The holy basil plant is a small annual or short-lived perennial shrub, up to 1 metre (3.3 feet) in height. The stems are hairy and bear simple toothed or entire leaves oppositely along the stem. Holy basil is a highly valued medicinal herb. The plant has a complex makeup including several chemicals believed to be medicinal. It is grown for its aromatic leaves often used as an herbal tea. It is also used as a culinary herb with a pungent flavor that intensifies with cooking.