Holy Basil – Rama (Ocimum tenuiflorum) also known as Tulsi, is one of the most cherished and sacred plants in India. It has been widely used for centuries in holistic Ayurvedic medicine and is an important symbol in the Hindu religion. This is the most common type of the three Holy Basil varietals used in the U.S. The leaves of this plant are green with white to lilac colored blossoms. The infusion has a cooling and mellow flavor and is not as potent as the other varietals.