Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) and Basil (Genovese basil) are two herbs that have many benefits for you. But which is better for you? In this blog post, we will compare the health benefits, side effects, medicinal uses, and culinary uses of these two plants to help you decide.
Holy basil is a different species than the common basil (sweet basil) and is commonly known as tulsi in Southeast Asia. It’s also better for you, but that doesn’t mean it tastes any less delicious! Holy Basil plant has more antioxidants and other nutrients than regular basil does. Plus, its medicinal properties are even greater than those of regular basil. So if you want to reap all the benefits of this ancient herb, head over to your local grocery store and grab some tulsi today!
Unlike its cousin sweet basil, Holy Basil leaves are not just great in salads or as an ingredient in pesto sauce; they can be used medicinally too! It’s been shown to have antibiotic effects on infections such as acne and colds. In addition to these health benefits, use this versatile herb in cooking recipes like salad dressings.
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Holy Basil vs Basil
What is holy basil and how does it differ from sweet basil?
Holy basil is a different plant than sweet basil. It’s also better for you, but that doesn’t mean it tastes any less delicious! Tulsi has more antioxidants and other nutrients than sweet basil does. Plus, its medicinal properties are even greater than those of sweet basil or Genovese basil. So if you want to reap all the benefits of this ancient.
Difference between holy basil and sweet basil
The difference between the basil and holy tulsi is in terms of taste, color, texture, aroma, and culinary uses. Both the basil types have a very different flavors.
Tulsi is not just great in salads or as an ingredient in pesto sauce; it can be used medicinally too! It’s been shown to have antibiotic effects on infections such as acne and colds. In addition to these health benefits, use this versatile herb in cooking recipes like salad dressings.
Basil has a stronger smell than tulsi does, but both herbs taste very similar with basil being slightly sweeter than the holy variety of the plant. The colors are also different: Basil has green leaves but they range from green-purple when picked straight out of the garden; whereas Krishna tulsi will have purple leaves & stems and light olive-green foliage–a bluish-gray color all around.
Italian Basil vs Holy basil
Holy Basil is typically grown in India, Sri Lanka, and other countries while most basil comes from Italy.
Basil can be found at any grocery store nowadays but holy basil may only be found online or in an Indian market because it’s a plant that usually grows in warmer climates like the ones listed above!
Other herbs similar to holy basil
Some of the other basil varieties include Thai basil and Thai lemon basil.
Thai basil
Thai basil is another type of basil that has a slightly different taste and it looks very similar to holy basil with bitter & spicy flavor though the two are not interchangeable or necessarily comparable.
Tulsi is often used in Indian cuisine and some other Asian cuisine like Nepali Dal Bhat (a lentil stew). This herb also can be made into pesto sauce which tastes good on bread.
Thai holy basil
Southeast Asia basil plant has a different taste than Asian basil because it is used in Thai food and dishes that are more similar to what you find at your local Chinese restaurant.
You can use Thai basil in Southeast Asian or Thai cuisines like drunken noodles, Thai basil chicken, stir-fries, or green curries.
Thai lemon basil
Thai lemon basil is a type of basil that is often used in Thai cuisine. It has the same taste as holy lemongrass and it looks quite similar to tulsi–but they are not interchangeable or necessarily comparable.
Thai Lemon basil also has a different taste from other varieties and its medicinal purposes are much more pronounced; so if you want something stronger
Turmeric
Turmeric is a different herb that has some of the same properties as tulsi. It can be used in recipes for curries or other foods and it is also good for your health!
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is another type of herb that could be substituted in place of either variety: Lemon Grass tastes slightly sweeter than Holy Basil.
Holy Basil’s health benefits
Holy Basil is a powerhouse of health benefits. It has more antioxidants and other nutrients than regular basil does, with the medicinal properties being even greater. This can be used for skin problems like acne or colds while also enhancing your cooking recipes!
Antioxidant Properties
Both tulsi and sweet basil have antioxidants, but the amount of antioxidants in tulsi is higher.
Anti Inflammatory Properties
Both tulsi and Italian basil have anti-inflammatory properties, but the amount of anti-inflammation constituents in Holy Basil is higher.
Medicinal properties
Regular Basil has its benefits like being good for skin problems or colds (as well as other things), but this herb also has added medicinal benefits that are even greater than those of regular basil. Its essential oil can also be used to treat certain ailments
Research shows that holy basil may work against infections and wounds, such as mouth ulcers keloids raised scars acne Lower your blood sugar.
It may also prevent cancer by reducing the growth of cancerous cells.
Culinary Use
Holy Basil can be used in salads or as an ingredient for pesto sauce and also tastes great when added to other dishes. It is especially good with grilled chicken!
How to use them both in recipes?
Basil in cooking is used to add extra flavor to the dishes. Tulsi can be used in salads or as an ingredient for pesto sauce and also tastes great when added to other dishes. It is especially good with grilled chicken!
Basil has a stronger smell than tulsi does, but both herbs taste very similar with basil being slightly sweeter than the holy variety of the plant. The colors are also different.
The culinary uses between these plants differ because you could use them together if desired (like adding some fresh basil to your dish). They are more commonly seen separately though.
You can either use basil leaves or whole plants in cooking. It may have a hairy stem.
Recipe ideas for each plant
Some recipes with Basil:
– Grilled Chicken With Tomato, Garlic and Basil Sauce Recipe
– Thai Green Coconut Curry Vegetables with Basil Leaves Recipe
– Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Some recipes with Holy Basil:
- Holy basil tea (add tulsi, black pepper to boiling water)
- Nepali Red/Yellow Lentil Dal Stew (Dal Bhat)
- Recipe for Beef Stir Fry over Rice Noodles in Spicy Cashew Nut Sauce (Pad Ka pow Moo Krob)
- Lemony Herb Couscous Salad Recipes
Uses of Basil in Curries
Holy basil presents a stronger flavor and is more often used in curries while basil is commonly found in pesto sauces.
Both basil varieties have many healing properties and are good for cooking up into different dishes or just eaten raw. Basil has a milder taste than holy basil because they tend to be sweeter: Holy Basil tastes less sweet but still delicious!
Some people like the variation between these two herbs–the mellow flavor and clove-like taste of traditional basil mixed with more potent flavors of holy basil when needed, so experiment at home if you want to see what would work best for your lifestyle! Or go buy whichever one you prefer from the store (or grow them at home)! It doesn’t take long before it’s harvest time either way!
You can grow holy basil plants with seeds that come from an Indian market or online.
Which one you should buy at your grocery store – or grow yourself!
The difference between the two plants in terms of taste, color, texture, and aroma is noticeable. Basil’s flavor tends to be a little bit stronger while Holy Basil has some medicinal properties that are less than basil does.
At your local grocery store, you will find these herbs either dried or fresh–whichever one you prefer! If you have access to tulsi it can be grown at home relatively easily. You can buy tulsi seeds from an Indian market (or online). They grow quickly so don’t wait too long if this herb interests you!
If you have the option try to buy holy basil; If not, then try regular basil; both varieties provide many advantages when consumed raw or cooked up into sauces like pesto sauce (which is also delicious on
Why basil should be used more often?
The sweet flavor of basil can be a little strong, but it pairs well with many other vegetables and sauces. Basil is also good for skin problems or colds (as well as other things).
Tulsi has more healing properties than regular basil does so it should be used to its fullest extent! Holy Basil’s taste and aroma are not quite as powerful when eaten raw like the traditional herb though they do have some slight differences: holy basil may taste less sweet–but still delicious in dishes that call for this plant such as pesto sauce.
When cooking up recipes make sure you use fresh leaves because dried will lack the same amount of nutrients found while fresher ones often contain higher levels of vitamin A.
Nutrient In Basil Plants
Basil contains higher levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and iron. Holy Basil contains higher levels of Vitamin A and C, iron as well as zinc.
Basil is a popular herb that has many medicinal benefits (including skin illnesses) when consumed raw or cooked up into sauces like pesto sauce which tastes delicious on pasta!
Holy Basil also has many benefits but it tastes less sweet than regular basil does–they have similar flavors with the exception being how strong the taste may be.
Why Holy Basil is Called Holy?
It’s believed that the name “holy” was given to holy basil because it’s said to have healing properties.
The plant is often associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, which may be why some people called them “holy.” Furthermore, many types of Holy Basil have been used in Ayurvedic medicine–another reason for the name!
Basil plants Maturation
Some plants can grow up to three feet tall with leaves that are dark green on top and purple underneath! It’s easy to grow basil in flower pots.
The plant has many different names, including Tulsi or “holy herb.”
There are dozens of types of Basil so if you know the name it’s probably best to use an image search online for a quick picture reference. If not then just make sure to include some key information in your blog post about holy basil (such as its medicinal purposes) because this may be a topic people will want more information on.
You might also experiment by cooking up dishes using both varieties–or eating them raw–to see which one is better suited for your lifestyle! It doesn’t take long before they start growing back either way.
Side Effects of Holy Basil
Holy Basil has many potential benefits for the body, but there are some side effects associated with it: these include things like diarrhea, headache, upset stomach, premature ejaculation (in men), increased heart rate during exercise while using holy basil supplements.
Side Effects
Common side effects of consuming too much basil could be an upset stomach and/or gas–basically any issues related to digestion! Too much consumption of this herb might lead to more frequent bathroom visits than usual because of its impacts on digestion.
Bottom Line
If you want to reap the benefits of basil for your health, make sure it’s Holy Basil. This type of basil is not only more potent than regular basil but also has a variety of uses in cooking and skincare products.
In addition, if you’re looking to use this herb as an alternative medicine or treatment option, be advised that there are no known side effects with taking Holy Basil orally (when taken in small doses). So what do you think? Which type of basil will you choose from now on? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
