Herbs & Spices

Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Health
ScoreA+

Holy basil, or tulsi, is a revered Ayurvedic adaptogen brewed as a daily tea, rich in eugenol and ursolic acid for stress and inflammation.

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Why Holy Basil (Tulsi) scores 94

Nutrient density31

Protein quality10

Fiber content10

Healthy fats4

Bioactive compounds14

Glycemic impact10

Top nutrients

% Daily Value per a pinch (2 g)

Vitamin K 25%Manganese 5.2%Iron 4.4%Calcium 2.8%Magnesium 1.7%

Nutrition

per_100g

280

Calories

14g

Protein

48g

Carbs

Fat

28g

Fiber

Health benefits

Helps the body adapt to stress

moderate evidence

Adaptogenic compounds including ocimumosides and eugenol modulate cortisol and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, moderating the stress response in clinical trials

Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress

moderate evidence

Eugenol and rosmarinic acid inhibit inflammatory signaling and scavenge free radicals

Supports healthy metabolic markers

limited evidence

Ursolic acid and tulsi extracts have shown favorable effects on blood glucose and lipids in human studies

Pairs well with

·Pair with ginger in a tea blend because its warmth complements tulsi's clove-pepper note and aids digestion
·Combine with green tea because the two contribute layered antioxidant polyphenols
·Use with honey and lemon because they round the herb's peppery edge in an infusion

Practical tips

·Best timing: morning
·Cover the cup while steeping for five to ten minutes to retain the eugenol-rich oils
·Take it as a consistent daily tea, since adaptogenic benefits build with regular use
·Store dried leaf airtight away from light to preserve the aromatic oils