What Is Holy Basil?

Holy basil is an herb that has long been used in its native India for healing, cleansing and other medicinal purposes. It continues to be a staple in a number of remedies in India and beyond.

• Holy basil is revered in India.

History

• Holy basil is the nickname for the herb cultivated from the Tulsi plant. It holds the honor of being the main herb in India's ancient healing system of Ayurveda.

Nicknames

• In addition to its holy basil moniker, the healing herb is also called "The Queen of Herbs," "The Incomparable One," and "The Mother Medicine of Nature."

Respiratory

• Holy basil has been used to keep the respiratory tract clean and clear. It benefits the chest, throat, lungs and helps alleviate inflammation.

Skin

• Skin can be kept fresh and supple with holy basil as the herb contains carotene, calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin C.

Other

• Holy basil is also used as an air purifier for its ability to stave off pollution and toxins. It has been used to keep the digestive tract intact and also introduced as a remedy for swine flu.