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Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulasi, holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum

7.5/10 editor's score

An infusion of holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum. Widely used as a herbal tea, commonly in Ayurveda, and sacred in the Vaishnava tradition.

Caffeine-freeHerbalIndia
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this herbCompare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dried tulsi leaves, top-down

What you need

2 g dried leavesTulsi (Holy Basil)
250 ml water100°C
Steep 5:002 steeps
InfusionPale gold-green
Served inMug or cup

At a glance

An infusion of holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum.

CaffeineCaffeine-free
Beginner fit9.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestYear-roundGrown widely.
Pairs withHoney, Ginger, LemonLess good with milk
Grown asPlainsUttar Pradesh, North India
Served inMug or cupA general choice

About Tulsi (Holy Basil)

What sources say about the taste

Sources note Ram tulsi has broad bright green leaves that are slightly sweet 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

Uttar PradeshNorth IndiaINDIA
Plant
Ocimum tenuiflorum 1
Native
Tropical and subtropical Asia 1
Use
Herbal tea, Ayurveda 1
Types
Ram, Krishna and Vana tulsi 1

More from Uttar Pradesh and India.

History and culture

Vaishnavites are known as "those who bear the tulsi around the neck" 1.

Used in Ayurvedic and Siddha practice 1.

Editor's score

7.5/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.0Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 8.5Value: 9.0Beginner-friendliness: 9.0Versatility: 8.0Flavour 6.0Heritage 7.0Availability 8.5Value 9.0Beginners 9.0Versatility 8.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Tulsi (Holy Basil)0 mg

Tulsi contains no caffeine. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Grown through the year in warm areas. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

Ocimum tenuiflorum, holy basil 1.

How it is made
01Picking

Leaves.

02Drying

Dried.

Dry herb and infusion
Dry leavesDried green and purple leaves.
LiquorPale gold-green.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Honey
  • Ginger
  • Lemon

Best avoided

  • Milk

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
  • Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
  • Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.
Quality and buying

By type: Ram, Krishna, Vana 1.

Buying tips

  1. Region shown is an approximate area.
  2. Medicinal claims are traditional 1.
FAQ
Is tulsi the same as kitchen basil?

No. It is a related species, Ocimum tenuiflorum 1.

Find it inHerbal infusionsTeas from IndiaUttar PradeshCaffeine-freeHerbalIndia

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Ocimum tenuiflorum". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocimum_tenuiflorum
  2. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.