Scientific classification

Kingdom:

Plantae

(unranked):

Asterids

Order:

Lamiales

Family:

Lamiaceae

Genus:

Ocimum

Species:

O. tenuiflorum

Binomial name

Ocimum tenuiflorum
L.

Synonyms

Ocimum sanctum

Ocimum tenuiflorum (also tulsi, tulas , or Holy Basil) is an aromatic plant in the familyLamiaceae which is native throughout the Old World tropics and widespread as a cultivated plant and an escaped weed.[1] It is an erect, much branched subshrub 3060 cm tall with hairy stems and simple opposite green leaves that are strongly scented. Leaves have petioles, and are ovate, up to 5 cm long, usually slightly toothed. Flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls.[2] There are two main morphotypes cultivated in Indiagreen-leaved (Sri or Lakshmi tulsi) and purple-leaved (Krishna tulsi).[3] Tulsi is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil. It is widely known across South Asia as a medicinal plant and an herbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda, and has an important

role within the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving tulsi plants or leaves. There is also a variety of Ocimum tenuiflorum which is used in Thai cuisine, and is referred to asThai holy basil, or kraphao not be confused with Thai basil, which is a variety ofOcimum basilicum.

Medical uses
Recent studies suggest that tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its high concentration of eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene).[5][6]One study showed Tulsi to be an effective treatment for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels.[7] The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with tulsi. Another study showed that tulsi's beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.[8] Tulsi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning and cataracts.[10] The fixed oil has demonstrated antihyperlipidemic and cardioprotective effects in rats fed a high fat diet[11]Experimental studies have shown that an alcoholic extract of Tulsi modulates immunity, thus promoting immune system function.[12] Some of the main chemical constituents of tulsi are: Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Eugenol, Carvacrol, Linalool, and -caryophyllene.[13] ]Ayurveda
[9]

Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned in the Charaka Samhita,[14] an ancient Ayurvedic text. Tulsi is considered to be anadaptogen,[13] balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress.
[15]

Marked by its strong aroma

and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.
[16]

Tulsis extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin preparations due to its anti-bacterial activity. For centuries, the dried leaves of tulsi have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
[17]

Hinduism
Tulsi or tulasi is a sacred plant for Hindus. Water mixed with tulsi petals is given to the dying to raise their departing souls to heaven.[18] Tulsi, which is Sanskrit for "the incomparable one", is worshipped throughout India, most often regarded as a consort of Krishna in the form ofLakshmi.[19][20] According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana tulsi is an expression of Sita.[21] There are two types of tulsi worshipped in Hinduism: "Rama tulsi" has light green leaves and is larger in size; "Shyama tulsi" has dark green leaves and is important for the worship of Hanuman.[22] Many Hindus have tulsi plants growing in front of or near their home, often in special pots. It is also frequently grown next to Hanuman temples, especially in Varanasi.[23] In the ceremony of Tulsi Vivah, tulsi is ceremonially married to Krishna annually on the eleventh day of the waxing moon or twelfth of the month of Kartika in the lunar calendar. This day also marks the end of the four-month C turm sya period, which is considered inauspicious for weddings and other rituals, and so the day inaugurates the annual marriage season in India. The ritual lighting of lamps each evening during Kartika includes the worship of the tulsi plant, which is held to be auspicious for the home. Vaishnavas especially follow the daily worship of tulsi during Kartika.[24] Vaishnavas traditionally use japa malas made from tulsi stems or roots, which are an important symbol of initiation. Tulsi malas are considered to be auspicious for the wearer, and believed to put them under the protection of Hanuman. They have such a strong association with Vaishnavas, that followers of Hanuman are known as "those who bear the tulasi round the neck".[20] Vrinda-devi is an expansion of Srimati Sitarani and her partial expansion is tulasi in Vaikuntha.[citation needed]

Ocimum tenuiflorum AP India

Thai cuisine

Close-up of tulsi leaves

The leaves of holy basil, known as kraphao in the Thai language (Thai: in Thai cuisine.
[25]

), are commonly used

Kraphao should not be confused with horapha (Thai: ).

), which is normally known

as Thai basil,[25] or with Thai lemon basil (maenglak; Thai:

The best-known dish made with this herb is Phat kraphao ( beef, pork or chicken stir fried with Thai holy basil.