Basil and tulsi are often used interchangeably because they have almost the same flavour profile and they are both aromatic in nature. However, these 2 are totally different plants. Below is a list of differences that will help you to distinguish the 2 apart. The similarities will also be highlighted.
Contents
Basil leaves
Basil leaves are a herb commonly used when cooking. It is an aromatic herb which adds flavour to different dishes. The scientific name of basil is ocimum basilicum. Basil leaves originated in India but are commonly used when making Italian cuisines. Basil leaves are known to have a pungent taste that is why they are usually incorporated in dishes at the last minute so that they do not over power all the other ingredients.
Tulsi
Tulsi is a herbal plant that is very aromatic. It is also referred to as holy basil. However, the scientific name of tulsi is ocimum tenuiflorum. Tulsi originated in India where it is treated as a symbol of the goddess Tulsi, especially in the Hindu culture. Thus it is cultivated for religious purposes in India. They usually grow it at the centre of the courtyard. It also has medicinal properties to it. It has the ability to cure malaria, heart diseases, common colds as well as inflammation.
Differences between basil leaves and tulsi
Appearance
The first difference to note is that basil leaves have smooth edges whereas the edges of tulsi are shaped like teeth. Basil leaves are also oval shaped and are always bending downwards as compared to those of tulsi which are somehow straight.
Religious significance
Tulsi is a plant which has religious significance to it whereas basil leaves don’t have any religious significance to them. The Hindu people believe that tulsi represents the goddess Tulsi and the usually cultivate it at the centre of the courtyard. Furthermore the Hindu people believe that if tulsi is administered to a very sick or dying person before death then it will help them to go to heaven when they die.
Medicinal properties
The other difference to note between tulsi and basil leaves is that they have different medicinal properties. Tulsi has a number of health benefits for example it promotes long life by reducing stress levels in the body. Furthermore it is used for curing a number of diseases like heart diseases, malaria as well as common colds just to mention a few. Basil on the other hand contains antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Thus it has the ability of treating diseases like cancer, asthma and diabetes.
Uses
Basil leaves are commonly used when cooking and making flavoured tea whereas tulsi has a number of uses. It is used as a religious symbol. It is used as a form of herb that has medicinal properties and also used as a mosquito repellent especially in Sri Lanka.
Chemical composition
Tulsi and basil leaves have different chemical compositions. Tulsi contains rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, leanolic acid, carvacrol, linalool, eugenol and caryophyllene. Whereas basil leaves contain chemicals like methyl camphene, chavicol, eugenol, licorice and citronellol.
Similarities between basil leaves and tulsi
Scent
The first similarity to note is the fact that both basil leaves and tulsi are aromatic in nature. The smell of tulsi is actually reminiscent to that of basil leaves that is why they are often confused.
Origins
The other similarity to note is that basil leaves and tulsi both originated in India although they are now used in many parts of the world. Furthermore they both belong to the same family which is Lamiaceae.
Health benefits of basil leaves
Soothes indigestion
Although basil leaves are often added to food to give them a great aromatic flavour and taste, they also have the ability of soothing digestion. Adding a few leaves to your dish is all you need to improve your digestive system.
Reduces heart diseases
Basil has the ability of improving cardiovascular health. This is because it contains chemicals which help in lowering the cholesterol levels and also blood pressure levels. So you are guaranteed of improved heart health when you consume basil.
Health benefits of tulsi
NB: tulsi is known as the “Queen of herbs” due to its medicinal properties. It is important to note that all the medicinal properties that have been mentioned above are also found in tulsi.
Reduces blood sugar levels
The main reasons why tulsi which is also known as holy basil, is commonly used as a medication is because it has the ability to reduce blood sugar levels. If you are suffering from diabetes then tulsi will help you.
Reduces inflammation
Tulsi contains anti-inflammatory properties that help people who suffer from diseases like arthritis. Therefore you can always make herbal tea using tulsi it will really help to cure any inflammations found on the body.
Reduces blood pressure
If you are someone who usually suffers from stress then tulsi can help tackle that problem. It contains ocimumosides A and B, which help in reducing stress in the body. It also helps in relaxing the body. So you can always use it to make herbal tea that will make you relax.
Reduces coughs and colds
Tulsi contains chemicals that are helpful in fighting common colds. Some of the chemicals found include ceamphene, cineole, and eugenol. These chemicals also help to ease any chest pains. Furthermore if you want to cure influenza, bronchitis or asthma you can always combine the juice of tulsi with honey and ginger. This mixture works like magic. It’s a home remedy that you can always try at home.
Improves the skin and hair growth
If you are have acne and blemishes then tulsi will help to reduce them. It contains antioxidants that help to fight acne and they also reduce premature aging. When it comes to hair, tulsi helps to strengthen the roots and prevents hair loss.
Helps to prevent cancer
Studies show that tulsi has the ability to fight cancer depending on what stage exactly the cancer is at. Eugenol, a chemical found in tulsi is said to be very helpful in fighting cancer cells. Therefore in order to protect yourself you can always have tulsi.