You are probably familiar with 'gai pad gra pow'. Frequently here in the US, when you order 'pad gra pow' in a restaurant, you do not get the real gra pow, but instead sweet basil. They are not the same. However, if push comes to shove, sweet basil is better than nothing.

Gra pow has a different smell and flavor than basil. Its branches and leaves are covered with tiny hair. It has a hot spicy smell. If you are making 'pad gra pow', don't sacrifice the taste, use all that you've got. It is worth it.

I normally clean the gra pow by running it under water and removing the leaves that have turned brownish.