Tulsi Essential Oil: Nature’s Balancer

Welcome back to Harvesters’ Corner! We are going to take a look at special herb today, one with unique properties that can really help improve one’s health once you understand what helps to make it special. This is Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum, alt Ocimum tenuifolium), also known as Holy Basil. In our last post we looked at Tulsi’s close cousin, Basil (Ocimum basilicum). My original plan was to look at the two plants in the same article, but the wealth of information I came across in my research soon precluded that presentation. Both Tulsi and Basil are members of the Lamiaceae (mint) family, and as can be seen by their Latin names, are in the same genus (Ocimum), but that is where the similarities end.

Tulsi produces stems with oval shaped leaves which have serrated edges and are fragrant when crushed. The leaves of Basil are also oval, but with smooth edges. Basil’s leaves also tend to be a brighter green when compared to Tulsi. While there are several varieties of Basil, there are only two types of Tulsi, the Krishna Tulsi with its darker leaves, and Sri Tulsi (also called Dhawali) with its lighter green leaves. (1)  Tulsi is associated with India, where the plant itself has a deep religious meaning, while Basil is associated with Italy and other Mediterranean countries because of their cuisine. Tulsi has a stronger aroma and possess a minty flavor with hints of clove and lemon, while Basil’s aroma is more mild and its flavor is a combination of sweet and spicy with a minty or peppery overtone which makes itself home in Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, and Cambodian cuisine. (2) While there are similarities between these cousins, keep in mind that they are not interchangeable in culinary uses.

The Sacred Story and Science Behind Holy Basil (Tulsi)

There are times during my research that I come across plants with a deep cultural meaning which resonates across the centuries where a country is concerned. Tusli is one of these. The Hindu religion is strong in India and holds the triumvirate of Bramha (the Creator), Vishnu (the Protector), and Shiva (the Destroyer) at the head of the religion. According to tradition Tulsi, better known as Vrinda, was married to Jaladhar. Her husband received a promise from Bramha that Jaladhar would not die so long as his wife remained virtuous. Vrinda was well known for her faithfulness and chasteness where Jaladhar was concerned. But then Jaladhar declares war against the other gods, who rush to Vishnu for assistance. Through deception, Vishnu masquerades as Jaladhar and takes advantage of Vrinda’s love and thus results in Jaladhar being killed. Once she learns of the deceit of Vishnu, Vrinda builds a funeral pyre and immolates herself. When he sees the pain and despair his deceit caused the virtuous maiden, Vishnu became inconsolable. To appease the remorse of the Protector, the gods created a small shrub which was called Tulsi and called Vrinda’s sprit to inhabit the plant. The belief is that Vrinda’s spirit enters the plant in the evening and departs in the morning, and that is why no leaves are harvested after sunset. (3)

Because of the beliefs associated with this plant people will keep a Tulsi plant in their homes for prosperity, peace, and good luck, and it is often associated with fidelity. (4) It is also used in ceremonial processions throughout the year, specifically the Pandharpur yatra and the Satyanarayan Pooja. (5) Not surprisingly, considering the prominence in the Indian culture, Tulsi is found being used in a broad multitude of ways in the traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which originated roughly five thousand years ago. (6) The term “Ayurveda” translates to “the science of life,” and the system which bears the term focuses on a belief of health and wellness found by achieving a balance between body, mind, and spirit. (7)

 A Closer Look at the Chemistry

It is appropriate that we have an essential oil for Tulsi. To better understand how it can help us, let’s take a look at the components of the oil. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) reveals over sixty unique components in Tulsi including some referred to in other articles we’ve done. These include camphor (Rosemary, Coriander), eucalyptol (Eucalyptus), alpha-bisabolene (Lemon, Oregano), eugenol (Basil, Cinnamon, and Clove), and linalool (Basil, Lavender, and Bergamot).

So what do all of these big scientific terms mean for us, on an everyday level, and how can that knowledge help us better use Tulsi? Camphor can help ease achy muscles, while eugenol helps promote a healthy immune system and promotes good oral health. Linalool promotes sensations of calmness and relaxation, as well as help to stimulate the immune system, while the alpha-bisabolene can help promote a healthy digestive system. (8).

The take-away from the above corresponds very close with traditional uses for Tulsi, the primary being an adjunct in helping the mind and body relax in intense situations. Tulsi has also been used in oral hygiene historically. There is quite a bit of ongoing research into historic uses of Tulsi to better understand how it affects the body’s systems. Tulsi tends to fit rather nicely in between Basil and Clove and can help enhance either oil. It is also beneficial in helping promote healthy skin and can also help one relax after a trying day and promote a restful environment for sleeping.  

DoTERRA’s Tulsi is harvested in India, and the gathered leaves and flowers undergo a steam-distillation process to capture the plant’s essence. Tulsi translates from Sanskrit as “the incomparable one,” and this remarkable oil lives up to its name. While it is Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS), and can be used in culinary applications, its cousin Basil has more to offer. But when used as an adjunct with Bergamot, Neroli, Lemon, or Clove, Tulsi is truly incomparable.

As I have looked back over this article, I have noticed several places where I am interested in incorporating Tulsi into oil blends I am already using at home. I hope that you, too, are able to identify ways in which you can use this incomparable oil to better your health and lifestyle. Join us nest time, here at Harvesters’ Corner, when we will take a look at a plant that provides us with the two very different oils of Coriander and Cilantro. Until them stay safe and keep enjoying these wonderful gifts of the Earth!

Sources

1.       Curry Cravings Kitchen. “Tulsi/Holy Basil: Lore & Lure of a Sacred Plant.” Online. <https://www.currycravingskitchen.com/single-post/2015/05/22/tulsi-holy-basil-lore-lure-of-a-sacred-plant>  Accessed 14 April 2025.

2.       Tant, Kate. “Tulsi vs Basil: What’s the Difference?” 25 March 2024. Organic India, Online. <https://www.organicindiausa.com/blog/tulsi-vs-basil/>  Accessed 11 April 2025.

3.       Rao, N. Meera Raghavendra. “The Legend of The Holy Basil or Tulsi.” 17 March 2022.  Online. <https://www.wisdomlib.org/history/compilation/triveni-journal/d/doc73238.html>  Accessed  11 April 2025.

4.       Gaia Herbs. “An Essential Guide to Holy Basil.” 20 May 2022. Online.< https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/seeds-of-knowledge/an-essential-guide-to-holy-basil?srsltid=AfmBOor592T-DZEOolF4iPviAFrnCPXHnUycwr 82pRFPRP05NYZiBNoS>  Accessed 11 April 2025.

5.       Curry Cravings Kitchen. “Tulsi/Holy Basil: Lore & Lure of a Sacred Plant.”

6.       Gaia Herbs. “An Essential Guide to Holy Basil.”

7.       Ibid.

8.       While alpha-Bisabolol and alpha-Bisabolene share a close relation chemically (they are both sesquiterpenes with 15 carbon atoms), they are different compounds and possess different properties. Alpha-Bisabolol has an alcohol functional group (-OH) in its composition and is found in Naio wood and Black Pepper. Alpha-Bisabolene lacks that functional component and is a hydrocarbon. Alpha-Bisabolene is frequently used in fragrances and is found in Tulsi.