Difference Between Tulsi and Basil

Main Difference – Tulsi vs Basil
Aromatic medicinal plants are primarily cultivated for the edible leaves, stems, barks, flowers or fruit components and they are essential flavoring and/or ayurvedic agents mainly used in South Asian countries. Tulsi and basil also belong to the aromatic medicinal group, and they share a similar taste profiles as well as features. As a result, tulsi is often referred to as basil or vice versa by the most of the consumers in the world. But tulsi and basil are two different plants; the botanical name of tulsi is Ocimum tenuiflorum whereas the botanical name of basil is Ocimum basilicum. Both tulsi and basil belong to the Lamiaceae family. The edible basil leaves are mainly used for culinary dishes whereas tulsi is mainly used as an indigenous medicinal ingredient. This is the main difference between tulsi and basil. Although, both tulsi and basil belong to the same family, tulsi and basil have different sensory properties as well as different applications and this article explores the difference between tulsi and basil.

What is Tulsi
Tulsi is an aromatic herbal plant, and its leaves are highly scented. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, and it is a blessed plant in Hindu belief.  Hindu people believe that it as an imaginable appearance of the goddess Tulsi, a wife of the god Vishnu. Therefore, Hindu people have tulsi plants growing in the center of the central courtyard. This plant is mainly cultivated for religious and Ayurvedic medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil extraction. It is believed strongly that tulsi has health beneficial effects against headaches, inflammation, common colds, malaria and heart disease. It is also important to prevent food poisoning.

What is Basil
Basil is a culinary herb mainly used as a flavoring agent in various  types of dishes in the world. Although it is originated in India, basil is mainly used in the Italian cuisine. People in Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia also incorporate basil into their cooking. Leaves of basil have a pungent and strong taste.

Difference Between Tulsi and Basil
Tulsi and basil may have substantially different properties and applications. These differences may include,

Scientific Name
Tulsi is known scientifically as Ocimum tenuiflorum.

Basil is known scientifically as Ocimum basilicum.

Alternative Names
Tulsi is also known as Holy basil, Tulasi.

Basil is also known as Sweet Basil, Saint Joseph’s Wort, Thai basil, mints.
Basil grows beautifully in home hydroponics system. Basil heavily absorbs nutrient hence works best for home hydroponics with full concentration of nutrients.