Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil) Herb Plant

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) Herb in 9cm Pot 

Holy basil, or tulasī as it is known in its native Asia is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae. It was previously called Ocimum sanctum before being reclassified to Ocimum tenuiflorum.

It is native to the Indian Subcontinent and is widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. It grows to 30–60 cm tall and has hairy stems and simple opposite green or purple leaves that are strongly scented. Leaves have petioles and are ovate, up to 5 cm long, usually slightly toothed. The flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls. 

Herb Usage

Tulasi is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes, hence its common name of Holy Basil in fact it has an important role within the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving holy basil plants or leaves. This plant is revered as an elixir of life .   It is widely known across the Indian subcontinent as a medicinal plant and is made into a herbal tea which is used in Ayurvedic medicine.  It can also be made into an essential oil. The dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects for many centuries. It is often used in Thai cooking but is not to be confused with Thai Basil. 

Buy Holy Basil Online

Our potted Holy Basil herb plants are generally available to buy online between May and September.