Herb
Ocimum tenuiflorum
A tier
Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum) is the holy basil/tulsi species—spicy, clove-peppery, sacred in India, and the botanical identity behind Thai holy basil cookery when correctly supplied. Do not interchange freely with O. basilicum in recipes. Tea, worship, and pad krapow are primary uses. Verify leaf aroma if buying as “holy basil.”
Track this ingredient
Unit
Characteristics
Preparations
ChoppedDriedFreshGarnishInfusedPestoTorn
Traits
CloveHoly Basil SpeciesMedicinalPepperySacredSacred MedicinalSpicyTulsi
History
IN
O. tenuiflorum was embedded in Indian religious and medical practice.
Scientific naming eventually stabilised on tenuiflorum/sanctum.
TH
Species used in Southeast Asian spicy basil dishes.
Global herbal markets commercialised O. tenuiflorum teas.