How Much Does Shirisha Cost? Pod, Powder and Extract
Still confidential in Western herbalism, shirisha costs more per gram than common respiratory herbs. Here are concrete benchmarks, and why price alone does not confirm which Albizia species you are getting.
To answer directly: the dried pod of tulsi/">vasaka/">shirisha generally sells for $7 to $13 per 50 g at a specialty Ayurvedic shop, bark powder for $8 to $14 per 50 g, and the extract (rarer, often in capsules) for $15 to $28 per bottle of about thirty doses. These prices reflect a herb still uncommon in Western markets, distributed by a small number of specialty herbalists.
Pod, powder or extract: what price range is normal?
Shirisha stays a niche herb in Western herbalism. A few factors explain the variation within the ranges above:
- Precise botanical labeling: a product clearly stating "Albizia lebbeck" rather than just the vernacular name "siris" inspires more confidence;
- Plant part used: the bark, better documented traditionally, generally costs a bit more than the pod alone;
- Origin traceability: a supplier able to specify the harvest region often justifies a slightly higher price.
For the exact criteria to check before buying, our guide how to choose shirisha covers the full set of quality points, beyond price alone.
Price range comparison table
| Format | Indicative range | What explains the price gap |
|---|---|---|
| Dried pod | $7 to $13 per 50 g | Limited Western distribution, variable traceability |
| Bark powder | $8 to $14 per 50 g | Controlled grinding, stated or unstated origin |
| Extract in capsules | $15 to $28 per bottle (about 30 doses) | Standardization and content control |
Why a low price does not confirm the species sold
A study by Kaur, Harisha, Galib and Prajapati (2016), published in Annals of Ayurvedic Medicine (see the study on Google Scholar), established reference characters for authentic Albizia lebbeck pod, a useful benchmark against related Albizia species (Albizia procera, Albizia odoratissima) sometimes sold under the same vernacular name "siris." An unusually low price therefore doesn't necessarily mean a good deal: it can also reflect a lack of verification of the species actually harvested, a point detailed in how to tell a real shirisha.
How to judge good value for money
- Compare the price per gram actually used, not just the container's sticker price;
- Check that the botanical name "Albizia lebbeck" appears clearly on the label;
- Favor a supplier able to specify the geographic origin of the product;
- Be wary of a price clearly below the usual range with no clear explanation.
Precautions
Price is only one of the criteria for choosing shirisha: it in no way replaces the medical advice required before any course, especially with diagnosed asthma or a severe allergy. Full precautions appear in shirisha: dangers and precautions and in our safety precautions guide.
Your questions about how much does shirisha cost
What is a normal price range for shirisha?
As a rough guide, $7 to $13 per 50 g for dried pod, $8 to $14 per 50 g for bark powder, and $15 to $28 per bottle of extract in capsules.
Why does shirisha cost more than tulsi?
It is a notably more confidential herb in Western markets, with a much smaller production and distribution chain, which mechanically weighs on its price per gram.
Is cheap shirisha a good deal?
Not necessarily. The Albizia genus includes several related species sold under a similar vernacular name: an unusually low price guarantees nothing about the species actually sold.
Does the price of the extract guarantee a good concentration of active compounds?
No. Check the standardization percentage stated on the label instead, independent of the price paid.
Free guide
Your 7-step Ayurvedic morning routine
The condensed dinacharya: seven realistic steps with timings, the 15-minute weekday version and dosha adjustments. Enter your email and read it right away — no PDF to hunt for, no spam.