Adaptogen
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Also known as: Tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum sanctum, Holy Basil
Ayurvedic herb specifically effective for cortisol reduction and stress adaptation.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Holy Basil (Tulsi) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutricost Holy Basil Capsules | 87 A | $0.12 |
| 2 | Transparent Labs Multivitamin | 86 A- | $1.33 |
| 3 | BulkSupplements Holy Basil Powder | 86 A- | $0.03 |
| 4 | MegaFood Thyroid Strength | 85 A- | $1.00 |
| 5 | Herb Pharm Holy Basil | 80 A- | $0.35 |
| 6 | Terra Origin Healthy Stress Relief | 78 B+ | $0.67 |
| 7 | Vital Nutrients Blood Sugar Support | 77 B+ | $1.13 |
| 8 | Integrative Therapeutics HPA Adapt | 76 B+ | $1.32 |
| 9 | Bluebonnet Nutrition STRESS RELIEF | 74 B+ | $0.80 |
| 10 | Vital Nutrients Energy Plus | 74 B+ | $0.73 |
| 11 | NOW Foods Adrenal Stress Support | 73 B+ | $0.22 |
| 12 | MegaFood Adrenal Strength | 73 B+ | $1.33 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Holy Basil (Tulsi) should I take?
The typical range is 300-600mg extract or 2-3 cups tea. Safe long-term
When should I take Holy Basil (Tulsi)?
Morning or divided. Either.
Which form of Holy Basil (Tulsi) is best?
Capsule — Extract. Other forms in the catalog: Tea, Leaf extract, Capsules.
Is Holy Basil (Tulsi) safe?
Commonly reported: Generally well tolerated. Serious warnings: May lower blood sugar. No concerns
Which Holy Basil (Tulsi) supplement scores highest?
Nutricost Holy Basil Capsules, at 87/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Stress adaptation
- Cortisol balance
- Blood sugar
- Respiratory
- Cortisol reduction
- Cortisol modulation
- Adrenal support
How it works
- Modulates cortisol response
- Antioxidant effects
- Adaptogenic via HPA axis
Dosage
- Typical range
- 300-600mg extract or 2-3 cups tea
- Timing
- Morning or divided
- With food
- Either
- Duration
- Safe long-term
- Special populations
- Daily stress
Forms
- Capsule
- Tea
- Leaf extract
- Capsules
Safety
Common side effects
- Generally well tolerated
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (may be abortifacient)
Products containing Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Holy Basil (Tulsi) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Good evidence for stress and blood sugar
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Holy Basil (Tulsi) compared head-to-head
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.