PRODUCT IMAGE FORTHCOMING.
Symbol Guide: 🫖 🍃 💧 ✨
Overview
Vana Holy Basil (Ocimum gratissimum), sometimes called Vana tulsi or wild tulsi, is a beautifully aromatic member of the basil family with a long history of traditional use across Africa and Asia. Taller and more robust than the Temperate Holy Basil we also grow, Vana produces larger green leaves and a bold aroma that can lean warm, spicy, and clove-like.
Traditionally used as a wellness tonic, Vana has been valued for supporting the body during periods of stress, healthy digestion, respiratory wellness, and overall vitality. Its naturally occurring plant compounds, which can include eugenol and other phenolics, have also made Ocimum gratissimum the subject of research exploring its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and metabolic activity.
How to Use
🫖 Tea: Brew 1–2 teaspoons per cup for 5–10 minutes. Enjoy on its own for an aromatic, warming cup or blend with other herbs.
🍃 Herbal Blends: Pair with lemon balm for an easygoing cup, lemongrass or mint for a brighter flavor, or hibiscus for a more vibrant blend.
💧 Tinctures: Vana can be prepared as an herbal tincture for a more concentrated addition to the home apothecary.
✨ Culinary: The aromatic leaves can also be used as a culinary herb where you want a bolder, spicier basil character.
Why We Love It
We already grow Temperate and Krishna varieties of holy basil here at Green Heffa Farms, but Vana gives us another beautiful expression of the plants commonly called holy basil or tulsi.
Vana grows tall and vigorous, with larger leaves and a strong aromatic presence in the field. While our Temperate Holy Basil can offer a sweeter, fruitier aromatic experience, Vana brings a warmer, bolder character that may remind you of cloves and spice.
Beyond that sensory experience, we love Vana for her versatility. Traditionally, Ocimum gratissimum has been used to support stress resilience, digestion, respiratory wellness, and general wellbeing. The plant contains an interesting array of naturally occurring phytochemicals, including antioxidants and aromatic compounds that continue to be studied for their potential wellness properties.
For us, growing Vana alongside our other holy basils is also an opportunity to remind you that herbs carrying the same common name are not necessarily the same plant. Different species can bring different aromas, phytochemical profiles, growing habits, traditions, and experiences to your home apothecary. Vana is a beautiful example of why we believe you shouldn't just use your herbs. You should get to know them.
Note of Care
Holy basil may affect blood sugar and blood clotting. Use with care if you take medications that affect blood glucose or blood clotting. If you are pregnant, nursing, preparing for surgery, or managing a medical condition, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
Disclaimer
Information shared on this site is for educational purposes. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment or advice. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing. Although we do our best to provide accurate and useful information, you are responsible for researching and verifying information before relying on it. We are medicinal plant and herb farmers, herbalists, and tea blenders. We are not licensed or registered healthcare practitioners. We are also believers in the safety and efficacy of botanical medicine.