Tulsi Benefits & Nutrition
Tulsi benefits: nutrition per 100 g (23 kcal, 1.6 g fibre), how much to eat a day, who should be careful and its season in India. Also called Holy basil.
Written by HealthSensibly Editorial TeamReviewed by the HealthSensibly editorial teamUpdated
Holy basil · Spices & herbs
- 23 kcalenergy
- 3.2 gprotein
- 1.6 gfibre
- Year-roundbest season in India
Per 100 g (fresh leaves) 🟢 In season now
Health benefits of tulsi
- A traditional herb for coughs and colds in Indian homes.
- Contains eugenol and other compounds with antioxidant activity.
- Small studies suggest tulsi may help with stress, but evidence is limited.
How to eat it
Steep 5–8 fresh leaves in hot water or add to ginger tea and kadha.
How much a day: A few leaves a day in tea.
Who should be careful
- Pregnant or trying to conceive: stick to small culinary amounts and avoid supplements.
- If you take blood thinners or diabetes medicine, ask your doctor before tulsi supplements.
Best season in India
Year-round. See the month-by-month seasonal chart →
Frequently asked questions
What are the health benefits of tulsi?
A traditional herb for coughs and colds in Indian homes. Contains eugenol and other compounds with antioxidant activity. Small studies suggest tulsi may help with stress, but evidence is limited.
How much tulsi can I have a day?
A few leaves a day in tea. Steep 5–8 fresh leaves in hot water or add to ginger tea and kadha.
Who should be careful with tulsi?
Pregnant or trying to conceive: stick to small culinary amounts and avoid supplements. If you take blood thinners or diabetes medicine, ask your doctor before tulsi supplements.
When is tulsi in season in India?
Year-round.
More spices & herbs
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