How To Make Holy Basil Tincture With Tulsi (Easy Recipe)

Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico

Holy basil is renowned for its medicinal properties, which range from helping to reduce stress and anxiety to supporting the immune system to even aiding digestion. Using only two ingredients, basil tincture is easy to make.

The holy basil plant (scientifically known as ocimum tenuiflorum and ocimum sanctum) has historically been considered sacred in the medicinal traditions of India. Its use in herbal remedies dates back thousands of years and holds particular significance in ayurvedic medicine, which is a system of traditional herbal medicine in India. Today it is more widely cultivated and its health benefits are increasingly being recognised around the world.

(Other good tinctures for stress and anxiety can be made with chamomile, blueberry, and lemon balm).

Health benefits of basil tincture

Holy basil is widely considered a medicinal herb due to its broad range of health benefits. While there is ongoing research on the impact of consuming tulsi, it’s clear that it is overall beneficial to our bodies.

Adaptogenic properties – Holy basil is considered a powerful adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stressors, both physical and emotional. Adaptogenic herbs like holy basil, as well as ashwagandha, ginseng, and reishi mushrooms, can potentially reduce stress and promote mental clarity. 

Overall endocrine system support – Holy basil has been studied for its potential positive effects on blood sugar levels and broader regulation of people’s endocrine systems. Due to the plant’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the plant is believed to be helpful in overall support of the endocrine system.

Antioxidant effects – Holy basil contains compounds like flavonoids and essential oils, which have antioxidant properties. These compounds help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

Anti-inflammatory properties – It has been suggested that holy basil may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various chronic conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers.

Immune system support – Some studies suggest that holy basil may enhance immune function, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively. This seems to be especially true when consumed on an empty stomach.

Overall digestive health – Holy basil has traditionally been used to promote digestive health and can help alleviate indigestion, bloating, and gas.

Respiratory health – Holy basil is often used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and colds. It has expectorant properties which means that consuming it may help loosen mucus and ease breathing.

Support cardiovascular health – Some research suggests that holy basil may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

How to make holy basil tincture

Tools

An airtight container with a plastic lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.

Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops – I use these ones.

A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter

A small funnel

A knife – for chopping up fresh basil

Supplies

Fresh or dried holy basil (Tulsi)

80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. I use this raw bulk apple cider vinegar. If you’re using fresh basil, consider using a high-proof alcohol, which will be more effective at preventing spoilage from the water content in the plant.

For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.

Instructions

If you’re harvesting fresh holy basil, make sure to harvest your leaves in the morning, before they are exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight. This will be when the beneficial essential oils in the plant are at their peak and will result in a more potent tincture.

Fully wash the fresh herbs and pat it dry.

Use a knife to chop the leaves into small pieces. This maximises the surface area of the plant that is exposed to the alcohol. 

Add the fresh or dried basil to a sanitised clean mason jar (or any glass jar).

Submerge the plant material in alcohol and make sure it’s completely covered.

Add the lid and shake the jar to ensure all of the plant parts are covered by alcohol.

Leave the jar to sit in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight for 6-8 weeks.

Aim to shake the jar 3-4 times a week to keep everything covered in alcohol.

After 6-8 weeks, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain off the tincture.

Use a funnel to add the tincture to an amber glass dropper bottle.

Add the date and label the tincture to make sure you don’t forget what it is.

That’s it!

How much basil tincture to take?

I like to take 1 dropper full per day and increase the dosage to 2 to 3 times per day during cold or flu season.

How long does basil tincture last?

Like many homemade alcohol-based herbal products, this tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.

Ways to use basil tincture

Directly – The most common method of using holy basil tincture is by adding the dosage under your tongue. Let it sit there for 20-30 seconds and then swallow it. 

Diluted in water or juice – Add the dosage to a small cup of water or juice. 

Diluted in tea – Add the dosage to your favorite herbal tea to add a slight basil flavour (plus the medical benefits!) Make sure to avoid pouring boiling water over the tincture because this will dilute the health benefits slightly.

Added into smoothies – Add the dosage into your morning smoothie for an extra health boost. 

Added into salad dressings – Add the tincture to a homemade salad dressing. It tastes nice added to a salad dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and any fresh garden herbs. 

How to make this without alcohol?

To make basil tincture without alcohol, simply use store-bought apple cider vinegar in place of alcohol. This will create a holy basil extract rather than a tincture, and like other herbal extracts, it will not last as long as a tincture made with alcohol. But it will still contain many of the medicinal benefits and tastes good in homemade salad dressings.

​I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication. 

What to read next

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St. John’s Wort Tincture (Herbal Medicine)

Mullein Tincture (Easy Medicinal Recipe)

How To Make Rhodiola Tincture (Using Rosea Root)

How To Make Stinging Nettle Tincture

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