What is the difference between Basil and Holy Basil

Did you know that Holy Basil and Basil are different? Most of us assume that these similar sounding culinary herbs must be the same, but do you actually know what makes these two popular Basil leaves so different yet unique.

Well, there are times when common culinary terms leave us confused, especially in the context of these popular aromatic culinary herbs used in different cuisines in some unique ways. Here’s all you need to know about the striking differences of Holy Basil and Basil leaves.

Holy Basil also known as Tulsi is an aromatic herb plant, which has potent medicinal benefits and holds an important place in Indian culture and is worshipped as an avatar of Goddess Laxmi. Apart from that, Holy basil leaves are great for digestion, improving respiratory system, boosting immunity and its anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties makes it an active ingredient used in several Ayurvedic medicines.

Basil is an aromatic culinary herb primarily used as a flavouring agent in several cuisines like Italian, Vietnamese, Thai and Cambodian. The aromatic herbs can not only accentuate the taste and flavour of delicacies. But at the same time Basil leaves have some potent health and medicinal benefits such as reducing stress, asthma and diabetes mellitus. Apart from that the extracts of these leaves are used in treating cancer, platelet aggregation. Lastly, the antiviral and antimicrobial properties of these leaves makes them a potent ingredient in several medicines.

The Holy Basil plant is believed to be sacred and is worshipped as per the Hindu rituals and traditions. According to Hindu beliefs, Tulsi was an earthly manifestation of Goddess Laxmi and was worshipped with Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Tusli plant helps in clearing the aura and keeps negativity out of the house and this is why most Indian houses have a plant of Tulsi in their courtyard and is worshipped daily.

However, Basil leaves do not hold any religious or mythological significance.

Although the names may sound similar, the origin of these plants are different. The biological nomenclature of Holy Basil is Ocimum Tenuiflorum whereas the scientific name for Basil is Ocimum Basilicum. However, both Basil variants belong to the same Lamiaceae family. The main difference between the types of Basil leaves is in terms of the usage and they have different sensory properties.

Basil on the other hand is majorly used for culinary purposes. Despite the health enriching properties, the extracts of this Basil leaves are mostly used for adding a strong pungent taste and flavour to the delicacies, condiments, teas to name a few.

Unlike Holy Basil, these leaves are majorly used to add flavour and are at the last step of cooking because its flavor compounds are volatile and heat sensitive. From desserts to pesto based condiments to simple pastas, Basil leaves are the main flavour agents used in cooking several dishes.

Holy Basil is majorly used for its medicinal properties and religious purposes. Apart from that, Tulsi and its extracts are used in several home remedies, herbal teas, extracts of (Maduruthala)Tulsi leaves are also used as mosquito repellents for their strong essence.

Moreover, its strong anti-bacterial properties are great for healing skin infections, nourishing the skin and improving digestion. Apart from that, consuming Tulsi in the form of tea or Kadha also helps in weight management.