seeds of Ocimum Sanctum tenuiflorum, Tulsi, Holy Basil

Ocimum Sanctum, commonly called Holy basil, is an aromatic plant species of the family Lamiaceae. The plant’s synonyms include Ocimum tenuiflorum, Moschosma tenuiflorum, and Ocimum hirsutum. Other common names for the plant are Tulasi or Tulsi. The plant is also called Thai holy basil in Thailand. Ocimum Sanctum is native to North-Central India and is distributed all over the tropical region of South East Asia. As a result of successful naturalisation, the plant has now spread to the Caribbean and Pacific islands. Ocimum Sanctum is an upright shrub with a considerable number of hairy stems. The stems can grow to a height of between 30 and 60 cm. The leaves are either green or purple and can reach a length of 5 cm. Each leaf is ovate, serrated, fragrant and sharp-pointed at the axis. Flowers are purple as well and develop in whorls. Ocimum Sanctum is a critical component of Hindu religion where the flower petals are useful in the worship of Vishnu. The Indian traditional medicinal practice of Ayurveda makes use of the leaves in the treatment of some conditions. One can consume the leaves as they are or in the form of tea or powder. Another use of the plant is in Thai cuisine where the herb is useful in the preparation of special stir fry that incorporates meat and rice. The leaves of the herb have historically been dried and mixed with stored grain to repel any insects that may ruin the harvest. Ocimum Sanctum is a notorious invasive species, and one would be well advised to consider this in case one is interested in cultivating it. The plant has numerous seeds that are spread rapidly over a given stretch of land. What’s more, Ocimum Sanctum spreads far more vigorously after pruning. The plant can grow in a variety of soil conditions provided the soil is fertile, and there’s adequate moisture.