Holy basil is a cousf the more common sweet basil. Called Tulsi or Sacred basil in its native India and used for religious purposes, Holy basil is revered and is not typically used for cooking.
Is holy basil used for cooking?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. 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.
Is holy basil the same as cooking basil?
Holy basil, although it has the name ‘basil’ on it, is a different species from the regular one you are used to. It has a stronger flavor and mainly used in Thai cuisine.
Can you cook with dried holy basil?
Holy basil is used to make refreshing herbal drinks. Experiment with it in soups, fish dishes and desserts. Dried basil leaves should ideally be boiled or steamed because frying destroys the delicate fragrance.
Is holy basil hard to cook?
It is often used in religious ceremonies, hence the name “holy” or “sacred” basil. The leaves and flowers are somewhat hairy which can make it difficult to cook with, but varying amounts of flavor can be achieved by sauteing in oil before using.
Who should not take holy basil?
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 contain mercury?
Tulsi leaves have mercury in them, which is not good for the enamel and thus one must not chew them. When chewed, the mercury content in Tulsi gets released in your mouth, which can damage your teeth and cause discolouration.
Can I use tulsi instead of basil in pasta?
Add the Tulsi – one handful of the leaves or more – it will be fine, trust me. Just make sure there’s nothing sweet in the sauce as it’ll make it taste a tad Thai.
Is holy basil tea good for you?
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 does holy basil taste like?
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.
Whats the difference between basil and holy basil?
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 this? Holy basil can often be called Thai holy basil making it confusing to differentiate that they are, in fact, not the same herb.
Is holy basil a nightshade?
This plant is in the nightshade family, so use caution or avoid it if you react to other nightshade plants like potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. Holy Basil/Tulsi/Sacred Basil (Ocimum sanctum, syn. O. tenuiflorum): Holy basil is another calm-energy adaptogen from Ayurveda that also has nervine properties.
How do you use medicinal holy basil?
Holy basil leaves are often made into tea for medicinal use. But according to traditional Ayurvedic medicine, using the whole plant ensures you get all of the bioactive chemicals. Make tea by brewing 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried holy basil in boiling water. Steep for 5 or 6 minutes.
Does holy basil make you sleepy?
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.
What is tulsi holy basil good for?
These studies reveal that tulsi has a unique combination of actions that include: Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic), mosquito repellent, anti-diarrheal, anti-oxidant, anti-cataract, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, radioprotective, hepato-
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.
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.
Is holy basil toxic?
When taken by mouth: Holy basil is possibly safe when used short-term. Holy basil leaf extract has been safely used at a dose of 500 mg daily for 60-90 days. Taking holy basil might cause nausea or diarrhea. There isn’t enough reliable information available to know if it is safe to use long-term.
What is the best way to take holy basil?
Traditionally, holy basil (tulsi) was made into essential oil or dried for tea. Today, adding to juice, smoothies, and snacks are some of the best ways to incorporate this adaptogen into your daily life. It is available in whole form (fresh or dried), powder, and extract form.
Does holy basil affect estrogen?
It does not inhibit estrogen receptors. Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil) decreases androgen function due to antiandrogenic properties, which appear to diminish two weeks after the herb is stopped.
Is basil good for kidneys?
Kidney Health
Basil leaves act as a kidney tonic by cleansing the kidneys and lowering uric acid levels, which is the root cause of kidney stones. Basil contains compounds like acetic acid which help in the expulsion of kidney stones via urine.