Ocimum sanctum (syn. Ocimum tenuiflorum)
| ENG | Holy basil |
| SK | bazalka posvätná |
| CZ | bazalka posvátná |
| PL | bazylia azjatycka |
| HU |
Taxonomic characteristic
Order: Lamiales Family: Lamiaceae, Genus: Ocimum
Using
It is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes (for example help to suppress pain, regulated digestive tract, like a good blood purifier, also strengthens the heart muscles and improved skin related problems and many other), and for its essential oil, but most commonly is consumed as an herbal tea, though it is also used in cooking. Alcohol extracts from the plant heal peptic ulcers. We use seed, leaves, flowers or whole plant
Botanical charakteristic
Holy basil (Tulsi) is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, and cultivated and naturalised in other tropical areas.
It is an erect, much branched subshrub, 30–60 cm tall with hairy stems and simple opposite green or purple leaves that are strongly scented. Leaves have petioles and are ovate, up to 5 cm long, usually slightly toothed. The flowers are purplish in elongate racemes in close whorls.
Why to have the plant in your garden:
The Tulsi plant has many medicinal properties, because the leaves are packed with antioxidants and essential oils. It has very potent germicidal, fungicidal, anti-bacterial and anti-biotic properties.
Text:
Ing. Ján Farkaš, SUA, Nitra, Slovak Republic
Photo:
Dr. Ivana Mezeyová, SUA, Nitra, Slovak Republic
Links to scientific articles
http://www.ayushveda.com/herbs/ocimum-sanctum.htm
http://studies-in-botany.blogspot.sk/2013/12/details-about-ocimum-tenuiflorumtulasi.html
http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/ocimum-tenuiflorum-holy-basil
