At a glance
- Common name
- Holy Basil / Tulsi
- Botanical name
- Ocimum sanctum / Ocimum tenuiflorum
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Leaves, flowers, seeds
- Traditional correspondences
- Sun / Jupiter; Fire / Air
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Historical record
Venerated across India for over 5,000 years as the supreme 'Queen of Herbs'. Kept in courtyard shrines (Tulsi Chaura) across Hindu homes to sanctify living spaces and purify domestic air.
Folklore and mythology
No evil spirit or serpent can abide within the presence of a flourishing Tulsi plant. A Tulsi leaf placed on the chest or tongue of a dying person secures safe passage and liberation for the soul.
Personification of the goddess Tulsi (Vrinda), an avatar of Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and spiritual fortune, deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu. Tulsi beads form the sacred Japa mala.
Water poured at its base was said to earn spiritual merit and guide the soul to Vaikuntha.
Tradition: Hindu Tradition Associated figures: Goddess Tulsi (Vrinda) & Lord Vishnu
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Is holy basil safe to use?
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Holy Basil / Tulsi is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Holy Basil / Tulsi.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.
Exposure note: EPA indoor-particle guidance says burning can add particles and advises ventilation. ASPCA plant entries address ingestion, not smoke exposure. See the sourced burning, pet and pregnancy lookup; neither source clears this plant as safe to burn.