By Mary Ellen Ellis
Shidonna Raven, Chief Editor
Updated January 20, 2023
Source: Gardening Know How
Photo Source: Unsplash,
Editor's Notes: Different cultures may have different religious beliefs and thus uses and practices associated with Holy Basil. Indeed, some Asian cultures may choose not to use Holy Basil at all, rather they may choose to use (Sweet) other Basil varieties.
Native to South and Southeast Asia, holy basil is an herb with important cultural and religious significance. In other parts of the world, this herb is most familiar as a common flavor in Thai food, but it is a sacred plant for Hindus. You can enjoy this fragrant, tasty, and medicinal herb right in your own garden.
What is Holy Basil?
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), is closely related to the sweet basil used in kitchens around the world. It is a short-lived, woody, herbal perennial that grows best in tropical and subtropical climates. It grows well in containers for gardens too, and homes in colder regions.
In India, holy basil is traditionally grown in containers in and around temples for the purpose of cleansing visitors. Holy basil plants are also important in Ayurvedic. Note: an Indian traditional with links to non-traditional religion) medicine and have been used for thousands of years.
Holy Basil Uses
In addition to its religious uses and significance, holy basil is used in cooking and medicine. It is more often used as a culinary herb in Southeast Asian countries. You can use it in any way that you would use sweet basil: in sauces, salads, stir fries, chicken dishes, pastas, and more. Holy basil’s flavor is spicier than that of sweet basil.
Holy basil herbs have long been used medicinally as well. There is some evidence that it is effective in treating and relieving certain symptoms. Holy basil is used for nausea and other stomach ailments, to reduce inflammation, to promote relaxation and alleviate stress, and to relieve headaches, toothaches, earaches, joint pain, cold and flu symptoms, and fevers.
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