Lan Xiang Zi (Ocimum basilicum) — Basil Seeds for Herbal Drinks & Desserts

Lan Xiang Zi (Ocimum basilicum), also known as Basil Seeds or Ming Lie Zi, are the small dried seeds of a traditional food herb known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Lán Xiāng Zǐ (兰香子). Long prized in folk herbal practice as a cooling, moistening, and gently dispersing ingredient, Lan Xiang Zi is used in drinks, desserts, and seasonal refreshments. Its nature is sweet and neutral with a slight cooling tendency, making it a mild yet refreshing herb for soothing dryness and supporting digestive comfort.

Key Selling Points

• Traditional food-herb basil seeds
• Known as Lan Xiang Zi or Ming Lie Zi
• Ocimum basilicum botanical identity
• Suitable for drinks, desserts, and teas
• Clean, new-crop quality from Yunnan

Quality & Sensory

Each batch is carefully cleaned and dried to preserve the seeds' small, glossy black color and smooth, hard texture. When soaked in water, they swell into a translucent, gelatinous halo with a soft, jelly-like mouthfeel and a mild, neutral taste that absorbs the flavors of the drink or dessert they are added to.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Herbal drinks and infused waters
• Desserts and sweet soups
• Tea blends and cooling beverages
• Seasonal refreshments
• Daily food-herb ingredient

Traditional Uses

In folk herbal practice, Lan Xiang Zi is soaked in water or brewed into drinks to support daily cooling and moistening during warm seasons. It is a common ingredient in sweet soups, dessert bowls, and refreshing beverages, where it pairs with ingredients like rock sugar, lemon, and mint. As a tea, it is brewed alone or blended with chrysanthemum and honey for a light, soothing infusion.

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