a sacred plant in Hinduism, Tulsi is often found planted around Hindu temples and homes. Its history is deeply intertwined with Indian culture, spirituality, and traditional medicine, symbolizing purity, health, and spiritual well-being. This is a very special plant and one of my favorites to grow.  All summer long I will sit out in my acre Tulsi field and meditate.  This plant attracts more honey bees than any other and you can tell who has been visiting the plant by the sacks of red pollen on their legs. Tulsi is my favorite herbal tea.

Benefits and Uses

Tulsi is celebrated for its wide range of health benefits. It is said to support the immune system, reduce stress, ease pain and promote mental clarity. As an adaptogen, Tulsi helps the body adapt to stress and promotes a sense of calm. It may also be used to support respiratory health, digestion, and skin health.* In the kitchen, Tulsi leaves are brewed into a refreshing tea, added to culinary dishes for flavor, or used in herbal remedies and tinctures.

Tulsi contains various constituents that contribute to its unique aroma and properties, including:

• Oleanolic acid: This compound has been shown to have antitumor and antiviral properties, analogs of this compound are being investigated for HIV medicine  

• Ursolic acid: Found in the skins of many fruit, in vitro this compound was found to reduce muscle atrophy and is cardioprotective 

• Rosmarinic acid: Is a very common constituent in many herbs, known for its anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties 

• Eugenol: Known to have general anesthetic properties this constituent has been used for its flavor and aroma  

• Carvacrol: Has a pungent odor of oregano this constituent is thought to have antimicrobial properties 

• Linalool: Tastes spicy and floral this constituent is known for its complex aroma and flavor while also boasting antimicrobial and antifungal properties

• Β-caryophyllene: Has a cracked black pepper taste this unique constituent is the only terpene to directly activate cannabinoid receptors, the result of this is a variety of health benefits including being anti inflammatory antidepressant and may increase overall lifespan through reducing gene stress 

With this composition Tulsi has been recognized throughout history to support the following  

• Immune Support: Tulsi is believed to have immunomodulatory effects, helping to boost the body's defense mechanisms.*

• Stress Reduction: As an adaptogen, it helps in mitigating stress and enhancing mental clarity and focus.*

• Respiratory Health: It's traditionally used to support the respiratory system, particularly in cases of colds, coughs, and other respiratory ailments.*

• Digestive Health: Tulsi can aid in digestion and help relieve bloating and gas.*

• Skin Health: Applied topically, Tulsi can help improve skin health and treat minor skin conditions.*

• Tulsi is good for just about everything!*

How to grow Tulsi

Tulsi is generally adapted to warm, tropical climates.  We’ve struggled growing most cultivars but we have had great success growing Kapoor Tulsi, aka Temperate Tulsi. We originally purchased our seeds from Johnnys Selected Seeds but now save our seeds.  Tulsi seeds are very easy to save - they are slightly smaller than poppy seeds and come by the thousands!  At our northern latitude Tulsi prefers full sun and well-drained, rich soil but I expect it would grow anywhere.  

Starting Tulsi from Seed / Germination

Tulsi can be directly seeded in the garden and I actually have had some luck harvesting fields of volunteer Tulsi.  Generally though, we start seeds in our greenhouse - it is much easier and more likely to work.  Their extremely quick germination and growth coupled with their warm loving nature means they are the last thing we seed, about April 20th into either 162 or 128 cell nursery trays.  The seeds need light to germinate so we surface sow them, then water with a water breaker that half buries the seeds.  Then we cover the seeds with row cover and water again.  The row cover helps maintain ideal, warm moist conditions and makes sure the seeds don’t get dislodged in future waterings.

Planting Kapoor Tulsi:  Using our water wheel transplanter, we plant Tulsi 18 inches between plants and 30 inches between rows.  They are so fast growing - they get their roots down into the soil and typically don’t need another watering after planting, while every other plant we grow will require more hydration to get established.

Caring for Tulsi Plants:   

Tulsi is a joyful experience to grow.  They grow faster than any other plant we work with and are about 2 feet tall and ready to harvest at 70 days.  Nitrogen will make those leave GROW but won’t up the medicinal quality.  They will grow more in regularly watered soil too, but again, it won’t really up the total constituents.  They are fine if they dry out some but if they get too dry the plants will shut down and won’t regrow after harvesting.  

Tulsi plants are loaded with thousands of flowers.  Unlike it’s cousin, Basil, there is no problem with eating / harvesting Tulsi flowers.  The flowers are the medicine! 

For the home gardener Tulis leaves and flowers can be picked a few at a time, whenever, even when the plant is young.  Harvesting the growing tips will encourage bushier growth, which is fine.  Morning is best time of day to harvest. 

We take about 2/3rds of the plant each harvest.  Tulsi is the only annual plant we get three cuttings from. The first 60 days after planting (Late June) the second 35 days later (Mid-August) and a final harvest, if we are lucky and don’t have frost by October 1.

Drying Tulsi:

Tulsi takes 2 to 3 times as long and as much energy to dry as most any other mint family plant.  Honestly, I don’t know why but I do know that the capacity of our drying areas are set for Tulsi - everything else takes much less space and is much easier to dry.  The plants are very bushy and stemmy so a lot of plant turns into very little dry Tulsi leaf.  

The best way to dry Tulsi plants at home is to cut the plant low and hang the whole bunch in your house.  I have a friend who dries their Tulsi plants above their bed and actually leaves them there all winter - I think that's a beautiful way to use this plant!

Preparations with Tulsi and Dosage

Tulsi leaves can be used fresh or dried in various preparations. My favorite way to consume Tulsi is our Sacred Blossom Farm Tulsi Herbal Tea.  Brew a tablespoon (2 grams) of the dried Tulsi leaves in hot water for about 5-10 minutes.  I like the water to be just under boiling and to keep lidded while brewing.  The quality of our tea is such that you can be brewed twice. Tulsi can also be incorporated into herbal tinctures, capsules, or used topically in poultices or infused oils.

Safety and Precautions

While Tulsi is generally considered safe for most people, pregnant or nursing women should consult with a healthcare provider before use. As with any herb, it's important to start with small doses to see how your body reacts.

Conclusion

Tulsi, with its aromatic leaves and sacred status, is more than just a plant—it's a holistic remedy offering a blend of spiritual, medicinal, and culinary benefits. Whether grown in your garden for its beauty and aroma or used in your daily tea ritual, Tulsi invites a sense of calm and well-being into your life. By incorporating Tulsi into your natural wellness practices, you're embracing an ancient tradition of healing and spiritual connection.