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.
Traditionally balanced with
Classical pairings that make Holy basil (tulsi) easier to digest or more balancing for the doshas.
In the classical texts
Holy basil (tulsi) is attested in the Charaka Saṃhitā (Sutrasthana 27) — Culinary leaves or tea, not concentrated extract/oil..
Classically cited. Directly attested in the classical Ayurvedic corpus.