Holy basil, the “queen of herbs” is the most sacred of all the herbs found in India. This sacred plant is found in almost every Indian household. Tulsi has been used in India for around 5000 years and is acclaimed for its healing properties of the mind, body and spirit . It is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen” to counter life’s stress.

It is considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines as well as in Hindu Homes.

Ursolic acid and Saponins are the active ingredient present in Tulsi Extract. Ursolic Acid is a weak aromatase inhibitor (IC50 = 32 μM). This is very beneficial for a man as it blocks the conversion of testosterone into estradiol (source).

Medicine is made from the leaves, stems and seeds. Tulsi contains hundreds of beneficial compounds and possesses strong antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, adaptogenic and immune enhancing properties.  Holy basil is used for the common cold, influenza ("the flu"),  H1N1 (swine), flu, diabetes, asthma,  bronchitis,  earache, headache, stomach upset, heart disease, fever, viral hepatitis, malaria, stress,  tuberculosis and also used for the treatment of ringworm.

Chemicals in holy basil are thought to decrease pain and swelling (inflammation). Other chemicals might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.