Written by: Dr. Frannie Koe, MD
What is the difference between basil and Holy Basil? Both are herbs from the Lamiaceae family. Common basil, scientific name Ocimum basilicum, is a culinary herb frequently used in Italian cooking. It is also a tender annual plant and is very easy to grow in the southeast because it loves warm weather. In fact, it is extremely frost-tender and thrives in hot, humid southern summers.
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is sweeter, often found in medicinal applications, and used to make a delicious tea called Tulsi tea. It is an aromatic perennial shrub, is native to India, and grows widely through Southeast Asia, although it can be cultivated here as well.
There are different varieties of both types of basil. While both plants are in the same family, in the US, people are most familiar with common basil (Ocimum basilicum) and often use it in pesto, spaghetti or other dishes. On my farm, we often dry it. We have a lot of basil at the end of the summer and also love to make pesto with it. We freeze extra pesto so that we can enjoy it all winter. Pesto is also a wonderful topping for miracle noodles which are both a low carb and a delicious way to enjoy pesto.
Holy basil gets its name from its medicinal, religious and cultural uses in India. It is considered a holy plant there and is frequently planted around shrines. You can find more information about Ocimum tenuiflorum, or holy basil, in the drink section as well as herbal medicine section of our page.
Tulsi Tea
*First, it is important to remember that, although I am a physician, the following information has not been evaluated by the FDA. Additionally, I do not make any health claims in this article nor on this site, and is important that you consult with your health care practitioner before starting anything new that may affect your health.
We will add more details in the herb section, but a general overview of Holy Basil is as follows. Holy Basil (or Tulsi tea) has a centuries-old history in Ayurvedic medicine (the traditional healing system originating in India). According to this tradition, holy basil has been used to help improve the immune system. Other traditional folk medicinal uses include the regulation of blood sugar, facilitate the metabolism of carbs and fats (to help with weight loss), soothe discomfort associated with colds and cough, and ease digestion and stomach complaints.
Although herbs and plants have medicinal uses and can frequently, and safely be used to help improve our health, it is important to know that many plants have contraindications which is why it is so important to contact a qualified medical practitioner before adding anything to your diet or health routine. You must be aware of any herbs or plants that may cause side effects when taken in large quantities, including this tea. It may thin the blood, decrease fertility, interact with medications or dangerously lower blood sugar when on blood sugar medications. It does not mean you cannot drink it. Just make sure you monitor your health issues, consult your health care provider, and drink in moderation.
I love the smell and taste. I use dried leaves in a tea press and add a little Whole Earth sweetener when I make a cup, but you can also purchase Tulsi tea bags to streamline the process.
Below is a link to purchase Tulsi tea bags:
