Veltheimia bracteata vs Vana Tulsi

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Veltheimia bracteata

Antimicrobial

Ocimum gratissimum

Antimicrobial

Veltheimia bracteata

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Vana Tulsi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

South African winter-flowering bulb with pink tubular flowers, used in Zulu traditional medicine.

Shrubby basil of Africa and Asia; one of three Tulsi varieties used in Ayurveda; also widely used across Africa for infections and malaria.

Active Compounds

saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins

eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, beta-caryophyllene, rosmarinic acid

Traditional Uses

Traditional Zulu medicine for infections and respiratory conditions, Used by traditional healers of KwaZulu-Natal for various conditions

Adaptogenic tonic in Ayurveda (Vana Tulsi variety), Malaria and fever across Africa, Wound healing in African medicine, Respiratory infections

Modern Uses

Antimicrobial action, Anti-inflammatory, Respiratory support, Traditional healing

Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Adaptogen, Anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

Tincture: 1-2ml 2x/day

2–4 g dried herb as tea; diluted essential oil; 2–3 mL tincture

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Large doses

Anticoagulant medications, Pregnancy in large doses

Side Effects

Mild gastrointestinal effects

Blood thinning, GI irritation in high doses

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E