Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly known as holy basil or tulsi, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae.[2][3] It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Malesia, Asia, and the western Pacific.[4] It is widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics.[4][5][6] This plant has escaped from cultivation and has naturalized in many tropical regions of the Americas.[3][7] It is an agricultural and environmental weed.[3]
Tulasi is cultivated for religious and traditional medicine purposes, and also for its essential oil. It is widely used as a herbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda, and has a place within the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving holy basil plants or leaves.
The plant and its oil contain diverse phytochemicals, including tannins, flavonoids, eugenol, caryophyllenes, carvacrol, linalool, camphor, and cinnamyl acetate, among others.[9][10] One study reported that the plant contains an eponymous family of 10 neolignan compounds called tulsinol A-J.[11]
Water disinfection using O. tenuiflorum extracts was tested by Bhattacharjee et al. 2013 and Sadul et al. 2009. Both found an alcoholic extract to be more effective than aqueous or leaf juice. Sundaramurthi et al 2012 finds the result to be safe to drink and antimicrobial. A constituent analysis by Sadul found alkaloids, steroids, and tannins in the aqueous, and alkaloids and steroids only in the alcoholic extract.[21]
Tulasi is a sacred plant for Hindus, particularly the Vaishnavite sect. It is worshipped as the avatar of Lakshmi,[citation needed] and is often planted in courtyards of Hindu houses or temples to Hanuman.[22] The ritual lighting of lamps each evening during Karthik includes the worship of the tulsi plant.[23][24] Vaishnavites are also known as "those who bear the tulsi around the neck".[22]
Tulasi Vivaha is a ceremonial festival performed between Prabodhini Ekadashi (the 11th or 12th lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartika) and Kartik Purnima (the full moon of the month).[25][26]
Every evening, Bengali Hindus place earthen lamps in front of tulsi plants. During the Kati Bihu festival celebrated in Assam, people light earthen lamps (diya) at the foot of the household tulsi plants and pray.[27]
The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.
The predominant cause of global morbidity and mortality is lifestyle-related chronic diseases, many of which can be addressed through Ayurveda with its focus on healthy lifestyle practices and regular consumption of adaptogenic herbs. Of all the herbs used within Ayurveda, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) is preeminent, and scientific research is now confirming its beneficial effects. There is mounting evidence that tulsi can address physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise. Tulsi has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties. Tulsi's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which includes activity against a range of human and animal pathogens, suggests it can be used as a hand sanitizer, mouthwash and water purifier as well as in animal rearing, wound healing, the preservation of food stuffs and herbal raw materials and traveler's health. Cultivation of tulsi plants has both spiritual and practical significance that connects the grower to the creative powers of nature, and organic cultivation offers solutions for food security, rural poverty, hunger, environmental degradation and climate change. The use of tulsi in daily rituals is a testament to Ayurvedic wisdom and provides an example of ancient knowledge offering solutions to modern problems.
Tulsi is a mixed-culture saison made with local tulsi and hibiscus. We sourced both herbs from the talented team at UGArden here in Athens, GA, and added those to a simple yet sophisticated recipe that also features wheat from DaySpring Farms.
Also known as "holy basil," tulsi is revered as one of the most sacred plants in India. This uplifting adaptogen has a warm, nourishing, and sattvic (pure) energy that is traditionally known to support healthy lungs and circulation while imparting a sense of peaceful well-being.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Banyan Botanicals products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For more information pertaining to your personal needs please see a qualified health practitioner.
2024 Banyan Botanicals All Rights Reserved. All content and images found on BanyanBotanicals.com may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. View our Accessibility Statement. Banyan Botanicals, 6705 Eagle Rock Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113
Also known as "holy basil," tulsi is revered as one of the most sacred plants in India. This uplifting adaptogen has a warm, nourishing, and sattvic (pure) energy that is traditionally known to support healthy lungs and circulation while imparting a sense of peaceful well-being. Tulsi powder is the most traditional and versatile way to use this herb.*
I love both these plants, but my experience with tulsi basil is that it can be an aggressive spreader. Best to cut off the seed heads if you want to keep it under control. Anise hyssop spreads too, but not as readily. Both are so great for supporting bees and butterflies.
I also can attest to the aggressive re-seeding nature of tulsi basil. It has a flavor that is different from the typical Italian or Genovese basil. My husband and I like it with fruit, especially baked or grilled summer peaches.
Despite the preponderance of very aromatic herbs in chaparral ecosystems, there is no native substitute for that here. The seed is available, and often comes with a warning that it may be aggressive, but I have never seen it doing well here. Of course, I have seen it only a few times, and have not grown it in my own garden.
We help Maryland residents grow! Learn about food gardening, soil improvement, troubleshooting plant problems, and supporting beneficial insects in your landscape, with advice from University of Maryland Extension experts, certified horticulturists, and Master Gardeners. www.extension.umd.edu/HGIC
b37509886e