Indian Basil

(Subja; Barbari tulsi) A very nice basil with showy purple inflorescences emanating out of a sea of meter-high shiny green foliage. Found throughout India where its seeds are used to make a popular milkshake called falooda. The seeds are soaked in water to form a gel and then are stirred into milk along with rose syrup and crushed ice. The seeds have no aroma or taste but they add to the cooling effect of the drink and are believed to boost body strength. Also used in Unani medicine for the control of intestinal worms, acidity and coughs. Has religious significance to Muslims in India ever since the great Moghul emperor Aurangzeb decreed that this basil be planted on his tomb.