Holy Basil Plants Now Available

07/14/2008
Holy basil plants (Ocimum tenuiflorum) are now available for purchase in four inch pots. Native to India, these plants have many medicinal uses and are also known as tulsi. Tulsi plants are covered with soft, hairy leaves and have purple stems. They bear purple pink flowers in slender racemes throughout the summer. Unlike most basils, they will grow for many years in a good location, but have little resistance to cold. Like most basils, however, they prefer a sunny, warm and damp location.

Holy basil plants are an aromatic, antiseptic herb which strengthens the immune and nervous systems and lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is considered to be an adaptogenic plant and has a spicy, pungent aroma.

The fresh leaves also have culinary uses, and may be added to salads, fruit, preserves and sweet breads. Interestingly, the oil is also an effective insect repellent.