Tulsi Found to Cut Stress Hormone Levels by 36% in Just in just eight weeks, Study Shows
Tulsi Found to Cut Stress Hormone Levels by 36% in Just in just eight weeks, Study Shows
Holy basil, or Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), revered in Ayurveda as the “elixir of life,” has received modern scientific validation for its powerful stress-relieving properties. A recent study published in the National Library of Medicine shows that holy basil extract can lower cortisol—the body’s main stress hormone—by up to 36% in just eight weeks.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, involving 100 adults, tested a standardized holy basil extract at 125 mg twice daily. Results revealed not only significant cortisol reduction but also improvements in sleep quality, blood pressure, and emotional balance.
Researchers found that Tulsi’s active compounds—such as eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, carvacrol, and β-caryophyllene—help regulate the body’s stress-response system, known as the HPA axis, shifting it from a “fight-or-flight” state to one of calm and recovery.
Key benefits noted in the study:
- 36% reduction in hair cortisol levels, reflecting lower long-term stress
- Improved stress response, with reduced spikes in cortisol and blood pressure during stressful situations
- Better sleep, confirmed through both self-reported surveys and wearable sleep trackers
- Lower perceived stress scores, showing improved emotional resilience
- No major side effects, confirming its safety as a natural supplement
Experts say these findings align with centuries of Ayurvedic wisdom, where Tulsi has been used to restore balance, ease anxiety, and protect against illness. In today’s world of rising stress and burnout, holy basil is emerging as a scientifically backed, natural option to support both mind and body.
