Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum Ocimum basilicum, also known as Holy Basil, tulsi, is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is considered a sacred plant by the Hindus and is often planted around Hindu shrines. The Hindu name for holy basil, Tulsi, means "the incomparable one." The variety of Ocimum basilicum used in Thai cuisine is referred to as Thai holy basil. Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is not to be confused with Thai basil which is a variety of Ocimum basilicum. Benefits and uses: Holy basil is used for the common cold, influenza H1N1 (swine) flu, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, earache, headache, stomach upset, heart disease, fever, viral hepatitis, malaria, stress, and tuberculosis. It is also used for mercury poisoning, to promote longevity, as a mosquito repellent, and to counteract snake and scorpion bites.