Tulsi is the everyday name and Tulasi the Sanskrit. The classical lexicons add several more, most of them plainly descriptive.
Names that describe
Gramya means of the village, for a plant grown close to homes. Sulabha means easily found. Bahumanjari means with many flower spikes, from manjari, the flowering spike, which the manjari guide describes.
Surasa
Surasa is among the most common synonyms in the texts. Like Arjuna’s names, the list grew over centuries of writing, and one plant carries all of them.
The name that identifies it
Ocimum tenuiflorum is the species, also printed as Ocimum sanctum, as the two names guide explains.
On the label
Tulsi Capsules from Art of Vedas name the species beside the Sanskrit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tulasi the same as Tulsi?
Yes. Tulasi is the Sanskrit form of the name.
What does Bahumanjari mean?
With many flower spikes, from manjari.
Which name identifies the plant?
The botanical one, Ocimum tenuiflorum, also recorded as Ocimum sanctum.
This article is for educational purposes and describes the classical Ayurvedic record. The products mentioned are food supplements, not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Take them under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
