Spices · Classically cited
Holy basil (tulsi)
Surasa·सुरसा
Also called: tulsi, tulasi, holy basil, sacred basil
Pungent, light and warming — Surasa clears Kapha and the chest and kindles digestion.
How Holy basil (tulsi) affects your doshas
In Ayurveda a food's effect depends on your constitution. This is the lens the app uses to suggest what to favour and ease off.
| Dosha | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vata | Neutral | Broadly neutral for Vata. |
| Pitta | Use sparingly | Can raise Pitta — go easy when Pitta runs high. |
| Kapha | Balancing | Calms Kapha — favour it when Kapha runs high. |
When to go easy
Sharp and heating, so it aggravates Pitta.
Classically cited. Directly attested in the classical Ayurvedic corpus.