Holy Basil — Tulsi

(Ocimum tenuiflorum / Ocimum sanctum)

Holy Basil — known throughout India and the Hindu world as Tulsi — is one of the most revered plants in human history. Ocimum tenuiflorum (also written Ocimum sanctum) is a fragrant, branching annual herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to the Indian subcontinent, where it has been cultivated and venerated for over 3,000 years. In Hindu tradition, Tulsi is considered sacred to the god Vishnu and is regarded as a manifestation of the goddess Lakshmi — virtually every traditional Hindu household keeps a living Tulsi plant in a dedicated pot or courtyard shrine, tended daily as an act of devotion. The name “Tulsi” derives from Sanskrit, meaning “the incomparable one.”

Beyond its profound spiritual significance, Holy Basil holds the highest place of honor in Ayurvedic medicine, where it is classified as a Rasayana — a class of herbs considered to promote longevity, vitality, and overall wellbeing — and as an adaptogen, a botanical traditionally used to support the body’s resilience to stress. The leaves, stems, and seeds of Ocimum tenuiflorum contain a rich array of phytochemicals including eugenol, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, flavonoids (orientin, vicenin, luteolin), volatile oils, and adaptogenic compounds. The aroma is distinctive and complex — simultaneously clove-like, peppery, and sweetly herbal, quite different from culinary sweet basil. Our Holy Basil is Certified Organic, available in both Powder and Cut & Sifted forms.

Product Highlights

• Certified Organic aerial herb of Ocimum tenuiflorum — Holy Basil (Tulsi)
• One of the most sacred and revered plants in Hindu tradition and Ayurvedic medicine
• Classified as a Rasayana and adaptogen in Ayurvedic practice
• Rich in eugenol, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, flavonoids, and volatile oils
• Distinctive clove-like, peppery, sweetly herbal aroma
• Available in Powder and Cut & Sifted forms
• Also available as Tulsi herbal teas — see our Tulsi tea collection

How to Use

Herbal Tea: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of cut & sifted holy basil in 8 oz of hot water for 10–15 minutes. The flavor is aromatic, slightly spicy, and clove-forward — delicious on its own or blended with ginger, lemon, or other botanicals. Powder: Stir into smoothies, golden milk, or herbal drink blends. Capsules: Fill empty capsules with holy basil powder for a convenient supplement form. Tincture: Use in alcohol or glycerin-based tincture preparations. Culinary: In Indian cooking, fresh Tulsi leaves are used as a sacred offering and occasionally in chutneys and herbal preparations.

Available in Powder (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz) and Cut & Sifted (4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz) — Certified Organic.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, trying to conceive, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.