Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Malesia, Asia, and the western Pacific, and is widely cultivated for religious and traditional medicine purposes, as well as for its essential oil. Tulsi is widely used as a herbal tea and is commonly used in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicine system, for its supposed medicinal properties.

Tulsi has a unique combination of pharmacological actions that promote wellbeing and resilience, and is considered a potent adaptogen. It has been used in Ayurvedic and Siddha practices for its supposed medicinal properties, and is also used in Thai cuisine.

Tulsi is a sacred plant for Hindus, particularly the Vaishnavite sect, and is worshipped as the avatar of Lakshmi. It is often planted in courtyards of Hindu houses or temples to Hanuman, and Vaishnavites are also known as "those who bear the tulsi around the neck". Tulasi Vivaha is a ceremonial festival performed between Prabodhini Ekadashi and Kartik Purnima, and every evening, Bengali Hindus place earthen lamps in front of tulsi plants.

In summary, tulsi is a plant with religious, cultural, and medicinal significance, and is widely used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine practices.