Also known asTulsi, Tulasi (Sanskrit name), Ocimum sanctumIntroductionHoly Basil has been revered for its medicinal value throughout Indiafor thousands of years. Ayurvedic texts describe Holy Basil as a pillarof holistic herbal medicine and a goddess incarnated in plant form (themother medicine of nature). Many traditional Hindus worship an alterbearing a Holy Basil plant that is placed in the courtyard of their homeor in another prominent location. Today Holy Basil remains one of themost cherished of India’s sacred healing plants. The leaves smell ofpeppermint, cloves, licorice and/or lemon.There are three types of Tulsi Krishna,Rama, and Vana. Rama and Krishna are of the same species. All varietiesbelong to the mint family and are cousins of sweet basil.**Krishna (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is known forits medicinal value and peppery crisp taste. The plant has dark green topurple leaves, stems, and blossoms. It is cultivated in the Indianplains, as well as private homes and gardens around India, and is namedafter the blue skinned God as the dark purple leaves resemble thiscolor.**Rama (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is known for itscooling and mellow flavor. The plant has green leaves, white-to-purplishblossoms, and a green or purplish stem. It is cultivated in the Indianplains, as well as private homes and gardens around India.**Vana (Ocimum sp.), aka. “foresttype”, is known for its fragrance. The plant has green leaves and stem,with white blossoms. It is found in the Himalayas and plains of India.Grows wild in Asia and Africa and is used medicinally there as well.ConstituentsEugenol, B-caryophyllene, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, ascorbic acid(vitamin C), carotene (vitamin A), calcium, iron, and selenium, as wellas zinc, manganese, and sodium as trace elements.Parts UsedThe leaf is generally the only part used in a medicinal capacity.Typical PreparationsHoly Basil is traditionally taken as an herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee.SummaryHoly Basil, or Tulsi, is an important symbol in the Hindu religion and it is a significant herb in ayurvedic medicine.PrecautionsNot recommended for use if pregnant, nursing, or are consideringbecoming pregnant (may have an anti-fertility effect). Do not administerto infants or toddlers. May lower blood sugar, consult a doctor ifhypoglycemic (in separate studies, it has also been shown to bebeneficial for those with hypoglycemia). Holy Basil has mild bloodthinning properties.For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These pages are best viewed while sipping teaYour browser does not support JavaScript.To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser.