
- Hindi
- तुलसी
- Botanical
- Ocimum tenuiflorum
- Family
- Lamiaceae
About the plant
The household holy basil — thrives in a pot, keeps pests down and brings pollinators to a balcony.
Growing it
Pinch the flower spikes off to keep the leaf growing.
What it is for
Daily tea, traditional remedies, a pot by the door.
How to grow
- Sunlight
- Four to six hours of direct sun
- Water
- Every second day; less in winter
- Season
- Feb–Mar, Jun–Sep
- Grows in
- Balcony, Garden / ground, Windowsill
- Mature size
- 45–90 cm
- First harvest
- Leaves from week six
Pinch the flower spikes off to keep the leaf growing.
Traditional uses
Traditionally used — recorded as tradition, not as established effect. The two registers below are kept separate on purpose.
Traditional knowledge
Daily tea, traditional remedies, a pot by the door.
Scientific evidence
This record has not yet assessed the research on these uses. Absence of an assessment here is not evidence either way.
Important: Traditional plant use does not replace professional medical advice. Do not treat a condition on the strength of this page — speak to a doctor.
Ecological value
Where it grows in India
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a named specialist
- Published