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Dietary supplement

Tulsi Original Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Organic India

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Tulsi Original is a dietary supplement by Organic India with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for stress and anxiety, blood sugar support, respiratory complaints.Based on those ingredients, 212 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Organic Tulsi Blend. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Tulsi Original by Organic India

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Organic Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1.80 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Organic Tulsi Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

Tulsi Original is a tea blend with two active ingredients: East Indian Basil (also called holy basil) and holy basil, which appear to be different varieties or parts of the tulsi plant in the proprietary and organic blends. The inactive ingredients — Krishna Tulsi, Vana Tulsi, and Rama Tulsi — are additional tulsi varieties used for flavor and texture in the tea bag.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Holy Basil's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Stress relief and energy.
  • We looked for evidence on: Stress, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Insomnia, Headache, Fatigue, Mental clarity — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Holy Basil is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Holy Basil is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Headache, Insomnia, Stress.

The evidence for tulsi isn't well established in the data we hold. It's been studied for generalized anxiety, asthma, headache, respiratory infections, dental plaque, and diabetes, but each of those claims is rated as having insufficient reliable evidence to rate.

In plain terms, we don't have enough solid research to say whether it works for any of these uses. That doesn't mean it doesn't work — just that we need better studies to know.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Holy Basil

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Holy basil appears to be well tolerated over the short term in adults, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects from taking it by mouth are loose stools and nausea; a small number of trial participants experienced these.

The safety data advise against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding — animal research raises concerns, and human safety isn't established for either.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Holy Basil

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Holy Basil.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 212 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you use Tulsi Original, double-check with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners (like warfarin or aspirin) — moderate risk of increased bleeding. If you're on diabetes medications, there's a moderate risk of low blood sugar.

And if you take pentobarbital (a sedative), there's a theoretical moderate risk of increased drowsiness. For all other medications, check the tool on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're thinking of using Tulsi Original as a tea, it's generally well tolerated short-term. However, if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or pentobarbital, you need to check with your pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip this one — the safety data don't support it.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 14, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Tulsi Original, straight from the product label.

Brand Organic India
Net contents 18 Infusion Bag(s); 1.14 Ounce(s); 32.4 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 14, 2023
DSLD ID 300164
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic, Halal
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Tulsi Original by Organic India, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Infusion Bag(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Infusion Bag(s)
Servings per container
18
IngredientAmount% DV
East Indian Basil0 NP--
Proprietary Organic Blend1.8 Gram(s)--
Organic Tulsi Blend0 NP--
Holy Basil0 NP--

Other ingredients: Krishna Tulsi, Vana Tulsi, Rama Tulsi

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Stress relieving & energizing

Certified Organic

Caffeine free

USDA Organic

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Vegan Vegetarian

Gluten free

Certified Organic by Control Union-CU 801983.

Product produced and processed according to NPOP standard of India & USDA-NOP

Product of India for export to USA Individually wrapped for freshness

Ingredients: Krishna Tulsi (leaf), Vana Tulsi (leaf), Rama Tulsi (leaf); Fairtrade Certified & sourced from Fairtrade producers. Total 100%. Visit www.info.fairtrade.net

Certified Organic Ingredients USDA Organic India Organic

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Tulsi Revered in India as "The Queen of Herbs," Tulsi (Holy Basil) is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for more than 5,000 years to: Aid in stress relief & uplift mood Support the immune system Support the natural detoxification process

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org Fair Trade

FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) Lic. No. 10018051002605 Control Union Certified KPOP/NAB/0010

Certified B Corporations Fair Trade

USDA Organic India Organic Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org Halal Mumbai India Halal Committee Jamiat Ulama - E - Maharashtra OU (Kosher)

General Statements

www.controlunion.com

Tear Here At the heart of Organic India is our commitment to be a living embodiment of love & consciousness in action. Small Family Farmers Empowering small family farmers in India to cultivate regenerative, organic farmland Revitalizing communities through fair wages, education, healthcare, access to clean water & job skills training Regenerative Agriculture Regenerating soil health & fertility Improving water retention & sequestering carbon Restoring vibrant health to the environment Healthy Conscious Living Celebrating the interconnectedness of life Cultivating the health of our planet, our farmers & you Pictured on the front is one of our beloved farmers or a family member.

Visit www.info.fairtrade.net

Precautions

To enjoy while pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before use.

Formula

Ingredients: Krishna Tulsi (leaf), Vana Tulsi (leaf), Rama Tulsi (leaf); Fairtrade Certified & sourced from Fairtrade producers. Total 100%.

Halal Mumbai India Halal Committee Jamiat Ulama - E - Maharashtra

OU (Kosher)

Tulsi Original Three sacred varieties of spicy, powerful Tulsi (Rama, Vana and Krishna) create a restorative calming yet energizing infusion.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Brewing instructions: Use 1 infusion bag per cup of just boiled water. Cover and steep for 5-10 min.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Tulsi Original by Organic India label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Tulsi Original by Organic India

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Infusion Bag(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Servings per container18 Amounts shown are per serving.

Proprietary Organic Blend

1.8 Gram(s) per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Krishna Tulsi, Vana Tulsi, Rama Tulsi. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Tulsi Original by Organic India Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Tulsi Original?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
212Drugs
212 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Tulsi Original with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Organic Tulsi Blend3 drug types · 212 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil can prolong bleeding time, possibly due to inhibition of platelet aggregation. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking holy basil can decrease fasting blood glucose and other measures of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil increases pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans or if this applies to other barbiturates or sedatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Tulsi Original, from the product label.

Organic India

See all Organic India products
Name
Organic India USA
City
Boulder
State
CO
ZipCode
80301
Phone Number
1-888-550-8332
Web Address
OrganicIndiaUSA.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Tulsi Original by Organic India: Common Questions

Does Tulsi Original by Organic India interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Tulsi Original has a known interaction with 212 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Tulsi Original contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advise against it during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Animal research raises concerns, and human safety isn't established. Talk to your doctor or midwife before using any herbal tea during pregnancy or while nursing.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects from drinking it are loose stools and nausea, though these happened in only a small number of people in studies. A bitter taste has been reported when holy basil is used as a mouthwash, but that's not relevant to the tea form.
Does this really work for anxiety or diabetes?
The evidence isn't established yet. Tulsi has been studied for generalized anxiety, diabetes, asthma, headache, and other uses, but we don't have enough solid research to say whether it works for any of them. You'd want to talk to your doctor about proven treatments for these conditions.
Is this safe to use long-term?
The data we hold show it's generally well tolerated short-term in adults, but high-quality long-term safety studies are limited. If you're thinking of drinking this regularly, check with your pharmacist or doctor first.
What exactly is in this tea?
The active ingredient is holy basil (tulsi), which comes in the form of East Indian Basil in a proprietary blend and organic blend. The tea also contains other tulsi varieties — Krishna Tulsi, Vana Tulsi, and Rama Tulsi — for flavor.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Tulsi Original is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Tulsi Original label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Tulsi Original's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 8 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Holy Basil 8 references
  1. Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;34:406-9.
  2. Sakina MR, Dandiya PC, Hamdard ME, Hameed A. Preliminary psychopharmacological evaluation of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;28:143-50. PubMed
  3. Singh S, Rehan HM, Majumdar DK. Effect of Ocimum sanctum fixed oil on blood pressure, blood clotting time and pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;78:139-43. PubMed
  4. Mondal, S., Varma, S., Bamola, V. D., Naik, S. N., Mirdha, B. R., Padhi, M. M., Mehta, N., and Mahapatra, S. C. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers. J PubMed
  5. Agarwal, P. and Nagesh, L. Comparative evaluation of efficacy of 0.2% Chlorhexidine, Listerine and Tulsi extract mouth rinses on salivary Streptococcus mutans count of high school children--RCT. Contemp.Clin Trials 2011;32(6):802-808. PubMed
  6. Vohora, S. B., Garg, S. K., and Chaudhury, R. R. Antifertility screening of plants. 3. Effect of six indigenous plants on early pregnancy in albino rats. Indian J Med Res 1969;57(5):893-899.
  7. Khanna S, Gupta SR, Grover JK. Effect of long term feeding of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) on reproductive performance of adult albino rats. Indian J Exp Biol 1986;24(5):302-4.
  8. Somasundaram G, Manimekalai K, Salwe KJ, Pandiamunian J. Evaluation of the antidiabetic effect of Ocimum sanctum in type 2 diabetes patients. Int J Life Sci Pharma Res 2012;2(3):75-81.

See these in context on the Holy Basil monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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