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Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum): Sacred Medicinal Herb

Overview

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as tulsi or Thai holy basil, is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine and Hindu tradition. It has a complex, clove-like aroma and is used as an adaptogen for stress relief.

Botanical Details

Family:	Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Ocimum (OSS-ih-mum)
Species:	sanctum (SANK-tum)
Synonym:	Ocimum tenuiflorum

Cultivation and Uses

Grow as annual in temperate zones. Prefers heat and sun. Leaves used fresh or dried for tea, tinctures, and cooking. Considered a tonic for overall wellness. Self-seeds readily.

Herbs: Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum): The King of Culinary Herbs; Red Rubin Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Red Rubin'): Deep Purple Foliage for Ornamental and Culinary Use; Thai Basil 'Siam Queen' (Ocimum × citriodorum 'Siam Queen'): AAS-Winning Ornamental and Culinary Basil; Lime Basil (Ocimum americanum 'Lime'): Zesty Citrus Basil for Drinks and Desserts; Greek Column Basil 'Lesbos': Upright Culinary Herb; Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon'): Spicy-Sweet Basil with Warm Cinnamon Notes; Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Thai'): Aromatic Herb for Southeast Asian Cuisine; Pistou Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Pistou'): Compact French Variety for Small Spaces; Marseillais Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Marseillais'): French Heirloom with Large, Sweet Leaves; Basil 'Ararat' (Ocimum basilicum 'Ararat'): Striking Purple-Green Variegated Foliage

Garden Articles

How to Grow Holy Basil (Tulsi): Sacred Medicinal and Culinary Herb

Purple Ruffles Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles'): Frilly, Deep Purple Leaves for Texture and Flavor

Purple Basil 'Purple Delight' (Ocimum basilicum 'Purple Delight'): Rich Purple Foliage for Color and Flavor

Sweet Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Genovese'): The Classic Italian Basil for Pesto Perfection

Mini Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Mini Purple'): Compact Ornamental Edible for Containers

Growing Basil: Essential Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

Basil (Ocimum basilicum): The King of Culinary Herbs

Plants

Holy Basil Pest Identification: Scale Insects, Not Mealybugs

African Blue Basil (Ocimum 'African Blue'): Ornamental Perennial Basil for Pollinators

Dark Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Purpurascens'): Deep Purple Foliage for Ornamental and Culinary Use

Lemon Basil 'Sweet Dani': A Fragrant Culinary Herb

Lemon Basil 'Mrs. Burns' (Ocimum basilicum 'Mrs. Burns'): Heirloom Lemon Basil

Variegated Basil 'Pesto Perpetuo' (Ocimum × citriodorum 'Pesto Perpetuo'): Non-Flowering, Columnar Basil for Continuous Harvest

Growing Basil (Ocimum basilicum)