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Holy Basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum
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Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) — botanical photograph
Pl. DE80 — Ocimum tenuiflorum
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I

Overview

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as tulsi, is a perennial herb native to the tropical regions of Asia, including India and Southeast Asia. It thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This plant grows up to 1 meter tall with a width of about 30 centimeters, making it an attractive addition to gardens. Holy Basil is both edible and medicinal; its leaves, flowers, and seeds are commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. In Ayurvedic practices, holy basil is known for supporting better sleep by reducing stress, alleviating anxiety through adaptogenic properties, enhancing mood stability during chronic stress, and providing morning energy and focus when consumed as a tea. Its versatility makes it a valuable plant in both culinary and therapeutic contexts.

Quick answers

What is Holy Basil?

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as tulsi, is a perennial herb native to the tropical regions of Asia, including India and Southeast Asia. It thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).

What is Holy Basil used for?

Traditionally used for energy & focus, stress & anxiety, mood support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 3 evidence-ranked uses of Holy Basil
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

4 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Traditional use: tulsi morning tea for clarity + focus. Daily.

    Eugenol + adaptogenic

  • Traditional use: tulsi as adaptogen reducing perceived stress. Daily 300-600mg standardised extract.

    Eugenol + adaptogenic

  • Traditional use: tulsi for mood stability in chronic stress. Daily Ayurvedic tonic.

    Eugenol

    ▲ LimitedMood support →
  • Traditional use: tulsi as adaptogenic nervine. Daily use supports sleep secondary to stress.

    Eugenol + adaptogenic compounds

    ▲ LimitedBetter sleep →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief Blend
stress
tincture
Traditional use of tulsi and wild mint for stress reduction.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Holy Basil thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows to a height of 1 meter with a width of about 30 cm. Hardy in temperate regions from zones 10-12, this annual plant requires regular watering but can tolerate some drought once established. Propagate via seed for best results. Harvest its edible parts, including flowers, leaves, and seeds, throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m × 0.3 m
For first-time growers

How to grow Holy Basil for the first time

7steps

Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic soil to grow Holy Basil successfully.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, small pots, potting mix, water.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are warm.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining potting mix. Containers should be at least 15 cm deep.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after danger of frost.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil moist and place in a sunny spot. Water daily until plants are established.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Provide full sun, 6-8 hours per day.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and harvest leaves as needed.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeed
Edible uses: Holy Basil's leaves and flowers are commonly eaten fresh or dried. The seeds can also be used, often in small quantities for flavoring. Leaves are typically added to salads, soups, and curries, while the flowers may be used in teas or as a garnish. Dried leaves and flowers are sometimes steeped in hot water to make herbal infusions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

36 native · 19 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 36 native· 19 introduced
Asia13 regions
native (13)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanPhilippinesSri LankaTaiwanThailandVietnam
Americas5 regions
introduced (5)BahamasColombiaCubaDominican RepublicVenezuela
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)KenyaMalawiZambia
Oceania3 regions
native (1)Vanuatu
introduced (2)FijiSamoa
Broader regions
native:Andaman Is., Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Caroline Is., East Himalaya, Hainan, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Marianas, Marshall Is., New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Queensland, Solomon Is., South China Sea, Sulawesi, Sumatera, West Himalaya
introduced:Cayman Is., Line Is., Marquesas, Niue, Society Is., Southwest Caribbean, Tokelau-Manihiki, Trinidad-Tobago, Windward Is.
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) — botanical photograph
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

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