What is the difference between basil and holy 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.

Can basil substitute holy basil?

It gives a pungent flavor to the dish. But if one is unable to get Thai Basil leaves, they can use some other Basil leaves as a Thai Basil Substitute. Holy Basil – Holy basil adds a spicy flavor to Thai dishes. This herb is added to make the food aroma stronger.

Why is basil called holy?

It is originally from India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen” to counter life's stresses. It is considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines. The Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means "the incomparable one." Medicine is made from the leaves, stems, and seeds.

Is tulsi and basil the same thing?

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.

Who should not take holy basil?

Tulsi and Basil are same? Difference between Basil and Tulsi or Holy Basil | Ayurveda Health

Can holy basil damage 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.

What does holy basil treat?

Holy basil has been shown to boost your body's health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach.

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.

Can I cook with holy basil?

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.

What does holy basil look like?

Holy basil is a perennial shrub that can grow anywhere between 1 and 2 feet tall (30 to 60 cm). Its leaves are small and rounded, with noticeable serrations along the edge, and are typically green. Some varieties have purple leaves, such as the Krishna Tulsi, but they are more commonly grown in India and Nepal.

What is holy basil called in English?

Holy basil is the English name for the plant Ocimum sanctum. People should not mistake this with the culinary form of basil, which comes from the plant Ocimum basilicum.

Is holy basil the same as scent leaf?

Ocimum gratissimum is popularly known as scent leaf; it is known as efinrin in Yoruba, nchanwu in Igbo and daidoya in Hausa. The best known species are the strongly aromatic herb, Ocimum basilicum (Thai basil) as well as the medicinal herb Ocimum tenuiflorum also known as Ocimum sanctum (holy basil or tulsi in Hindi).

Does holy basil make you sleepy?

However, it's best known for its calming properties and stress reduction. And that makes Holy Basil an effective sleep aid. Daily Stress Impacts Your Sleep – If you keep waking up in the middle of the night, it can be due to a stress hormone called cortisol.

Can you use holy basil for pesto?

Not only is holy basil pesto very quick and easy to make, but it has a lot of therapeutic properties! As we wrote about in detail in our Top 5 Health Benefits of Holy Basil blog post, holy basil is chock-full of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and antioxidants like chlorophyll.

Is holy basil essential oil the same as 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. Blends With: Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lemon, Neroli, Rosemary.

Which basil is used in Thai cooking?

Thai basil is a variety of basil (Ocimum basilicum) best known for its use in Asian cuisine. Unlike its cousin, Italian basil (aka Genovese basil), Thai basil has sturdy, resilient leaves that stand up well to extended cooking times and prolonged heat.

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. Krishna tulsi is crisp and peppery.

What are the benefits of holy basil tea?

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.

How do I use fresh tulsi basil?

Does holy basil affect the thyroid?

Holy basil might lower thyroxine levels. In theory, this could worsen hypothyroidism.

Does holy basil lower blood pressure?

Tulsi leaves or holy basil is known to be an effective treatment for high blood pressure. According to the journal Studies of Ethno-Medicine, combination of neem and tulsi was beneficial to lower the blood pressure levels due to their active compounds.

Is holy basil good for lungs?

Holy basil has diverse actions on the respiratory system. It effectively liquefies the phlegm and is effective for cough due to allergic bronchitis, asthma and eosinophilic lung disease.

Does holy basil make you gain weight?

Holy Basil Can Promote Healthy Eating and Weight Loss

Due in part to its stress-relieving properties, holy basil can be used to reduce a tendency to binge eat and help control weight gain.

Is holy basil good for your hair?

What About The Benefits For Hair? Holy basil prevents hair loss by strengthening the hair follicles. It also treats dandruff and itching and prevents premature graying of hair.