Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, Lamiaceae, also known as Holy Basil) is one of the most revered medical and spiritual plants in India and is becoming increasingly popular in this country. The use of Tulsi as an essential oil is less known. However it is one of my favorite oils and it makes a valuable addition to any home pharmacy or healing practice.
Extraction:
Traditionally, much of the tulsi on the market has been grown in India. In recent years, more growers in the US are have joined in. It is not considered a difficult plant to cultivate. It is often grown in home gardens for use as a tea.
The leaves and flowering tops are used in a steam distillation with the oil yield about 1%.
Safety:
Due to the high phenol content, tulsi can easy irritate the skin and should be diluted down to less than 1%. It is not recommended for topical use on children under 5 yo. My primary use of tulsi is in a diffuser; this is considered very safe.
Chemistry:
High in phenols, up to 65% eugenol and methyl eugenol with additional carvacrol. Tulsi shares this eugenol content and its characteristic aroma with clove oil.
Phenols give us some of the strongest anti – bacterial, viral and fungal activities in the essential oil field. Along with this potent action comes a high level of dermo-caustic potential. While the whole herb is considered very safe to eat as a food or drink as a tea, the concentrated oil needs to be used carefully. I personally choose not to use it topically although it can be done with the proper dilution.
Energy:
Light, warming, stimulating, drying
Primary Uses:
Tulsi reveals it magic as an aroma and excels in promoting respiratory health. The traditional uses are for colds, flu, cough and excess mucous. It is very useful in a diffuser and can be mixed with Silver Fir (or other conifers) and eucalyptus.
On an energetic-spiritual level, Tulsi brings mental clarity and increases awareness and has long been used as an aid in meditation.
Tulsi often finds a place in a home or workplace diffuser during the winter. It is beneficial to the immune system, promotes mental health and possesses an aroma that most people find very pleasing. It is one of my most used oils.
(This information relates specifically to the essential oil of Tulsi. The herbal use, of the whole herb, is different.)