How Do I Identify Holy Basil?

Holy basil is an erect, many-branched subshrub, 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall with hairy stems. Leaves are green or purple; they are simple, petioled, with an ovate blade up to 5 cm (2 in) long, which usually has a slightly toothed margin; they are strongly scented and have a decussate phyllotaxy.

How do you recognize holy basil?

Physical description. 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.

How is holy basil look like?

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.

What’s the difference between holy basil and regular basil?

Holy basil has more jagged edges to the leaves, while sweet basil is more rounded and smooth. But Genovese basil is also a common variety and they have some jagged leaves. What is this? If the stems of the leaves are more purple, it’s likely to be holy basil as many holy basil varieties do have purpling on the stems.

What are the different types of holy basil?

There 4 species popular of Holy basil:

• Rama tulsi (ocimum sanctum)
• Krishna tulsi (ocimum tenuiflorum)
• Amrita tulsi (ocimum tenuiflorum)
• Vana tulsi (ocimum gratissum)

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.
Research on animals shows that holy basil may:

• Cause low blood sugar (animals and humans)
• Promote bleeding.
• Decrease fertility.

Can you eat holy basil?

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.

Which holy basil is medicinal?

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum ), known in Hindi as tulsi, might be the most revered medicinal herb on the planet. The plant has violet flowers and blossoms. The green stems sometimes have a purple tinge. Medicinal preparations are made from holy basil’s leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant.

Which holy basil is best?

The three most common types of cultivated holy basil are Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum), Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum). Vana tulsi is thought to be the most beneficial for health, although there is no evidence to support one form of holy basil more than another.

Is sweet basil and holy basil the same?

According to the University of New England, the holy basil plant is different from the sweet basil herb because it can help reduce stress and anxiety simply by consuming it. It can help with issues such as depression too as as well as aid in alleviating any allergy symptoms you may be experiencing.

What do you use holy basil for?

Holy basil is sometimes called “hot basil” because of its peppery taste. Chemicals in holy basil are thought to decrease pain and swelling. They also might lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Holy basil oil might act as an antioxidant.

Is holy basil used in cooking?

Holy basil is a cousf the more common sweet basil. Called Tulsi or Sacred basil in its native India and used for religious purposes, Holy basil is revered and is not typically used for cooking.

Why is it called holy basil?

It is originally from India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen” to counter life’s stresses. It is considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines. The Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means “the incomparable one.” Medicine is made from the leaves, stems, and seeds.

How often can you drink holy basil tea?

With such a remarkable body of research proving the wide-ranging beneficial properties of holy basil, I consider it wise to include holy basil as an herb for daily use. Making a tea from the herb is a good way to enjoy the benefits—I suggest drinking two to three cups daily for general health support.

Is Thai holy basil same as tulsi?

Thai Holy Basil is one of many varieties of holy basil or Tulsi as it’s known in India with a distinctive aroma. Ocimum tenuiflorum is sharp and peppery, with perhaps a touch of lemon. Many people confuse it with Thai Sweet Basil (horapa in Thai), which is a slightly sharper herb with a hint of liquorice.

Which tulsi is best to eat?

Vana Tulsi also known as Wild Tulsi is usually cultivated around the Himalayas and has strong aroma, which helps in boosting immunity. Apart from that, it further helps in improving mental as well as physical endurance. Moreover, this variant of Tulsi has anti-aging properties.

Can holy basil damage 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.

Can basil cause blood clots?

But larger medicinal amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Basil contains a chemical, estragole, which has caused liver cancer in laboratory mice. Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Can holy basil cause anxiety?

Holy basil, a simple herbal adaptogen, may help at a number of levels. It can add a calming effect for an anxious mind and reduce the tendency to keep the stress response going. It can slow the release of cortisol, and once it is released, holy basil blocks the cortisol receptors, limiting the damage it can do.

Does holy basil make you sleepy?

Because of its calming effects, you may be wondering if holy basil can make you sleepy or reduce your energy, but in fact, holy basil does neither. Consuming the herb just helps you maintain balance, so you feel good during the day, and ready to rest by the time you hit the pillow.

How do I use fresh holy basil?

7 Ways to Use Tulsi Everyday

1. As an Adaptogenic Tea. Tulsi is considered to have mild adaptogenic properties and can be enjoyed daily as a tea.
2. As a House Protector.
3. As a Mouthwash.
4. As a Brain Tonic.
5. As an Infused Ghee or Honey.
6. As a Fresh Juice.
7. By Eating the Fresh Leaves.