Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) Also known as Tulsi basil, holy basil is a variety with numerous medicinal properties and has been used in Ayurvedic practices for centuries. Unlike other basils that are better consumed raw, holy basil is better used in teas or cooked dishes and is popular in Indian cuisine.
Which basil has the most health benefits?
Holy basil, also called tulsi, is a bit different from the sweet basil you use in your favorite recipes. Still, its phytochemicals can help to protect against different types of cancer, including lung cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer, and skin cancer.
Which holy basil is medicinal?
Tulsi
Tulsi: A potent adaptogen
[2] Within Ayurveda, tulsi is known as “The Incomparable One,” “Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs,” and is revered as an “elixir of life” that is without equal for both its medicinal and spiritual properties.
Which type of basil is best?
The best variety to grow for flavor is sweet basil
Sweet basil, specifically a variety of sweet basil called Genovese basil, is the star of the Italian classic, pesto, as well as many other sauces and soups. It’s also really easy to grow and will give you an abundance of big leaves you can toss onto your meals.
What type of basil is 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.
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.
What is purple basil good for?
Health benefits
Like other basil, Purple basil is packed with Vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting and aids in bone strength. Used medicinally for its antioxidants and antibacterial properties, basil oil provides an immune system boost and combats aging and skin ailments.
Which tulsi is best for medicine?
Purple Leaf Tulsi also known as Krishna Tulsi has a unique colour and the leaves are crisp in texture. But this variant of Tulsi has been used for its medicinal purposes in curing throat infections, respiratory system, nasal lesions, ear ache and skin diseases.
Is Thai basil and holy basil the same?
Holy basil is another type of basil native to Southeast Asia, and it’s easy to confuse it with Thai basil, as it’s sometimes referred to as “Thai holy basil.” But the two actually belong to different species — holy basil belongs to the Ocimum tenuiflorum species, and Thai basil belongs to the Ocimum basilicum species.
Is Thai holy basil same as tulsi?
Thai Holy Basil is one of many varieties of holy basil or Tulsi as it’s known in India with a distinctive aroma. Ocimum tenuiflorum is sharp and peppery, with perhaps a touch of lemon. Many people confuse it with Thai Sweet Basil (horapa in Thai), which is a slightly sharper herb with a hint of liquorice.
What’s the difference between sweet basil and Italian basil?
Genovese basil has leaves that are slightly larger than sweet basil; further, they are flatter and come to a point. It is more aromatic than sweet basil and has dark green, shiny leaves. The taste of Genovese basil has been described as having hints of mint and clove while at the same time being peppery and spicy.
What’s the difference between Thai basil and Italian basil?
The basil that you’re more likely to recognize at the grocery store is most likely Italian sweet basil. It’s got a shinier finish and has much more round leaves that tend to be a little more floppy and delicate. In terms of taste, Thai basil smells like anise and has a more licorice smell with a slightly spicy taste.
What kind of basil is used for tea?
Tulsi or holy basil is known for its restorative properties makes a wonderful tea. It can also be used in cooking and provides a sharper flavor than a sweet basil, but is just as complex.
Is Italian basil same as tulsi?
As a result, tulsi is often referred to as basil or vice versa by the most of the consumers in the world. But tulsi and basil are two different plants; the botanical name of tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas the botanical name of basil is Ocimum basilicum. Both tulsi and basil belong to the Lamiaceae family.
What is the difference between basil and holy basil essential oil?
Scent: Holy Basil has a scent similar to other varieties of basil, but it has a richer, spicier aroma, thanks to its eugenol content.
Is all basil holy basil?
Although the names may sound similar, the origin of these plants are different. 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.
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 tulsi harmful for liver?
06/7It may cause damage to the liver
Tulsi has eugenol, which is also found in cloves and balsam of Peru. While small amounts of eugenol can prevent toxin-induced damage in the liver, too much of it can cause liver damage, nausea, diarrhoea, rapid heartbeat and convulsions.
Is basil good for your liver?
Basil may help prevent fat build-up in the liver and keep your liver healthy. Basil may help prevent fat build-up in the liver and keeps your liver healthy. Basil also helps restore the body’s natural pH levels and feeds healthy bacteria within the gut microflora.
What is the difference between purple and green basil?
Purple Basil
As its name suggests, this type of basil isn’t green like most herbs. It’s a vibrant purple color with larger-than-normal leaves. It’s not as sweet as other basil varieties, and it has a strong clove flavor.
Are all types of basil edible?
Almost every basil variety is grown as a culinary herb. And not just the leaves, the flowers, and stems of the basil are perfectly edible. You can use the flowers to make tea or sprinkle them on your salad and pasta to make them look prettier.