Ocimum tenuiflorum, also known as holy basil, or tulasi (also spelled thulasi), is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae which is native to the Indian subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics.

It is an erect, many branched subshrub, tall with hairy stems and simple opposite green or purple leaves that are strongly scented.

Holy Basil is one of the most revered plants in India, and is grown all over in houses, gardens and temples. In Ayurveda, it is often said to be the ‘elixir of life’.  A sacred plant in Hinduism Tulsi means ‘the incomparable one in Sanskrit’. In Ayurvedic tradition, Tulasi is used to support the normal respiratory function, promote good health and longevity.

The essential oils of the plant have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

There isn’t a great deal of contemporary scientific research on the specific benefits of tulsi for hair, but it has been used for hundreds of years and the benefits stated by individuals following natural or ayurvedic hair regimes, include:

– Makes hair shiny
– Clarifying cleanser
– Instantly calms itchiness or soreness
– Acts as a lice repellent

Standard Recipe

• 2 teaspoons of Tulsi powder
• ½ cup of plain yoghurt – to help condition hair or if you prefer, warm water

Mix all the ingredients together and apply to your hair. Leave it for an hour, and then shampoo / condition as normal for gorgeous, shiny, radiant hair.