Holy Basil Extract

Holy basil is Ocimum tenuiflorum, and is referred to in Sanskrit as Tulsi, meaning the incomparable one. It is an herb that has been widely used in cooking and in eastern medicine.

Though it is native to India, holy basil can be and is cultivated worldwide. If the climate is warm enough, it grows as a perennial. In cooler climates, such as in Europe and North America, it is grown as an annual. The plant prefers full sun, but filtered sunlight is OK as well. It does not like for its "feet" to be wet, and so requires soil that drains well. It can be planted in late spring or early summer, after the nights stay warmer than 10 degrees C (50 degrees F).

Holy basil makes a great container plant and also a nice addition to an herb garden or an ornamental garden. The aroma of the holy basil plant is pleasant, and also discourages mosquitoes. The paler variety is milder flavored, and the red variety of holy basil has a stronger flavor. Red holy basil has stems and leaves that are purplish red in color. Leaves of both types of holy basil are smaller than those of traditional (Mediterranean) basil, and they have bumpy edges rather than smooth.

You might hear holy basil referred to as "pepper basil" or "hot basil." Holy basil is spicy. This is in contrast to sweet, or Mediterranean basil. It reminds some people of cloves, and the flavor intensifies during cooking. Thai cuisine often pairs holy basil with hot chilies, fish sauce, and garlic in delicious stir-fry dishes. In fact, you can substitute holy basil with traditional sweet basil in most recipes for an added kick.

Besides its role in cooking, holy basil is considered a very important herb in ayurvedic medical traditions. Holy basil is mentioned in the Charaka Samhita, which is the fundamental ayurvedic medical text. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties and is considered as a substance that helps the human body adjust to physical and mental stress.

Because of anecdotal evidence of holy basil steadying blood sugar, there are scientific studies underway to see if it may be useful in treating diabetes. It is also used for traditional remedies for many conditions: asthma, bronchitis, colds, headaches, heart disease, inflammatory problems, and digestive troubles. It is used in treatment of poisoning, malaria, and dengue fever. The leaves and essential oils of holy basil are used in powder, fresh, and tea form.

Holy basil is believed to purify the body and the mind, and has an important place in households of Hindu religious tradition. It is considered not just a culinary herb or a medical herb, but also holy, and it is cared for appropriately for such an important plant.