All Hail, The Queen of Herbs: Holy Basil (Tulsi)
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Time to read 5 min
Holy Basil , also known as Tulsi , isn’t just revered in Indian culture—it’s a potent natural remedy with incredible health benefits. From skincare to stress relief, this sacred plant has earned its place in modern wellness routines.
If you’ve shopped with us before (and certainly if you’re a firm part of the Dr Tanya Skincare family), you’ll know that many of our products are infused with this sacred herb. Dr Tanya herself swears by Holy Basil for skincare, especially when combined with active ingredients to supercharge our serums, moisturisers, and haircare range.
But what is Holy Basil, and why is it so beneficial for our skin and overall wellness?
Let’s investigate why this ancient herb, often dubbed ‘The Incomparable One,’ should be a staple in your daily life.
The quick guide
Why is Holy Basil Sacred in Indian Culture? The Power-Packed Nutrients in Holy Basil The Science-Backed Health Benefits of Holy Basil 1. Provides Stress Relief and Mental Clarity 2. Detoxifies the Body 3. Heals Wounds and Skin Irritations 4. Fights Premature Ageing Holy Basil in Dr Tanya’s Products Holy Basil in Skincare: The Dr Tanya Difference How to Incorporate Holy Basil into Your Wellness Routine Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Ayurvedic Herb
Why is Holy Basil Sacred in Indian Culture?
In India, Holy Basil is more than just a plant—it's a symbol of spiritual reverence . Tulsi is viewed as a goddess born of Lakshmi (the goddess of fortune and prosperity), and is believed to hold immense powers and benefits.
As the ancient story goes, Krishna's immense power couldn't be outweighed by any amount of gold; however, a single Tulsi leaf offered with pure devotion tipped the scale in his favour.
Families have passed down traditions of planting Tulsi in their homes for over 5,000 years, and the plant is still held in the highest esteem. But beyond its spiritual significance, Holy Basil has a profound therapeutic effect on the body and mind.
The Power-Packed Nutrients in Holy Basil
Holy Basil is loaded with nutrients like Vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc, and iron. It also contains potent compounds like eugenol, camphor, and terpenes. This unique combination gives it a host of benefits, from boosting immunity to improving skin health:
Vitamins A & C: Essential for skin regeneration and immune function.
Calcium & Zinc: Strengthen skin and hair from within.
Iron: Supports blood circulation and oxygenates the skin.
While the herb which isn’t commonplace in Western medicine, it’s quickly rising in popularity in Eastern medicine and health and wellness spaces—and for good reason.
The Science-Backed Health Benefits of Holy Basil
Holy Basil isn’t only about tradition, though that is of course a huge part of its acclaim— the benefits of Tulsi are also backed by medical science.
According to an article by the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, hundreds of studies have been conducted that investigate and prove the medicinal properties of Tulsi.
These studies (a mixture of human, animal, and in vitro experiments) have found unique and powerful action combinations within Holy Basil. These activities include (but are absolutely not limited to):
Antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral
Anti-oxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Neuro-protective
Cardio-protective
Anti-diabetic
Anti-asthmatic
Anti-stress
Anti-coagulant
…and so many more!
As well as these, a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that Tulsi is “one of the most power herbs as it is used for treating…a variety of skin disorders” and that “Bathing in Tulsi infused water has been recommended for topical skin conditions such as eczema” (Bhamra et al, 2022).
Some of the other remarkable ways this herb supports overall health include:
1. Provides Stress Relief and Mental Clarity
Holy Basil is a powerful adaptogen , helping the body manage stress and promoting mental balance. Regular consumption or topical use can significantly reduce anxiety , allowing you to maintain focus and calm.
2. Detoxifies the Body
By eliminating toxins from the body, Holy Basil purifies the bloodstream and enhances organ function. This detoxifying ability is essential for skin clarity and overall health.
3. Heals Wounds and Skin Irritations
Holy Basil’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it ideal for treating skin wounds, irritations, and acne. It speeds up healing while protecting the skin from further damage.
4. Fights Premature Ageing
One of the lesser-known benefits of Holy Basil is its ability to fight free radicals . It’s rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative stress, a leading cause of premature ageing.
[Read Full Article: Dr Tanya’s Go-To Anti-Ageing Skincare Ingredients]
Holy Basil in Dr Tanya’s Products
At Dr Tanya Skincare, we’ve harnessed the healing power of Holy Basil in our range of products. From calming inflammation to promoting radiant, youthful skin and shining hair, Holy Basil plays a key role in our formulations.
Holy Basil in Skincare: The Dr Tanya Difference
When combined with other active ingredients, Holy Basil provides a holistic approach to skin health . Our products not only soothe but also protect your skin from daily environmental stressors.
Some of our bestselling Holy Basil-infused products include:
Holy Basil Face Serum: Tulsi is combined with cacay oil and jojoba oil to help treat acne and pigmentation, boost and seal in skin hydration, enhance skin firmness, and balance natural oil production.
Holy Basil Day & Night Cream: Here, we combine Holy Basil with squalane and jojoba oil to calm easily irritated skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and hydrate and repair your skin for a brighter, even, and more radiant complexion.
Holy Basil Shampoo & Conditioner: This ultimate hair care duo blends Holy Basil with Hydrolysed Silk Protein and green tea extract (Shampoo) and Pro Vitamin B and licorice root (Conditioner). These formulations strengthen hair follicles, stimulate the scalp, and moisturise and reduce dryness, all of which helps to treat dandruff and hair loss.
- Holy Basil Hair Serum: The final piece in your Tulsi wellness routine is this liquid gold hair serum, which infuses tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) with Holy Basil to enhance scalp health and balance oil production. These aid in stimulating hair growth, increasing shine, and strengthening weak or damaged hair.
How to Incorporate Holy Basil into Your Wellness Routine
Holy Basil is incredibly versatile. Aside from using it in your everyday skincare routine, you can brew it as tea, apply it as a paste, or use it topically in skincare products.
In summer, try drinking it cold to refresh and detoxify your body.
In winter, opt for warm tea to boost immunity and soothe the skin.
DIY Tip: For glowing skin, mix Holy Basil powder with milk and apply it as a face mask. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off for instantly refreshed, firmer skin.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Ayurvedic Herb
Holy Basil is more than just a traditional remedy—it’s a scientifically backed powerhouse that benefits your skin, body, and overall well-being.
Whether you’re looking to detoxify, manage stress, or improve your skin health, Holy Basil is a must-have in your daily routine. Luckily, it’s built right into our skin and hair products, so take your pick—and enjoy your new sacred Indian-inspired wellness ritual!
