Can I give it to a 10-month-old?

No; skip honey before 12 months.

Should I brush teeth after?

Yes, or rinse the mouth, since honey is sticky.

Is dried tulsi as good as fresh?

Dried leaves work for tea; use a little less as they are concentrated.

Tulsi Juice with Honey for Kids Over One Year

A few drops of fresh tulsi leaf juice mixed with half a teaspoon of honey for a child's mild cough, only for children older than one year.

Using tulsi sensibly at home

Tulsi, or holy basil, grows in a pot in many Indian courtyards. Ayurveda describes it as warming and light, and families use a few leaves in tea, kadha and morning rituals.

Honey has good evidence for easing night-time cough in children over one, and tulsi is a traditional household addition. Honey must never be given to babies under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

Ingredients

4 to 5 fresh tulsi leaves
½ tsp honey

How to prepare

Wash and crush the leaves; squeeze out a few drops of juice.
Mix with honey.

How to use

Give once or twice a day, including before bed, for two or three days.

Helpful habits

Pick fresh leaves from a clean home plant and rinse them well.

Precautions

Never give honey to babies under one. See a doctor for fast breathing, high fever, cough lasting over a week, or a child who looks unwell.
Use a few leaves, not handfuls; it is warming.
Check with a doctor if you take blood thinners or are planning a pregnancy.
For babies and children under five, ask the paediatrician first.
If you take regular medicines or have a long-term condition, check with your doctor first.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give it to a 10-month-old?: No; skip honey before 12 months.
Should I brush teeth after?: Yes, or rinse the mouth, since honey is sticky.
Is dried tulsi as good as fresh?: Dried leaves work for tea; use a little less as they are concentrated.