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Vana Tulsi

 
Last Updated: Mar. 13, 2012 

About Vana Tulsi

Curly, golden-green dried herb leaves with twisted stems mixed in, on white backgroundLoose-Leaf Vana Tulsi (Holy Basil) from Mountain Rose Herbs, Photo © Alex Zorach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Vana tulsi, also called wild forest holy basil or wild forest tulsi, is a plant which is usually considered a type or variety of tulsi or holy basil, although it actually comes from a different species. Whereas the typical tulsi comes from the Ocimum tenuiflorum plant, also called Ocimum sanctum, Vana tulsi comes from the species Ocimum gratissimum, which is also called African basil.

Whereas the other varieties of tulsi, Krishna tulsi and Rama tulsi are named after (and associated with) Hindu deities, the word "vana" refers to forest; vana tulsi is the wild variety of tulsi growing in India, across Africa, and in many other regions of the world. However, when sold, it is typically from cultivated plants, not wild-harvested plants.

In aroma and flavor, vana tulsi is similar to, but distinct from all varieties of tulsi from the Ocimum sanctum plant. It is also distinct from the familiar sweet basil, although its aroma tends to resemble sweet basil more than it does the other holy basils. All three species of basil, however, are quite similar.

Recent Vana Tulsi Reviews — RSS rss icon

83 / 100
Picture of Holy Basil, Vana (Tulsi)

Holy Basil, Vana (Tulsi) from Mountain Rose Herbs

Style: Vana Tulsi – Region: India
Feb. 19th, 2014

Dry leaf smells complex, like dried ginger and anise, with a hint of straw or hay. Much more complex than the only other example of Vana tulsi that I've tried.

Brews up a very strong, dark cup relative to the amount of leaf used. The brewed cup has a spicy and very complex aroma, and a piquant (sharp but enjoyable...

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80 / 100
Picture of Wild Forest Holy Basil Organic

Aroma mostly of licorice, but more complex, herbaceous, and spicy. Very summery aroma; this smells much more like familiar sweet basil and less like holy basil, which makes sense, as Vana tulsi is the same species as sweet basil, and a different one from the Rama and Krishna Holy basil, which I have tried (and drink r...

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100 / 100
Picture of Wild Forest Holy Basil Organic

Full bodied tea. Absolutely the best cup of tea I've had this year. I've given it to several friends, and they have asked me where to buy it.

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Top Reviewers

RankUser#%
1Reviewer icon Alex Zorach267
2Reviewer icon Linda Martin133

Review 2 teas to get on this list!

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Most-Rated Vana Tulsi

Picture of Wild Forest Holy Basil Organic

Wild Forest Holy Basil Organic

Brand:Upton Tea Imports
Style:Vana Tulsi
Region:India
Caffeine:Caffeinated
Leaf:Loose
2 Ratings
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Holy Basil, Vana (Tulsi)

Brand:Mountain Rose Herbs
Style:Vana Tulsi
Region:India
Caffeine:Caffeine Free
Leaf:Loose
1 Rating

Top-Rated Vana Tulsi

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