noun
Refers to the plant Ocimum tenuiflorum, known as holy basil or tulsi. Used in cooking and traditional medicine.
カミメボウキはインドでは神聖な植物とされています。
Holy basil is considered a sacred plant in India.
このカレーにはカミメボウキの葉が入っています。
This curry contains holy basil leaves.
バジル is the general term for basil (Ocimum basilicum), while カミメボウキ specifically refers to holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), which has a stronger, clove-like flavor and religious significance.
The kanji 神目箒 literally means 'god eye broom', but the derivation is uncertain. The word is likely a direct translation or phonetic adaptation from a South Asian language, possibly via Chinese or Dutch. The katakana form カミメボウキ is the most common spelling.