Tulsi / Holy Basil: Stress, Mood, Sleep Evidence & Safety

Tulsi, also called holy basil, has a long history of traditional use. Modern human research exists, but it is still a much smaller evidence base than the marketing often suggests.

What the evidence says

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in adults experiencing stress found greater improvement in perceived stress and insomnia-scale scores with a standardized Ocimum tenuiflorum extract over eight weeks. Earlier trials also reported improvements in stress-related symptoms.

Evidence strength

Norene’s Farmacy rating: EARLY HUMAN EVIDENCE FOR STRESS-RELATED OUTCOMES; LIMITED EVIDENCE FOR SLEEP.

What we do not claim

We do not claim tulsi treats an anxiety disorder, depression, or chronic insomnia.

Sources: Randomized placebo-controlled tulsi stress trial, PubMed PMID 36185698; systematic review of tulsi human studies, PubMed PMID 28400848.

Dr. Village Reports is educational information and product guidance, not medical advice.