Holy Basil / Tulsi Tea
Tulsi (holy basil) tea: what a small randomized trial of a leaf extract found, what we could not find for the tea itself, and where proper evidence was not found.
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Evidence note: proper evidence for tulsi tea was not found. The only human trial we found tested a capsule extract. We include it, clearly labeled, and say what is missing.
Overview and identity
Tulsi, also called holy basil, is Ocimum sanctum Linn. (also written Ocimum tenuiflorum). It is considered a sacred herb, and traditionally it is believed that consuming tulsi leaf on an empty stomach increases immunity. [1] Other uses and the plant itself will be covered in Herbs & Botanicals and Adaptogens; this page is about the tea.What the research shows
A double-blind randomized cross-over trial gave 300 mg capsules of an ethanolic (alcohol) extract of tulsi leaves, or placebo, to 24 healthy volunteers (22 analyzed) on an empty stomach. After 4 weeks, levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 and percentages of T-helper cells and NK cells were significantly higher with tulsi than with placebo, and the authors concluded the extract has immunomodulatory effects in healthy volunteers. [1] Limitations: 22 healthy people, a capsule extract, and immune lab measures rather than illness outcomes. This cannot be applied to tulsi tea, and it does not show that tulsi prevents infections.What we could not find
Proper evidence not found for: tulsi tea trials, amounts of tea, safety in pregnancy or with medicines, or effects on stress or blood sugar. We make no claims for those.Safety
We have no sourced safety information for the tea, so ask a pharmacist, especially if you take medicines or are pregnant.Frequently asked questions
Does tulsi tea boost immunity?
One small trial of a capsule extract in healthy volunteers found changes in immune lab measures; it did not test tea or illness. [1]
References
- Mondal S, et al. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;136(3):452-456. PubMed 21619917. 24 healthy volunteers.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.