Seed | Holy Basil (Tulsi)

1 sachet

$3.99 CAD

Seed | Holy Basil (Tulsi)

$3.99 CAD

Quantity

Tulsi, an ancient medicinal plant recognized in traditional medicine, is valued for its soothing and invigorating properties. Used as an herbal tea, it supports the body's balance in the face of stress and promotes overall well-being.

Open-pollinated variety, easy to grow in the garden or in pots.

Ocimum tenuiflorum – The story of Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Holy basil, known as Tulsi in India, has a history deeply rooted in the culture of the Indian subcontinent for over 3,000 years. Long before it was known elsewhere in the world, it already occupied a central place in daily, spiritual, and family life.

A plant at the heart of Indian homes

In ancient India, Tulsi was not only cultivated in gardens, but also in the very center of homes. A small altar or stone pedestal dedicated to the plant was often built in the inner courtyard of dwellings.

Tulsi was seen as a symbol of purity, protection, and family harmony. It was an integral part of domestic life and daily rituals.

Presence in ancient texts

Tulsi appears in several sacred writings of ancient India, including the Atharva Veda, one of the oldest Vedic texts.

Over the centuries, it is also mentioned in Puranic traditions and in stories related to Hindu devotion.

In mythology, Tulsi is associated with the goddess Lakshmi, a figure of prosperity and purity. A legend recounts that Tulsi is the embodiment of a virtuous woman transformed into a sacred plant, further reinforcing its symbolic importance.

A living spiritual symbol

Tulsi remains one of the few plants considered truly sacred in Hindu tradition. It is used in ceremonies, devotional chants, and religious festivals.

Each year, some communities even celebrate the “Tulsi Vivah”, a symbolic ceremony that marks the sacred union of the Tulsi with the god Vishnu.

From India to the rest of the world

It was only with the trade and cultural exchanges between Asia and Europe, from the 16th century onwards, that Tulsi began to travel outside of India.

However, it remained largely unknown in the West for a long time, where all species of basil were often confused.

It is only much later that one rediscovers one's own identity and unique cultural heritage.

Tulsi is therefore not simply a variety of basil.
He is a living witness to a thousand-year-old tradition, rooted in the history, spirituality and family life of India.

Ocimum tenuiflorum

Medicinal properties and nutritional values

Holy basil, called Tulsi, has been recognized for centuries in the Ayurvedic tradition as a plant of balance and vitality.

It is considered a natural adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body to better adapt to different forms of stress, whether physical or emotional.

Traditionally, it is used to support the respiratory system, promote good digestion, and maintain the body's overall balance. Its richness in active aromatic compounds, including eugenol and other polyphenols, contributes to its natural antioxidant properties.

From a nutritional standpoint, fresh Tulsi leaves contain small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin K.

They also contain calcium, iron, and magnesium. Although Tulsi is generally consumed as an infusion or in small quantities, it provides valuable plant-based antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help protect cells against oxidative stress.

Tulsi is also valued for its balancing effect on the nervous system. Traditionally, it is consumed as an herbal tea to promote mental clarity and inner peace. It is also known to naturally support the body's defenses and contribute to maintaining a healthy immune system.

Thus, beyond its spiritual and cultural history, holy basil is a complete plant, both aromatic, nutritious and traditionally used to support the overall balance of the body.

Traditional Tulsi infusion (4–6 cups)

Ingredients :

30 to 40 fresh Tulsi leaves (or 3 tablespoons dried)

1.5 liters of water

2 to 3 tablespoons of honey (optional)

Preparation :
Bring the water to a boil. Add the leaves and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten lightly if desired.

Traditional Kadha (spicy decoction) – 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients :

25 fresh Tulsi leaves

3 cm of sliced fresh ginger

8 to 10 black peppercorns

1 small cinnamon stick

1.5 liters of water

Preparation :
Boil all the ingredients for 15 minutes until slightly reduced. Strain and serve hot.

Hot Tulsi Milk (Tulsi Doodh) – 4 servings

Ingredients :

1 liter of milk

15 Tulsi leaves

½ tsp ground cardamom

1 tablespoon of honey or raw sugar

Preparation :
Gently heat the milk with the leaves and spices for 7–8 minutes. Strain before serving.

Green Tulsi Chutney – Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients :

1 cup of fresh, packed Tulsi leaves

1 cup of fresh coriander

1 to 2 green chilies

Juice of 1 lemon

½ tsp salt

2 tablespoons of water (if needed)

Preparation :
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Serve with rice or flatbread.

Tulsi-scented rice – 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients :

3 cups of uncooked basmati rice (approximately 6 cups cooked)

½ cup chopped Tulsi leaves

2 tablespoons of ghee or oil

1 tsp cumin seeds

Salt to taste

Preparation :
Cook the rice. In a large pan, heat the ghee, add the cumin, then the tulsi briefly (1 minute). Stir into the hot rice and mix gently.

Fresh lemon water with Tulsi – 4 to 6 glasses

Ingredients :

2 liters of water

20 Tulsi leaves

1 sliced lemon

1 to 2 tablespoons of honey (optional)

Preparation :
Infuse the leaves in cold water in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours. Add the lemon before serving.

To encourage abundant production throughout the summer, regularly pinch the tips of the stems.

Unlike culinary basil, some stems can be allowed to flower if you wish to harvest seeds, but pinching stimulates leaf production more.

Holy basil loves warmth and full sun. It is more sensitive to cold.

Growing it in a pot is perfectly possible, especially if you want to bring it indoors in the fall.

It is a productive variety when it benefits from rich, well-drained soil and regular, but not excessive, watering.

Our seeds are vigorous, open-pollinated and adapted to the Quebec climate.

SpeciesOcimum tenuiflorum (Lamiaceae – annual in Quebec)
Indoor sowingEarly March to mid-April
External transplantation: Starting in mid-June, after all risk of frost has passed
Seeds4–6 seeds per pot (thin to 1 or 2 strong plants)
Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
Germination time7–14 days
GroundRich, humus-rich, loose and well-drained soil
Place :Full sun (minimum 6 hours)
Spacing between plants: 30–40 cm
Mature height: 40–60 cm
Maturity60–90 days
Seeds per envelope+/- 75

Our seeds are guaranteed for the year of purchase.

Retourner à la boutique

Language

Language

Seed | Holy Basil (Tulsi)

You may also like