Are Holy Basil and Ocimum Basilicum in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Lamiaceae.

Can you substitute Holy Basil for Ocimum Basilicum?

They are close relatives in the genus Ocimum, often substitutable with flavor adjustments.

Compare · per-herb profile

Holy Basil vs Ocimum Basilicum

Ocimum tenuiflorum · Ocimum basilicum

Holy Basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum

C Limited Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Primary use: culinary & medicinal

Ocimum tenuiflorum, commonly known as tulasi, tulsi, or holy basil, is an aromatic perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Australia and the western Pacific.…

Ocimum Basilicum

Ocimum basilicum

T Traditional Use

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Primary use: culinary & medicinal

Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Basil is native to tropical…

At a glance

· Same genus (Ocimum) — close relatives, often substitutable.
· Both are primarily both.
· Evidence tiers — Holy Basil: C; Ocimum Basilicum: T.