Also Known as
Indian Basil

Description
The Queen of Herbs - is the most sacred herb of India. Tulsi although also known as Holy Basil, is a different plant from the pesto variety of Basil. Tulsi has been revered in India for over five thousand years, as a healing balm for body, mind and spirit, and is known to bestow an amazing number of health benefits. Basil is a highly fragrant plant whose leaves are used as a seasoning herb for many different types of foods. Basil has become one of the most recognizable herbs ever since pesto, the mixture of basil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese, has become popular.
Basil has round leaves that are oftentimes pointed. They are green in color, although some varieties feature hints of red or purple. Basil looks a little like peppermint, which is not surprising since they belong to the same plant family.
There are more than 60 varieties of basil, all of which differ somewhat in appearance and taste. While the taste of sweet basil is bright and pungent, other varieties also offer unique tastes: lemon basil, anise basil and cinnamon basil all have flavors that subtly reflect their name.

Chopped tulsi
Strip the leaves from the stems. Gather the leaves and, using a chef's knife, chop coarsely or finely as desired by the recipe.

How to Select
Whenever possible, choose fresh basil over the dried form of the herb since it is superior in flavor. The leaves of fresh basil should look vibrant and be deep green in color. They should be free from darks spots or yellowing.
Even through dried herbs and spices like basil are widely available in supermarkets, you may want to explore the local spice stores in your area. Oftentimes, these stores feature an expansive selection of dried herbs and spices that are of superior quality and freshness compared to those offered in regular markets. Just like with other dried herbs, when purchasing dried basil, try to select organically grown basil since this will give you more assurance that it has not been irradiated.

Culinary Uses
· Basil is used in vegetables, tomato sauces, pizzas and cheeses.
· It is used in green Thai curry and Italian seasonings.
· Basil ice cubes are can be used for stews and soups.
· Combine fresh chopped basil with garlic and olive oil to make a dairy-free variety of pesto that can top a variety of dishes including pasta and whole wheat brushetta.
· Combine chopped basil with lemon juice, evaporated cane juice and water, and freeze in ice cube trays. Once frozen, gently blend in a food processor to create a refreshing Mediterranean-style iced granita dessert.
· Enjoy a taste of Italy by layering fresh basil leaves over tomato slices and mozzarella cheese to create this traditional colorful and delicious salad.
· Adding basil to healthy stir-fries, especially those that include eggplant, cabbage, chili peppers, tofu and cashew nuts will give them a Thai flair.
· Pure basil, olive oil and onions in a food processor or blender and add to tomato soups.
· Enjoy a warm cup of invigorating basil tea by infusing chopped basil leaves in boiling water for eight minutes.

How to Store
Fresh basil should be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel. It may also be frozen, either whole or chopped, in airtight containers. Alternatively, you can freeze the basil in ice cube trays covered with either water or stock that can be added when preparing soups or stews. Dried basil should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place where it will keep fresh for about six months.
Refrigerate wrapped in damp paper towels and plastic bag for up to 4 days or stems down in a glass of water with plastic over the leaves for about a week with regular water changing. Store the dried herb for 6 months in a cool dark place.

Health Benefits
· Tulsi is rich in antioxidant and renowned for its restorative powers
· Basil is a very good source of iron, calcium and vitamin A.
· It is also a very good source of dietary fiber. In addition, basil is a good source of vitamin B6, magnesium and potassium
· It acts as anti bacterial and anti parasitic, therefore is widely used in infectious diseases.
· Holy basil act on nervous system providing them strength, relieves stress and helps in relieving pain.
· It work as appetizer and promotes digestion by helping in secretion of digestive enzymes.
· Tulsi juice when mixed with ginger juice is very effective in abdominal disorder in children.
· It helps in preventing flatulence and avoids constipated stool.
· It is an effective natural cure for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).
· Sacred basil works as good expectorant relieving from wet cough.
· It is very useful in bronchitis and asthmatic conditions.
· It works as antibiotic eliminating the bacteria.
· Take powder of Tulsi leaves with saunth (dried ginger) and sugar with hot water in fevers.
· It also possesses anti-cancerous properties.
· Tulsi juice drops are very effective in earache.
· Keep powder of tulsi root in water for overnight and take it early morning for diabetes natural cure.
· It works as a powerful antioxidant thereby helps in preventing early aging signs and makes the skin young.
· Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.
· The leaves are quite effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
· Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.
· Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.
· To sum up the above, Tulsi reduces stress, enhances stamina, relieves inflammation, lowers cholesterol, eliminates toxins, protects against radiation, prevents gastric ulcers, lowers fevers, improves digestion and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. Tulsi is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver and lungs and also regulates blood pressure and blood sugar.