I've discovered a basil that's mild and fruity tasting, like no other basil I've ever tried - the flavor is Amazing. Have you heard of Tulsi or Holy Basil?
I'm in LOVE - Holy Basil and Tulsi Basil are both used to describe this beautiful herb - YES, it's beautiful. HB has pungent musky scent with a hint of cloves, anise and mint.
There are four different varieties of Holy Basil/Tulsi. These are: Krishna Tulsi, Vana Tulsi, Rama Tulsi and Temperate Tulsi. This year I grew the Temperate Tulsi as that was readily available at the farmers market I attend.
Holy basil is such a pleasing aromatic herb. It's scent is uplifitng - and is super easy to grow. It likes low to moderate water and likes 6-8 hours of sun. Temperate Tulsi/Holy Basil will grow well and in mounds if you place a seed start 8 inches from each other. The plants will become full and will love being packed in together.
HB is known to repell mosquito's and perfect to place in planters near your seating areas. If you see bees pollinating the flowers on this beauty - their hive is close by.
Companion plants that go well with HB are: cilantro, dill, oregano, sage, thyme, the foliage, fragrance and flowers of holy basil lend a lovely scent to home herb gardens. The aromatic leaves and flowers can be used in salads, herb butters, seasoning mixtures or tea.
Holy Basil grows in zone 7-10 well. It will die if the temps get below 35*
* In the garden as I brush against this herb, its fragrance, delicate and inviting, makes me long to bathe in it's soothing aroma, a tranquil embrace for my soul - nature's gift offers a moment of pure joy and a sign of her peace*.
The flowering tips and leaves can be used fresh or dehydrated for a cold or hot tea which relieves irritation, inflammation and irritation of the mucous membranes. I absolutely LOVE to use the flowers and leaves in a hot tea!
Cup of hot tea: Use 4-5 leaves or a sprig of Holy Basil flowers (you can combine leaves and flowers); place them in a cup with hot water poured over. Place a small saucer over the cup and let steep for 5 -10 minutes. Strain and add honey if preferred.
Teapot: use 14-15 leaves or three sprigs of Holy Basil flower, (you can combine leaves and flowers); place in teapot with hot water poured over. Steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a cup, add honey and Enjoy!
Cold tea: Use 14-15 leaves or three sprigs of Holy Basil flower, place them in a pitcher with cold filtered water over the leaves/flowers. Keep in fridge overnight.
Holy basil can be considered a balm to the entire nervous system. It can be used daily in a tea, 3-7 times a day to support good health - I rely upon it frequently to address my nervous system complaints.
Here's some research:
In a two-month study, 35 patients with anxiety were given 500 mg of holy basil twice daily after meals. The final observations were that holy basil positively affected general anxiety levels as well as the stress and depression that accompany anxiety. The researchers concluded that “O. sanctum may be useful in the treatment of [generalized anxiety disorder] in human[s] and may be a promising anxiolytic agent in the near future.”
(Bhattacharyya, D., T. K. Sur, U. Jana, and P. K. Debnath. “Controlled Programmed Trial of Ocimum Sanctum Leaf on Generalized Anxiety Disorders.” Nepal Medical College Journal: NMCJ 10, no. 3 (September 2008): 176–79)
Plant Properties: adaptogen, anti-microbial, aromatic digestive, relaxing nervine, cardiovascular tonic,expectorant, neuroprotective, antioxidant, immunomodulator, analgesic
Plant Uses: stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, viral infections, fungal infections, depression, colds and flus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), high blood sugar, allergic rhinitis, ulcers, pain
Plant Preparations: tea, decoction, tincture, fresh juice, poultice, powder, infused into ghee or honey
I highly recommend this Link to learn what other things this herb is healthful for -
To purchase Holy Basil seeds I recommend:
(USA) Strictly Medicinal https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/
(Canada) Ravensong Herbal https://ravensongherbals.com/