Comparisons
Basil or Holy Basil?
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and holy basil or tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) are different species of the same genus. One is used as food, the other as a tea and supplement. The table is built from the sourced cards of both herbs.
| Aspect | BasilOcimum basilicum | Holy BasilOcimum tenuiflorum |
|---|---|---|
| Strongest evidence | T Traditional use | B Limited clinical evidence |
| Needs | Digestion, Sleep, Stress & Mood | Sleep, Stress & Mood, Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar |
| Form | Dried Herb & Tea | Dried Herb & Tea |
| How to use | Add fresh or dried leaves to salads, sauces and dishes. | The leaf is taken by mouth as a tea or supplement. Oral use has been studied for up to 8 weeks; safety of longer use is unknown and there is no verified dose. |
| Pregnancy | Caution | Avoid |
| Breastfeeding | Caution | Avoid |
| Recommended minimum age | Not stated | Not stated |
| Drug interactions | No recorded interactions | Interactions reported |
| Duration limit | 2 weeks | 8 weeks |
Which one, when?
Basil
Traditionally used in food and as a tea for indigestion, bloating and loss of appetite. Kitchen amounts are generally safe; its oil and concentrated extracts are not for long-term use or pregnancy.
Full card →Holy Basil
Small, low-quality studies suggest possible benefit for stress and anxiety; it may lower blood sugar. Safety beyond 8 weeks is unknown; not used with an underactive thyroid.
Full card →Good to know
- Holy basil may slow blood clotting; people on blood thinners or facing surgery should ask a doctor first.
- People on diabetes medicines should ask a doctor before starting holy basil.
- Holy basil is not used during pregnancy, breastfeeding or when trying to conceive.
Sources
- Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and biotechnological developmentPlants (Basel) · 2023 · ReviewSource accessed:
- Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing estragoleEMA HMPC · 2023 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- BasilNIH NLM Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) · 2006 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
- Holy BasilMSD Manual Consumer Version (Merck & Co.) · 2025 · Reference bookSource accessed:
- The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the LiteratureEvidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2017 · Systematic reviewSource accessed: