Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
圣罗勒 / 神罗勒 / 印度圣草 / 圣罗勒草 — Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (syn. Ocimum sanctum)
Pinyin: Shèngluólè / Shénluólè · Malay: Tulsi / Tulasi / Ruku-ruku / Selasih Hitam · Family: Lamiaceae (唇形科)
Energetics
Warm (温 / 辛温)
Flavor
Pungent, slightly bitter, intensely clove-peppery aromatic with holy resinous warmth (辛、微苦、大香、丁香辛香)
Meridians
Lung (肺), Heart (心), Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Liver (肝)
Traditional Edict
Holy Basil (Tulsi / Ruku-ruku / Queen of Herbs). Purple-hued hairy stems and clove-peppery scent. Supreme Rasayana Adaptogen: blunts emotional and physical stress, normalizes salivary cortisol, diffuses Lung to calm asthma, boosts immunity, clears viral fevers.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Do not boil leaves >15 min (preserves volatile eugenol). High safety profile as daily adaptogen tea. Mild anti-spermatogenic properties in massive doses (caution in males actively trying to conceive). Caution in pregnancy.
Clinical Applications
- Chronic stress and adrenal burnout (HPA-axis cortisol blunting), generalized anxiety and brain fog, bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, and viral influenza fevers.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid suppress CRH and ACTH hypersecretion, downregulating adrenal cortisol output. 2. Mast cell stabilization and 5-LOX inhibition for asthma. 3. Upregulates SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.
Preparation & Dosage
THE SOVEREIGN TULSI SACRED ADAPTOGEN TISANE (Teh Tulsi Diraja / 圣罗勒长生茶): 5 to 10 g dried Tulsi leaves steeped in 300 mL boiling water for 10 min covered; taken warm twice daily for stress, fatigue, and immunity. Leaf juice with honey for cough: 10 mL.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. The Sovereign Adaptogenic Brain-Nourishing Synergy with Centella asiatica (Pegaga) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). 2. Lung-Diffusing Asthma Tisane with Zingiber officinale (Halia Bara).
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only