Best Holy Basil (Tulsi) Supplements (2026)

Holy basil, known as tulsi in Ayurvedic tradition, is one of the most revered adaptogenic herbs in the world. Often called the “Queen of Herbs,” tulsi has been used for over 5,000 years to support healthy stress response, immune function, and mental clarity. Modern research confirms its adaptogenic properties, with key compounds like ursolic acid and eugenol driving its therapeutic effects.

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Feature	Form	Best For	Rating
Zazzee Organic Holy Basil 10:1 Extract	6,000 mg strength, 10:1 extract	Capsules	Best Overall	9.5/10
Organic India Tulsi Holy Basil	Three tulsi varieties blend	Capsules	Best Organic	9.4/10
Himalaya Holy Basil	720 mg triple extract formula	Capsules	Best for Relaxation	9.3/10
Gaia Herbs Holy Basil Leaf	Liquid phyto-caps, supercritical CO2	Liquid Capsules	Best Premium	9.2/10
NOW Foods Holy Basil Extract	500 mg standardized extract	Capsules	Best Value	9.1/10
Nature’s Way Holy Basil	2.5% ursolic acid standardized	Capsules	Best Standardized	9.0/10
Nutricost Holy Basil	500 mg, 120 capsules	Capsules	Best Budget Pick	8.9/10

1. Zazzee Organic Holy Basil 10:1 Extract – Best Overall

Zazzee delivers the most potent holy basil extract on the market with a concentrated 10:1 ratio that packs 6,000 mg of strength into a single capsule.

This USDA Certified Organic formula contains naturally occurring ursolic acid, the primary bioactive compound responsible for tulsi’s adaptogenic benefits. Each bottle provides 120 vegan capsules for a four-month supply. The 10:1 extraction process concentrates the plant’s beneficial compounds far beyond what raw powder products deliver, and the organic certification ensures no chemical contamination from pesticides or herbicides.

• Pros:
• USDA Certified Organic with 10:1 concentrated extract
• 6,000 mg strength per capsule — one of the strongest available
• 120 capsules per bottle provides exceptional 4-month value

• Cons:
• Single tulsi variety rather than a multi-variety blend
• High potency may be too strong for first-time users

Best for: Anyone seeking a high-potency, certified organic holy basil extract with outstanding long-term value

2. Organic India Tulsi Holy Basil – Best Organic

Organic India’s flagship tulsi supplement blends three distinct holy basil varieties — Krishna, Rama, and Vana — for a comprehensive adaptogenic profile that single-variety products can’t match.

Each capsule contains whole herb holy basil leaf in organic vegetable pullulan capsules with zero fillers or binders. The 180-capsule bottle provides a generous supply, and the formula is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Verified, kosher, and halal certified. Organic India is also Fairtrade Certified, directly benefiting small family farms in India through premium pricing. The company’s LEED Platinum certified production facility sets an industry benchmark for sustainable manufacturing.

• Pros:
• Three tulsi varieties (Krishna, Rama, Vana) for full-spectrum benefits
• Fairtrade Certified with sustainable regenerative agriculture sourcing
• 180 capsules per bottle for extended use

• Cons:
• Uses whole herb powder rather than concentrated extract
• Requires 2 capsules twice daily for full serving

Best for: Those who prefer a traditional, multi-variety tulsi formula from an ethically sourced brand

3. Himalaya Holy Basil – Best for Relaxation

Himalaya’s triple-action formula combines holy basil powder, leaf extract, and supercritical CO2 extract in a single 720 mg capsule for enhanced relaxation and stress relief.

This formulation uses three forms of holy basil — 500 mg of powder, 160 mg of leaf extract, and 60 mg of supercritical leaf extract — to deliver a broader range of bioactive compounds than single-form competitors. Backed by over 90 years of Ayurvedic expertise, Himalaya produces this supplement in a cGMP certified facility with rigorous testing for identity, strength, and safety. The formula is vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, and free from gluten, soy, dairy, corn, and artificial fillers. If you’re also looking for ways to manage anxiety naturally, holy basil pairs well with other calming herbs.

• Pros:
• Triple extraction method captures the widest range of active compounds
• 90+ years of Ayurvedic formulation expertise
• Clean formula with no fillers, binders, or excipients

• Cons:
• Only 60 capsules per bottle (30-day supply)
• Higher per-serving cost compared to some competitors

Best for: Those seeking targeted relaxation and stress relief from a clinically formulated holy basil supplement

4. Gaia Herbs Holy Basil Leaf – Best Premium

Gaia Herbs uses a proprietary liquid phyto-cap delivery system with supercritical CO2 extraction to maximize bioavailability and absorption of holy basil’s active compounds.

Each capsule contains organic holy basil leaf and supercritical CO2 holy basil leaf extract with naturally occurring eugenols. The liquid-filled capsule format allows for faster absorption compared to standard dry powder capsules. Gaia Herbs is known for their transparency, with every product meeting their Meet Your Herbs traceability program. The company tests all products for heavy metals and purity, making this a top choice for quality-conscious consumers. Each bottle contains 60 vegan liquid phyto-caps for a 30-day supply.

• Pros:
• Liquid phyto-cap technology for superior absorption
• Supercritical CO2 extraction preserves delicate compounds
• Full traceability through Gaia’s Meet Your Herbs program

• Cons:
• Premium price point compared to standard capsule products
• Only 30-day supply per bottle

Best for: Quality-focused consumers who want the highest absorption and full product traceability

5. NOW Foods Holy Basil Extract – Best Value

NOW Foods delivers a reliable 500 mg standardized holy basil extract at an unbeatable price point, backed by NPA A-rated GMP certification.

This formula provides 500 mg of holy basil extract per capsule with adaptogenic properties to support healthy stress response and normal carbohydrate metabolism. NOW Foods’ NPA A-rated GMP certification means every aspect of their manufacturing process has been examined, from laboratory testing methods to product formulation. Each bottle contains 90 veg capsules. The extract supports both stress management and healthy blood sugar metabolism, making it a versatile daily supplement. For those also interested in cognitive support, holy basil pairs well with ginkgo biloba.

• Pros:
• Excellent price-to-quality ratio from a trusted brand
• NPA A-rated GMP certified manufacturing
• Supports both stress response and carbohydrate metabolism

• Cons:
• Not organic certified
• Does not specify ursolic acid content

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, well-tested holy basil extract from a trusted manufacturer

6. Nature’s Way Holy Basil Premium Extract – Best Standardized

Nature’s Way standardizes their holy basil extract to 2.5% ursolic acid (11.25 mg per capsule), ensuring consistent potency in every dose.

Each capsule delivers 450 mg of holy basil leaf extract sourced directly from India, where the herb grows best. The standardization to ursolic acid content sets this apart from competitors that don’t guarantee specific levels of active compounds. Nature’s Way has over 50 years of experience in the supplement industry, and this formula is vegan, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified. The product contains no wheat, soy, corn, dairy, gelatin, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

• Pros:
• Standardized to 2.5% ursolic acid for guaranteed potency
• Sourced from India where holy basil grows in optimal conditions
• Over 50 years of brand heritage and quality commitment

• Cons:
• 450 mg per capsule is lower than some competing extracts
• 60 capsules per bottle provides only a 30-day supply

Best for: Those who want guaranteed, standardized levels of ursolic acid in their holy basil supplement

7. Nutricost Holy Basil – Best Budget Pick

Nutricost offers 120 capsules of 500 mg holy basil at one of the lowest prices in the category, manufactured in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility.

Each capsule contains 500 mg of holy basil extract in a straightforward, no-frills formula. The product is gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan, with 120 servings per bottle providing a four-month supply at the recommended one-capsule-per-day dosage. Nutricost manufactures in a GMP-compliant, FDA-registered facility in the USA, ensuring basic quality standards are met despite the budget pricing. This is an ideal entry point for anyone wanting to try holy basil without a significant financial commitment.

• Pros:
• Outstanding value with 120 capsules at a low price point
• GMP-compliant, FDA-registered manufacturing facility
• Simple, clean formula without unnecessary additives

• Cons:
• Not organic or standardized to specific compound levels
• Capsules may be large for some users

Best for: First-time holy basil users and budget-conscious shoppers who want a straightforward, affordable option

8. tnvitamins Holy Basil – Best High-Count Supply

With 240 capsules delivering 1,600 mg equivalent per serving, tnvitamins provides an eight-month supply of holy basil at exceptional long-term value.

This family-run company (founded in 1979 as Total Nutrition) offers one of the highest capsule counts in the category. Each serving delivers the equivalent of 1,600 mg of holy basil leaf, making it a high-potency option for those who want sustained adaptogenic support. The formula is designed to support stress relief, mood balance, and relaxation. The high capsule count makes this particularly appealing for long-term users who don’t want to reorder frequently.

• Pros:
• 240 capsules provide an 8-month supply
• 1,600 mg equivalent per serving for high-potency support
• Family-owned company with 45+ years in the supplement industry

• Cons:
• Not organic certified
• Less brand recognition than major supplement companies

Best for: Long-term users who want a high-count, high-potency holy basil supply without frequent reordering

How to Choose the Best Holy Basil (Tulsi) Supplement

When selecting a holy basil supplement, the extraction method matters significantly. Concentrated extracts (10:1 or 20:1) deliver more bioactive compounds per capsule than raw powder, while supercritical CO2 extractions preserve heat-sensitive compounds like eugenols. Multi-variety blends that combine Krishna, Rama, and Vana tulsi offer a broader spectrum of benefits than single-variety products.

Look for products standardized to ursolic acid content, as this is the primary therapeutic compound in holy basil. A minimum of 2.5% ursolic acid indicates a well-concentrated extract. Typical dosing ranges from 300–600 mg of extract daily, though whole herb formulas may require higher doses (1,000–2,000 mg) to achieve similar effects.

Capsules are the most common and convenient form, but liquid tinctures and phyto-caps offer faster absorption. Organic certification (USDA) is particularly important for herbs like tulsi that may absorb heavy metals from contaminated soils. Third-party testing for heavy metals, purity, and potency adds another layer of quality assurance.

GMP certification, Non-GMO verification, and clean ingredient lists (no artificial fillers, binders, or preservatives) are baseline quality indicators. Brands with transparent sourcing practices and sustainability certifications like Fairtrade or B Corp status demonstrate a deeper commitment to product integrity. For related adaptogenic support, consider pairing holy basil with adrenal support supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is holy basil (tulsi) and what does it do?

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum) is an adaptogenic herb native to India that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5,000 years. It supports healthy stress response, immune function, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Key active compounds include ursolic acid, eugenol, rosmarinic acid, and various flavonoids that work together to modulate cortisol and support the body’s resilience to physical and mental stressors.

How much holy basil should I take daily?

Standard dosing ranges from 300–600 mg of concentrated extract daily, or 1,000–2,000 mg of whole herb powder. Concentrated extracts (10:1 or higher) require lower doses to achieve therapeutic effects. Start with the lower end of the dosage range and gradually increase based on your body’s response. Splitting the dose between morning and afternoon can help maintain steady adaptogenic support throughout the day.

When is the best time to take holy basil?

Holy basil can be taken at any time of day, though most users prefer morning or early afternoon. Taking it with food may reduce the chance of mild digestive discomfort. Some people find it mildly energizing and prefer morning dosing, while others experience relaxation and take it in the evening. Experiment with timing to find what works best for your individual response.

Are there any side effects of holy basil?

Holy basil is generally well-tolerated. Mild side effects may include nausea or digestive discomfort, particularly when first starting supplementation. It may have mild blood-thinning properties, so those on anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Holy basil may also support healthy blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for most people but warrants monitoring for those on diabetes medications.

Can I take holy basil with other supplements?

Holy basil pairs well with other adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and gotu kola. It also complements calming supplements like L-theanine and magnesium glycinate. However, because holy basil may influence blood sugar and blood-thinning, exercise caution when combining it with medications or supplements that have similar effects. A healthcare provider can help determine the best combination for your specific needs.

How long does it take for holy basil to work?

Some users report feeling calmer and more focused within the first few days of supplementation, while full adaptogenic benefits typically develop over two to four weeks of consistent daily use. As with most adaptogens, the body may build tolerance over time, so cycling — taking holy basil for six to eight weeks, then pausing for one to two weeks — can help maintain its effectiveness.

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