Holy Basil / Tulsi Monograph

Holy Basil / Tulsi

Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. Ocimum sanctum)

Quick Reference

Common names: holy basil, tulsi, sacred basil
Latin name: Ocimum tenuiflorum
Plant family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Parts used: leaves, flowering tops
Primary actions: adaptogen, nervine, carminative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
Best preparations: infusion (tea), tincture, fresh herb, powder
Safety rating: generally very safe with mild cautions
Grown at Wild Clover Farm: yes — cultivated annually

Botanical Description and Identification

Holy basil, commonly known as tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), is a highly aromatic medicinal plant revered for both its spiritual and therapeutic qualities. Native to the Indian subcontinent, tulsi has been cultivated for thousands of years and is considered a sacred plant in Ayurvedic tradition.

Plant Characteristics

Leaves:
Leaves are oval, toothed, and slightly fuzzy, measuring 1 to 2 inches long. Depending on the variety, leaves may be bright green (Rama tulsi) or deep purple-green (Krishna tulsi). When crushed, leaves release a strong, clove-like aroma.

Flowers:
Small, tubular flowers appear on upright spikes. Flowers are typically white to pale lavender and bloom continuously once the plant reaches maturity.

Stems:
Stems are square and branching, characteristic of the mint family. Mature plants develop a woody base under warm growing conditions.

Growth habit:
Tulsi is a tender perennial in tropical climates and is grown as an annual in temperate regions. Plants typically reach 18 to 36 inches tall with a bushy, upright form.

Identification Notes

Tulsi is distinct from culinary basil (Ocimum basilicum). It has a stronger aroma, a more complex flavor profile, and a noticeably fuzzy texture. Always confirm species when growing or harvesting for medicinal use.

Native Range and Habitat

Holy basil is native to India and Southeast Asia, where it grows in warm, tropical environments. It thrives in cultivated gardens, temple courtyards, and household plantings.

Through cultivation, tulsi is now grown worldwide in temperate regions as an annual herb. It does not commonly naturalize outside tropical climates and prefers managed garden conditions.

Growing Holy Basil

Climate and Growing Conditions

Holy basil grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 11 as a perennial and is grown as an annual elsewhere.

Sunlight:
Full sun is ideal, though light afternoon shade is beneficial in very hot climates.

Soil:
Tulsi prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Water:
Moderate, consistent moisture is important, especially during establishment. Avoid waterlogged soil.

Temperature:
Tulsi is heat loving and frost sensitive. Growth slows significantly when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Growing From Seed

Holy basil is easily grown from seed.

When to plant:

• Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost
• Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost has passed

How to plant:

• Sow seeds on the soil surface or barely cover.
• Press gently into the soil.
• Keep soil consistently moist until germination.

Seeds typically germinate within 5 to 10 days.

Plants benefit from regular pinching to encourage branching and leaf production.

Care and Maintenance

• Pinch growing tips regularly to promote bushy growth
• Harvest frequently to delay flowering
• Provide consistent water during hot weather
• Mulch lightly to retain moisture
• Remove flower spikes if leaf production is desired

Tulsi is generally pest resistant, though aphids and whiteflies may appear under stress conditions.

Harvesting Holy Basil

What to Harvest and When

Leaves and flowering tops are harvested for medicinal use.

Harvest may begin once plants reach 8 to 12 inches tall. Regular harvesting encourages continued growth.

The best time to harvest is midmorning, after dew has dried and before midday heat.

Harvest one-third of the plant at a time to maintain vigor.

Drying and Storage

Tulsi may be used fresh or dried.

Drying:
Hang small bundles upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space or dry on screens. Leaves dry quickly, typically within five to seven days.

Storage:
Store dried leaves in airtight containers away from light and heat. Shelf life is approximately one year.

Fresh leaves may be stored short term in the refrigerator or processed immediately.

Traditional and Modern Uses

Holy basil is best known as an adaptogenic herb that supports resilience to physical, mental, and emotional stress.

Primary Uses

• Supports stress response and nervous system balance
• Promotes mental clarity and emotional well-being
• Supports digestion and reduces gas and bloating
• Provides immune and respiratory support
• Exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties

Tulsi is traditionally consumed daily as a tea in many cultures and is valued for long-term use.

Energetics and Traditional Classification

• Temperature: warm
• Moisture: dry
• Taste: pungent, bitter
• Tissue affinities: nervous system, lungs, digestive tract
• Energetic indications: stress, stagnation, dampness, respiratory congestion

Holy basil is traditionally classified as an adaptogenic aromatic, supporting resilience to stress while gently stimulating circulation and digestion. In Ayurvedic tradition, tulsi is considered a sacred plant with broad systemic benefits.

Primary Herbal Actions

• Adaptogen: supports stress resilience
• Nervine: calms and balances the nervous system
• Expectorant: supports respiratory health
• Antimicrobial: supports resistance to infection
• Carminative: aids digestion

Preparation Methods

Tulsi Tea

Tulsi tea is the most common preparation.

Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Tea may be consumed daily and is often blended with other herbs for flavor and synergistic effects.

Tulsi Tincture

Tulsi tincture is used for stress support, nervous system balance, and immune support. It may be taken alone or combined with other adaptogenic herbs.

Fresh Herb Use

Fresh tulsi leaves may be chewed, juiced, or added to food and beverages. Flavor is spicy, slightly bitter, and aromatic.

Safety and Contraindications

Holy basil is generally very safe when used appropriately.

• Safe for long-term use in most individuals
• Traditionally avoided during pregnancy in large medicinal doses
• May lower blood sugar or blood pressure in sensitive individuals
• Use caution before surgery due to mild blood-thinning effects

Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur.

Wild Clover Farm Notes

At Wild Clover Farm, holy basil is grown as a cherished annual herb and harvested frequently throughout the summer. Regular harvesting keeps plants productive and delays flowering.

Tulsi is primarily dried for daily tea blends and tincture use, serving as a foundational adaptogenic herb in the farm’s herbal offerings.

Oklahoma/Zone 7 Growing Notes

• Loves Oklahoma heat; it’s one of a few herbs that thrive in 100°F+ temperatures
• Treat as warm-season annual and plant after last frost (mid-April), dies at first frost
• Blooms continuously June through October
• Self-sows moderately; volunteers appear next spring if allowed to seed
• Unlike some medicinal herbs which struggle in our heat, tulsi gets stronger as summer intensifies; plant in July for vigorous fall harvest when other herbs are stressed

Foraging:

• Cultivated annual; not typically wild-foraged
• Harvest aerial parts throughout the growing season
• Best harvested before flowering
• Confirm identification, as culinary basils differ medicinally
• Grow or source organically

Common Questions

Can Holy Basil be used daily?
Yes. Tulsi is traditionally used daily as a tonic herb.

Is Holy Basil safe during pregnancy?
Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy.

References and Further Reading

• Tierra, Michael. Planetary Herbology
• Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism
• Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult a qualified health care provider before using herbal products, especially during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or when taking medications.