Table of Contents
Holy basil is a perennial shrub that can grow anywhere between 1 and 2 feet tall (30 to 60 cm). Its leaves are small and rounded, with noticeable serrations along the edge, and are typically green. Some varieties have purple leaves, such as the Krishna Tulsi, but they are more commonly grown in India and Nepal.
How do I identify holy basil?
The holy basil plant is a small annual or short-lived perennial shrub, up to 1 metre (3.3 feet) in height. The stems are hairy and bear simple toothed or entire leaves oppositely along the stem. The fragrant leaves are green or purple, depending on the variety.
What is the difference between basil and holy basil?
In cooking, basil is noted for its spicy, pungent aroma. Holy basil, by contrast, has a sweeter, more mellow fragrance. The leaves of both bruise easily, and will quickly release their scent when rubbed. Both varieties have a pungent, sharp taste when eaten raw, which loses some of its tartness during cooking.
What is holy basil used for?
Holy basil is a highly valued medicinal herb. It’s often used in Thai food. Research shows that it’s an adaptogen, which means it helps your body deal with stress. It may also be used to treat many conditions, including diabetes, the common cold, and fever.
What is holy basil called in English?
Ocimum tenuiflorum Ocimum tenuiflorum Species: O. tenuiflorum Binomial name Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Synonyms.
How does holy basil smell like?
Today Holy Basil remains one of the most cherished of India’s sacred healing plants. The leaves smell of peppermint, cloves, licorice and/or lemon. All varieties belong to the mint family and are cousins of sweet basil. Krishna (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is known for its medicinal value and peppery crisp taste.
Is holy basil same as African basil?
This particular breed of basil has a strong camphor scent, inherited from Ocimum kilimandscharicum (camphor basil), its East African parent. The concentration of camphor is 22% (compared with 61% for O. kilimandscharicum). African blue basil Origin Peter Borchard, Companion Plants, Athens, Ohio, 1983.
Are basil and holy basil the same plant?
Although the names may sound similar, the origin of these plants are different. The biological nomenclature of Holy Basil is Ocimum Tenuiflorum whereas the scientific name for Basil is Ocimum Basilicum. However, both Basil variants belong to the same Lamiaceae family.
Is holy basil used in cooking?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.
What does holy basil taste like?
All varieties of Holy Basil are astringent, pungent, warm and sweet, with notes of peppermint, cloves, licorice, or lemon. Rama has a flavor profile that is more spicy or clove-like, while the Vana variety is more fragrant and sweet, with an anise taste.
Is holy basil hard on your liver?
06/7It may cause damage to the liver Tulsi has eugenol, which is also found in cloves and balsam of Peru. While small amounts of eugenol can prevent toxin-induced damage in the liver, too much of it can cause liver damage, nausea, diarrhoea, rapid heartbeat and convulsions.
Who should not take holy basil?
You should be cautious about using holy basil if you: Have low blood sugar. Are trying to get pregnant. Take anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs.What are the risks of taking holy basil? Cause low blood sugar (animals and humans) Promote bleeding. Decrease fertility.
Can you smoke holy basil?
In India it is known as “Tulsi” & considered to be sacred plant. Herbalists consider it to be an excellent anti-depressant that stimulates the adrenal cortex. For depression it may be used as an aromatherapy, the leaves may be chewed, drunk in a tea form or smoked.
What happens if we eat tulsi leaves daily?
Tulsi leaves when consumed every day have various health benefits including boosting our immunity. It can help treat congestion, boost immunity and strengthen our overall health. It is said that having two-three tulsi leaves on an empty stomach in the morning can amplify its benefits.
Is holy basil tea safe?
When taken by mouth: Holy basil is possibly safe when used short-term. Holy basil leaf extract has been safely used at a dose of 500 mg daily for 60-90 days. Taking holy basil might cause nausea or diarrhea. There isn’t enough reliable information available to know if it is safe to use long-term.
Is holy basil invasive?
Tulsi or Holy basil – Tulsi, Ocimum sanctum or Ocimum tenuiflorum, is a species of basil native to India. It is invasive in Puerto Rico, and can sometimes reproduce in gardens in the continental U.S., although it has not yet become naturalized there.
Which type of holy basil is best?
1. Rama tulsi (ocimum sanctum) The plant has pure green leaves and better tolerance to winters, sun light, plant requires more watering and fertilization than the other varieties. The Queen of herbs is one of the most worshiped aromatic herbs that is found at almost every house in India.
Is holy basil good for pesto?
Not only is holy basil pesto very quick and easy to make, but it has a lot of therapeutic properties! Holy basil is best known for its adaptogenic properties, in short meaning it assists humans in adapting to stress.
Is Holy Basil essential oil the same as basil essential oil?
Holy Basil Essential Oil is sometimes known as Tulsi Essential Oil. Aromatically, Holy Basil Essential Oil resembles a cross between traditional Basil Oil and Clove Oil. Holy Basil contains a large percentage (up to 85%) of Eugenol, a chemical constituent that gives Clove Oil its characteristic aroma.
