All varieties of Holy Basil are astringent, pungent, warm and sweet, with notes of peppermint, cloves, licorice, or lemon. Rama has a flavor profile that is more spicy or clove-like, while the Vana variety is more fragrant and sweet, with an anise taste. Krishna tulsi is crisp and peppery.
Does holy basil taste like basil?
They are not! The main difference between Thai basil and holy basil is their flavor. Thai basil has a sweet, anise quality whereas holy basil is found to be spicy and peppery.
What is the flavor of holy basil?
Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it. Holy basil is also available as an essential oil.
Does holy basil taste like licorice?
Taste. Holy basil differs in taste from common or sweet basil and tastes much more like licorice or cloves than sweet basil does. Because of this flavor profile, holy basil is not used in cooking as much as sweet or Italian basil is.
Is holy basil different from regular basil?
The biological nomenclature of Holy Basil is Ocimum Tenuiflorum whereas the scientific name for Basil is Ocimum Basilicum. However, both Basil variants belong to the same Lamiaceae family. The main difference between the types of Basil leaves is in terms of the usage and they have different sensory properties.
What are the side effects of holy basil?
Side effects of holy basil also include upset stomach. You should be cautious about using holy basil if you: Have low blood sugar.
Research on animals shows that holy basil may:
- Cause low blood sugar (animals and humans)
- Promote bleeding.
- Decrease fertility.
Does holy basil give you energy?
Holy basil is a calming adaptogen, which means it can mitigate the potential adverse effects of stress on the body by inducing relaxation while providing a sustainable, lasting energy.
What is holy basil used for in cooking?
Holy basil is an important ingredient in one of the more famous Thai street dishes, chicken with Holy basil or ‘gai pad grapow’. In many Thai stir fry dishes, Holy basil is used as an aromatic with garlic, fish sauce and chilies to impart flavor into meat, fish, or chicken.
Does holy basil increase testosterone?
Holy Basil and Testosterone
As it turns out there is an androgenic analogue in holy basil that acts similarly to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In one rabbit study it literally took their testosterone levels higher than could be measured by the equipment being used.
How fast does holy basil work for anxiety?
Holy basil and ashwagandha may start working at different times, which is a good reason to take both of them together. Ashwagandha has been shown to start working within the first two weeks. People report feeling the full benefits of holy basil in about 60 days.
What flavors go well with holy basil?
With it’s robust, slightly sweet flavor, tulsi is also a strong counterpart to spicy herbs like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon, and calming when paired with cooling herbs like mint or sage.
Why is it called holy basil?
As Tulsi traveled west along the early trade routes from the Orient to Europe, it became known to the Christians as “sacred” or “holy” basil as is reflected in its Latin botanical name, Ocimum sanctum.
What is holy basil tea good for?
Potential Health Benefits of Holy Basil Tea
It is a common herb in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, known to help skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and joint conditions. Holy basil contains bioactive compounds like eugenol, camphene, cineole, and camphor that may help to open your airways and improve breathing.
What’s another name for holy basil?
holy basil, (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also called tulsi or tulasi, flowering plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) grown for its aromatic leaves. Holy basil is native to the Indian subcontinent and grows throughout Southeast Asia.
Does basil tea help with anxiety?
Holy basil, a simple herbal adaptogen, may help at a number of levels. It can add a calming effect for an anxious mind and reduce the tendency to keep the stress response going. It can slow the release of cortisol, and once it is released, holy basil blocks the cortisol receptors, limiting the damage it can do.
What can you substitute holy basil with?
Substitutes for Basil:
Basil substitutes can include its mint cousins: oregano, mint, and thyme. Tarragon and savory are also suitable alternatives to basil. Because basil is included in Italian seasoning, that is also a good alternative for basil when called for in an Italian-style recipe.
Who should not drink holy basil tea?
Holy basil is probably safe for most people; however, Pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who are trying to become pregnant, and people with type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, and those undergoing surgery should avoid holy basil.
Does holy basil raise blood pressure?
Can holy basil lower blood pressure? Preliminary studies show holy basil normalizes blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid (cholesterol) levels.
Can basil cause blood clots?
Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting. Taking basil oils or extracts along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Is holy basil hard on your liver?
Liver-Damaging Effects
There may also be adverse effects on the liver of some people taking holy basil supplements.
Does holy basil make you sleep?
Because of its calming effects, you may be wondering if holy basil can make you sleepy or reduce your energy, but in fact, holy basil does neither. Consuming the herb just helps you maintain balance, so you feel good during the day, and ready to rest by the time you hit the pillow.