Elumichai tulasi (Ocimum gratissimum)

Ram tulsi is clove basil or African basil, a woody, strongly aromatic shrub of the basil family whose large, velvety leaves smell of cloves. It is grown in Indian gardens and temples alongside holy basil, and in Nigeria it is the scent leaf that flavours pepper soup. Its oil is rich in eugenol or thymol, depending on the plant. It is a different species from holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum.

Botanical name: Ocimum gratissimum L.
Family: Lamiaceae
Tamil: Elumichai tulasi
Hindi: Ram tulsi
Sanskrit: Vriddhatulasī
Parts used: Leaves
Habit: Woody aromatic shrub of the basil group
Last updated: 2026-10-30

How to recognise Elumichai tulasi

It is a bushy, woody-based shrub, often one to two metres tall, with square young stems.

The leaves are large, oval, toothed and soft to the touch, with a strong clove or thyme scent.

Small, pale greenish-white flowers grow in whorls on long, upright spikes.

The calyx turns down after flowering and holds four tiny nutlets.

Holy basil is smaller, often purple-tinged, with a sharper, peppery scent.

Traditional use of Elumichai tulasi

Kitchen

In Nigeria and Ghana scent leaf is added to pepper soup, stews and rice dishes.

West African food practice

Folk use

Leaf infusions are taken for colds and stomach upsets in Indian and African folk practice.

Indian and African folk practice

Household

Crushed leaves are rubbed on the skin or burned to keep mosquitoes away.

Tropical household practice

Modern notes on Elumichai tulasi

Its essential oil is dominated by eugenol in some plants and thymol in others, which changes its smell.

Laboratory studies show the oil kills many bacteria and fungi and repels mosquitoes.

There are few clinical trials in people.

Elumichai tulasi safety

Leaves in food or tea are a common use. Concentrated essential oil should not be swallowed or used on young children’s skin.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to tropical Africa and South Asia.

Bees visit its flower spikes heavily.

It grows easily from seed or cuttings in warm, sunny places.

Related plants

Also in Lamiaceae

Questions about Elumichai tulasi

Is ram tulsi holy basil?

In some places the name is used for holy basil, but clove basil is a separate species.

Why does Elumichai tulasi smell of cloves?

Many plants are rich in eugenol, the main compound of clove oil.

Can Elumichai tulasi be cooked?

Yes. It flavours soups and stews in West Africa.

Does Elumichai tulasi repel mosquitoes?

Its leaves and oil have a repellent effect in tests.

Can I grow Elumichai tulasi at home?

Yes, easily, in a sunny spot.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.