Tulsi AKA: Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Botany: Lamiaceae (Mint) family mostly annual

Found: India and tropical regions.

Active Compounds: Polysaccharides , phenols, flavonoids, neolignans, terpenoids, coumarins, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Specific compounds include oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, and β-caryophyllene.

Use: Cosmetic, culinary, aromatic, wellness.

Forms: Leaf, powder, capsule

Safety: Talk to doctor if pregnant, breastfeeding or on medications. There are no known adverse effects or herb-drug interactions associated with moderate use of this herb. However, high doses or long-term intake of ursolic acid, a major constituent of tulsi basil, may affect fertility or decrease serum glucose to dangerous levels. Use during pregnancy is not recommended due to lack of safety data.