Satyori — Tulsi (Tulasi) Herb Quick Card
Herb Quick Card
Tulsi
Tulasi · Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. Ocimum sanctum)
Traditional Uses
The Charaka Samhita classifies tulsi among herbs that alleviate hikka (hiccups), shwasa (asthma/dyspnea), kasa (cough), and vishamajvara (intermittent/malarial fever). Charaka describes it as a potent krimighna (anti-parasitic) and recommends the fresh juice (swarasa) mixed with honey and ginger for Kapha-type respiratory conditions. Tulsi appears in Charaka's formulations for kushta (skin diseases) and krimi (intestinal parasites), and its seed (tukmaria/sabja) is recommended for mutrakrichra (difficult urination) and as a cooling, mucilaginous remedy when soaked in water.
Preparations
Tulsi Swarasa (fresh juice): 10-20 ml of fresh leaf juice with honey and ginger. Tulsi Kadha (decoction/tea): fresh or dried leaves steeped in hot water, often with ginger, pepper, and honey. Tulsi Churna (dry leaf powder): 1-3 grams with honey or warm water.
Dosage
Fresh leaves: 5-10 leaves chewed daily, or as tea. Fresh juice: 10-20 ml mixed with honey, one to two times daily.
Dosha Guidance
For Kapha types, tulsi is one of the most valuable daily herbs. Its heating, penetrating, and Kapha-liquefying properties directly address congestion, mucus accumulation, sluggish digestion, and respiratory heaviness. Kapha individuals can drink tulsi tea freely throughout the day, especially in the morning and during Kapha-aggravating seasons.
Synergistic Combinations
Combined with Shunthi (ginger) and Maricha (black pepper) in the classic cold-and-flu kadha. Paired with Ashwagandha for comprehensive adaptogenic and stress-management support.
Contraindications
Tulsi may have mild blood-thinning properties and should be used cautiously by individuals on anticoagulant medications (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel). Should be discontinued 2 weeks before scheduled surgery. Research has shown anti-fertility effects in animal studies -- couples actively trying to conceive may wish to limit consumption.
Tissues & Channels
Dhatus: Rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), Majja (nerve/marrow), Shukra (reproductive)
Srotas: Pranavaha (respiratory), Rasavaha (lymphatic/plasma), Annavaha (digestive), Manovaha (mind/nervous system)
Where to Buy
Fresh tulsi from a home-grown plant is the gold standard -- the plant is easy to grow in pots on a windowsill or garden and provides a continuous supply of the freshest possible medicine. For dried leaf products, look for vibrant green color (not brown or faded) and a strong, characteristic aroma.
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Herbal Profile
Tulsi is one of 50 herbs — but which ones are right for your body? Your Herbal Profile reveals your top 10 herbs, herbs to avoid, best preparations, seasonal calendar, and a daily protocol matched to your dosha.