Spring with Tulsi! – your SV Ayurveda Newsletter April 23, 2026, #15, Vol 16

Incomparable Tulsi 

for

Immunity

&

Shakti

Spring is in full swing! And springtime is kapha dosha season – heavy, cold, moist. We need something hot, dry, and mobile, to counter the Spring season properties, support digestion and boost immunity. Amongst the many herbs and remedies, one stands out, specially for this time of year,

 the incomparable Tulsi.

There are so very many divine plants with amazing therapeutic benefits, what makes Tulsi so special? Scroll down to read more. Or click the image below to listen to Vaidya Mishra’s podcast on Tulsi.

In this podcast episode, Vaidya Mishra expounds the total properties of the Tulsi plant, and narrates the beautiful stories that go along with its manifestation. This chapter is from his Dravyaguna Course. Stay tuned to find out more about the upcoming digital release of this course and how you can sign up.

The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word tulsi (pronounced tulasi) is “beyond compare.” More than any other plant in Vedic culture, the Tulsi plant is known for her divinity. Tulsi is also called “surasa” – liked by the gods, and “devadundubhi” – that which carries a divine vibration.

Tulsi (Ocimum santum), or Holy Basil, is a perennial, aromatic plant native to the Indian subcontinent that has been cultivated for thousands of years. Amongst the more than 2000 ayurvedic plant species, and the 700 plants that the Charak and Sushrut Samhita specifically mention, the Tulsi plants is in a rank of its own in Ayurvedic medicine, and is called “incomparable.”

Known as ‘Queen of Herbs,’ Tulsi is loaded with phytochemicals like eugenol, rosmarinic acid, apinegin, myretenal, and oleanolic acid, all of which are known to prevent many types of cancers and have impressive antiseptic and analgesic properties. Modern scientific studies now concur with the ancient Ayurvedic teachings –  Tulsi supports immunity through immuno-modulation; reduces stress through adaptogenic properties; supports the lungs and respiratory system; aids digestion and absorption; heals the skin topically. More specifically, it carries the following compounds: 

• Oleanolic acid: gives anti-tumor and antiviral properties
• Ursolic acid: helps reduce muscle atrophy and is cardio-protective 
• Rosmarinic acid: anti inflammatory and antioxidant
• Eugenol: anesthetic properties and also used for flavor and aroma  
• Carvacrol: antimicrobial properties and pungent smell
• Linalool: antimicrobial and antifungal properties
• Β-caryophyllene: anti-inflammatory, antidepressant.

Its incredible healing properties are limited not only to our health and wellness, but also extend to the environment. While most plants release carbon dioxide at night, Tulsi is a rare herb that releases oxygen 24-hours a day. It helps in the creation of nascent oxygen and improves the air quality by neutralizing harmful gases like sulphur dioxide from the environment. To top it off, the plant acts as a natural insect repellent, and the juice of its leaves has potent larvicidal properties. Besides, essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, Vitamin A, and K are also found in plenty in this herb, which makes it worthy of the importance and centrality it receives in Ayurveda and naturopathy.

Tulsi Is Good

For

the Heart AND the Mind

Did you know that Tulsi supports the emotional, physical and vibrational heart? Our connection to the “light of our soul” lies in our hearts. Tulsi is so connected to the universal soul, or God, that her presence in our homes, our lives, ushers in that divine universal vibration, which directly strengthens the emotional and physical heart. This is why Bhava Prakash gives tulsi the classification of “hridya” – that which gives a long, healthy life to the heart by delivering prana to the heart.

When the heart’s vibration is pranically elevated, the mind gets anchored and recharged, and it becomes easy for the mind to stay connected to the light of the soul. Because of this, the senses are not able to easily overtake the mind, since the mind becomes anchored in the pure field of Being vibrating in the heart. This is one of the reasons why tulsi is an important part of Vaidya Mishra’s Samadhi Set.

Using Vaidya Mishra’s Samadhi set and protocol before yoga, prayers, or meditation helps settle down the mind and open the heart by unclogging the vibrational and physical channels, supplying more prana, and the shakti of the divine healing herbs. The experience of meditation or yoga is not only deeper and more complete, but also accelerated. 

Tulsi opens the heart to the field of Being. The light of Being illuminates the mind and gives it strength. The strong, peaceful mind is able to fully enjoy its yogic state of sama-dhi, balanced intellect radiating bliss. The Tulsi plant carries powerful properties for the physical body and health, but is a sacred plant for the divine/spiritual body as well. 

“Shakti” – Spiritual Strength

The physical properties of any herb affect the physical elements of the body, while its subtle vibrational qualities work in the vibrational gaps of the physiology, where all transformations in the body take place. The gaps or sandhis carry burners or centers of transformative energy. These gaps is where the intelligence of the body is located. Whenever you ingest or transdermally absorb an herb that is rich in divine intelligence, like tulsi, you naturally activate the gaps (or burners) in the physiology. The vibration of the tulsi plant is purifying for these gaps and makes them more intelligent.

The word is Sanskrit for this property is dipani. Any herb that is dipani increases the flame in one or more of the gaps of the physiology. This can be done by cleaning the gap (removing blocks to the flow of prana in the gap), or by directly supplying more agni. Tulsi does both!

Tulsi has ushna virya (heating thermogenic property) which delivers agni-rich prana to the burners, especially the jataragni (burner of the stomach) to ignite the digestive flame. And tulsi also has a divine vibration which travels directly to all the gaps throughout the physiology.

This divine quality helps it to remove any hidden vibrational blocks and to clean the gaps in the physiology. This makes the agnis (flames) stronger throughout the body, including the agnis in the mind and the liver.

When the body’s subtle transformational powers are reset by tulsi, the body is able to receive and connect with universal energy optimally. Tulsi is thus an ideal herb for restoring and maintaining spiritual shakti in times of distress. It purifies and elevates us through its physical and vibrational cleansing properties. 

Bactericidal Effect of Tulsi

Bhava Prakash uses two words, “apetarakshasi” and “bhutaghni,” to give emphasis to the bactericidal property of tulsi.

The word, bhutaghni, in Sanskrit means “bactericidal.” Bhuta, in Ayurveda, denotes microscopic bacteria or living entities that are invisible to the naked eye, but the terms also refers to spirits – which can be a hidden nuisance as well! The word, “apetarakshasi,” also means “bactericidal.” Rakshasa is another name for disease spreading micro-organisms in Ayurveda.

The divine chemical make-up of the tulsi plant creates an unwelcome environment for such infectious organisms. The bitter taste (tikta rasa) of tulsi is also an important factor in killing bacteria (or at least making it very difficult for them to thrive). For this reason, tulsi has been used to boost the immune system and fight colds for centuries. The combination of being bactericidal, increasing agni (digestion) and connecting the mind to the light of the soul makes this an ideal herb for strengthening immunity. In terms of doshas, it pacifies high kapha and vata. It can be pitta aggravating, so it should be used with caution by high pitta individuals. 

Traditionally, Tulsi is used in dry or fresh form. Either as full leaves or powder. Given its heating and drying properties, and how they may impact pitta dosha, Vaidya Mishra introduced transdermal and transmucosal alternative delivery forms of Tulsi, so that you can get ALL the balancing and healing properties of this divine plant, without creating imbalance elsewhere…

9 uses of Tribindu

1) Use it to help support your sinus pathways and discourage potential bacterial growth in your oral cavity - apply on a scarf, wrap around your mouth and nose and gently inhale

2) Spray it in your room – on your couch, pillows, carpet, desk, or just in the air, to clean and refresh the air. You can also use an essential oil diffuser and squirt 2-3 times into the water and then plug it in for sustained delivery.

3) Apply a small amount on your feet and massage in: when you have fatigue, poor circulation, cold hands and feet, the Tribindu will warm you up right away, enhancing circulation and thermogenesis.

4) Apply on sore achy muscles before and also after exercise to mobilize and evacuate toxic build-up and ease the flow of toxins to support enhanced mobility

5) Support your overall circulation and thermo-genesis, specially in cold weather, when you have to go out – apply on hands and feet before putting on gloves and socks.

6) Use it to ease away tension and stress from your neck and shoulder areas – spray 2-3 times and massage in. You can also use it on your lower or upper back areas

7) Use it to ward off insect bites or to soothe itchiness from bites: spray on insect bites or mosquito bites and massage – do not spray on an open wound or bite.

8) Spray on joints – knees, elbows, wrists, ankles, finger joints, etc, morning and evening, to help maintain healthy joints free from toxic accumulation, and enhance mobility. Spray and gently massage.

9) You can also use the Tribindu to help ward off infections, for example, apply on your nails and fingers after clipping them.

Whichever way you use it, it is a great and safe household remedy to keep close by – rain or shine within or without!

There are many varieties of Tulsi. Three of them stand out and are used by Vaidya Mishra in his nectar drops:  1. Rama Tulsi (Green Tulsi): Sweet, light fragrance; known for being cooler; boosts immunity, helps relieve cough & cold.  2. Krishna Tulsi (Shyama Tulsi): has dark purple leaves and a strong aroma, heat-generating. Very effective in treating throat infections, skin issues, and inflammation. 3. Vana Tulsi (Forest Tulsi): a wild variety found in the Himalayan region, rich in antioxidants, used in Ayurvedic tonics for energy and vitality.

CAUTION

According to BhavaPrakash, tulsi is ushna (heating), 

katuka (pungent) and dipani (flame enhancing). For anyone who has a high pitta constitution this can cause burning or other pitta related problems, so use in moderation. In fact, Bhava Prakash warns that tulsi is dahapittakrit – increasing pitta and aggravates burning in the body.

Tulsi should be used in moderation, according to the specific state of balance of the person in order to avoid this problem.

Also, because it is bitter, tulsi should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause miscarriage, unless it is used under the doctor’s supervision. Bitter herbs stimulate the liver to detoxify itself and can transfer too much amavisha (reactive toxins) into the blood, causing a miscarriage.

Take Vaidya Mishra “With You” – Everywhere You Go!

if you ever had the opportunity to meet Vaidya Mishra in person, or have encountered him via his many youtube videos or online courses, then you know what we mean! We all want to have him travel with us in this earthly journey, to help us in our decisions along the way, through the timeless wisdom and knowledge of SV Ayurved. And now we can! If you have not discovered our podcast channel yet, we invite you to look it up and explore the timeless teachings of SVAyurveda, as well as fabulous talks by other SVAyurveda doctors and educators.

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