Ocimum tenuiflorum / Ocimum sanctum

Ocimum tenuiflorum / Ocimum sanctum

Family: Lamiaceae

Common name: Holy basil

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Tulsi, is an erect, many-branched subshrub that typically grows 30–60 cm tall, with hairy stems. The leaves are either green or purple, strongly scented, and have decussate phyllotaxy (paired opposite leaves arranged in a cross-like pattern). They are simple, ovate in shape, with slightly toothed margins.

The purplish flowers are arranged in tight whorls on elongate racemes. The flowers are tubular, with green or purple sepals. The fruit consists of small nutlets that contain numerous seeds.

Holy basil has been highly valued in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine for its purported medicinal properties. It is commonly used as an insect repellent, with dried leaves traditionally mixed with stored grains to ward off pests. The essential oil of holy basil is believed to have nematicidal properties (effective against nematodes), and the plant is also used for water disinfection, showcasing its broad range of practical uses.