Krishna Holy Basil leaf, organic
Rama Holy Basil leaf, organic
Tulsi Kapoor Holy Basil leaf, organic
Holy Basil, known as Tulsi, is a shrub used in ayurvedic medicine that is considered a sacred plant in Hinduism. It is different from common basil (Ocimum basilicum) which lacks the medicinal properties of tulsi. All varieties of Tulsi contain eugenol (oil of clove) and taste and smell of clove.
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Krishna Holy Basil leaf, a tropical tulsi grown in India, has a bold, spicy, peppery taste, with undertones of mint, cinnamon, and mild licorice.
Ocimum tenuiflorum
Rama Holy Basil, a tropical tulsi, is the most common type of tulsi grown in India. Rama Holy Basil is known for its mellow flavor and clove-like scent.
Ocimum x africanum
Tulsi Kapoor Holy Basil, the American temperate variety of Holy Basil, has a tutti frutti scent and flavor that has been described as citrusy and spicy. While Rama and Krishna have a camphor-like taste, Tulsi Kapoor does not.
Holy Basil’s leaves contain essential oils—specifically eugenol, camphor, and cineole—that provide antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it effective for treating skin infections, wounds, and reducing acne. Eugenol also contains antiseptic, anesthetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory (due to linolenic acid), analgesic, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Rosmarinic acid gives Tulsi an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) property, with the highest level found in Krishna. Tulsi is also able to lower blood sugar and blood pressure, decrease platelet aggregation, and lower lipids, resulting in lowered total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Making Tea:
To extract the full benefits of tulsi, the water must be hot enough, but not so hot it degrades the beneficial compounds.
Quantity: Use 1 heaping tsp. of leaves per 8 oz. water.
Water temp.: 190°F to 205°F, just below a full boil.
Steep time: 7 to 10 minutes
Keep pot covered to prevent evaporation of volatile oils.
As with all herbs and botanicals, a medical professional should be consulted before using Holy Basil. It can potentially cause a miscarriage so should be avoided by pregnant women, women trying to conceive, and nursing mothers. It can cause low blood sugar or slow blood-clotting so should be avoided by those taking diabetes medication, blood-thinners, or who are scheduled for surgery. It can also worsen hypothyroidism as it may lower thyroxine levels. Individuals taking sedatives should also avoid tulsi.