Tulsi 'Holy Basil'

Tulsi or 'Holy Basil' is an aromatic perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family and is widely cultivated throughout the Asian tropics. It has widespread culinary, medicinal, cosmetic and cultural uses. In fact the list of things it is used for is seemingly endless: from simple aromatic ingredient in a stir fry to herbal tea ('Tulsi Tea'), to insect repellant to improver of hair, skin, nails and blood sugar. From a central role in Hindu lamp-lighting ceremonies to use as an antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic etc etc. If you have a problem, Tulsi is probably the solution!

Other names: Krishna Tulsi, Tulasi, Thulasi, Manjari,  Trittavu, Tulshi, Basil Kapoor, Sacred Basil, Monk's Basil etc.