Basil, Holy (Krishna tulsi)
Ocimum sanctum
Family: Lamiaceae
Annual. Frost-hardy. The only Basil we know of which self-seeds
readily and matures quickly enough to warrant direct seeding instead of
starting in the greenhouse as is normally recommended for Basils.
Valued plant of the Ayurvedic tradition, highly aromatic, with a volatile
hint of camphor. The essential oil contains 70% eugenol. Antifungal
and antibacterial. Used in treatment of ringworm, malaria and dysentary.
Cultivation: Easy. Germ in about 14 days. Sow in greenhouse
or in pots on the windowsill and transplant out to the garden when the
weather has settled into summer.
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