Are Basil and Holy Basil in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Lamiaceae.

Can you substitute Basil for Holy Basil?

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

Compare · per-herb profile

Basil vs Holy Basil

Ocimum basilicum · Ocimum tenuiflorum

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Primary use: culinary

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…

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.…

At a glance

· Same genus (Ocimum) — close relatives, often substitutable.
· Primary use differs — Basil: culinary; Holy Basil: both.
· Evidence tiers — Basil: D; Holy Basil: C.