What the texts say
Charaka's reason is fear of kushtha, which the edition we used translates as skin diseases. Surasa, which that edition renders as tulsi, is named with radish, garlic and similar plants.[1]
The modern view
We have not found a modern study that tests milk taken after tulsi. The rule comes from the classical text alone.
From the classical texts
Questions people ask
What about tulsi tea made with milk, or tulsi medicines?
The verse is about milk after eating these herbs as food. For tulsi tea or a tulsi medicine taken with milk, ask your vaidya.[1]
Related
Milk and garlic
Charaka says not to drink milk after eating garlic, for fear of kushtha, a broad classical term for skin disease.
FoodMilk and radish (mooli)
Charaka, Sushruta and Vagbhata warn against milk with or after radish. Charaka's reason is fear of kushtha, skin disease.
FormulationTulsi cough syrups
Tulsi cough syrups are branded mixes, not one recipe. One contains ephedra. Most contain mulethi, and some honey or a lot of sugar.
Sources
Updated 4 November 2026