Holy basil (Tulsi)

Holy basil or tulsi is one of the varieties of basil originating from India. This plant has violet flowers and blossoms, while the stems are green with a purple tinge. It is much spicier than the other varieties of basil, so it's often called hot basil.

The leaves, seeds, and stems are often used for medicinal preparations, while the leaves are a staple of many Thai dishes due to their spicy flavor. Holy basil has numerous health benefits and it's used to treat stress, common cold, asthma, heart disease, fever, headache, and diabetes.

The plant balances cortisol, lowers inflammation, improves energy levels, boosts the immune system, and improves brain functions. In cooking, holy basil is used in stir-fry dishes and with meat, fish, or chicken. It's recommended to use fresh holy basil as the leaves don't maintain the aroma after a few days in the fridge.