Holy basil (bot. Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as tulsi or tulasi, is a species of basil found from tropical and subtropical Asia to northern Australia. Unlike common basil, Holy basil has a milder, more floral scent, slightly reminiscent of herbal tea and cloves. In the religious life of many Hindus, the plant is regarded under the name Tulsi as a particularly ‘sacred herb’ that plays a role in religious ceremonies and is associated with many legends, hence the common name Holy Basil. However, it is also used in a variety of ways in cooking, particularly as Tulsi tea in Ayurveda.
Indonesian holy basil
Indonesian holy basil is a variant of Holy basil.
