# Holy Basil

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/holy-basil/

> Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a plant drug, from the Lamiaceae family. Eugenol is rapidly absorbed (Tmax ~1 hour) with moderate bioavailability. Rosmarinic acid shows ~1-2% bioavailability but significant first-pass metabolism.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Ocimum tenuiflorum
- **Family:** Lamiaceae

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Holy Basil |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Swarasa (fresh juice), Arka (distillate), Essential oil, Tea/infusion, Tincture, Soft gel

**Standard Dosage:** 300-600mg standardized extract twice daily; 3-5g dried leaf powder daily; 5-10ml fresh juice; 2-3 cups tea infusion daily

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) effect; with meals for digestive support; as tea throughout the day

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light. Essential oil in amber glass, sealed tightly. Dried herb in airtight containers to preserve volatile content.

**Marker Compounds:** Eugenol, Rosmarinic acid, Ursolic acid, Oleanolic acid, Ocimumosides A and B, [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin), Beta-caryophyllene

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for adaptogenic and anti-stress synergy
- With [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) for cognitive enhancement
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immune modulation
- With Honey as traditional Anupana
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for respiratory support

## Reference lists that include it

[Oleanolic acid](https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/reference/oleanolic-acid/), [Ursolic acid](https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/reference/ursolic-acid/)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/holy-basil/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.