Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Uses and Tips for its Growth

 

Tulsi, (Ocimum sanctum) also called Holy Basil, is a flowering plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae) grown for its aromatic leaves and medicinal values. The plant is widely used in Indian families for various rituals too. For its many healing properties, it is widely used in Ayurvedic and folk medicines. Of all the herbs used within Ayurveda, Tulsi is pre-eminent. Many scientific researches have now confirmed that it has high beneficial effects. There are mounting evidences to prove that Tulsi can address physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. 

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

Tulsi is considered as a sacred plant in Hindu religion and it has always been given a lot of importance in our Indian culture. Its importance is clearly mentioned in religious scriptures. In the ancient Vedic Bhagavata Purana text, Tulsi, called “Queen of Herbs,” is noted as the plant embodiment of Lakshmi, wife of Vishnu and the goddess of wealth and generosity. Tulsi is viewed as a living gateway between heaven and earth, and it is regarded as the manifestation of the divine within the plant kingdom. That is why Hindus regard it as an earthly manifestation of the Goddess Tulsi and worship her in their homes. It is also said that Tulsi plant provides positive energy in the house.

The legacy of Tulsi is unending. It is also believed that the worship of Lord Hari is considered incomplete without Tulsi. Use of Tulsi leaf is mandatory in all prayers and rituals associated with Lord Vishnu. According to the scriptures, basil leaves should not be plucked on Sunday. By doing this you become a partner of sin. Touching Tulsi ji in the evening is considered taboo. If it is necessary to pluck basil leaves in the evening, the plant should be shaken first. Basil leaves should not be broken on Amavasya, Chaturdashi and Dwadashi. There is evidence in the scriptures that Tulsi ji is not a tree, it is the embodiment of Radha ji.

MEDICINAL VALUE

Tulsi has been used for thousands of years to fight physical, emotional and environmental stress. Basil leaf is found to have unique combination of anti-bacterial anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which makes it useful in wound healing. That is why Tulsi is called leech of every home. Tulsi is a panacea for many diseases. Many properties are found in the roots of the basil as well as the leaves.

Modern research has classified Tulsi as an apoptogenic herb known to support the body’s healthy stress response. That is why we widely use Tulsi leaves as medicine. The benefits of basil are immense. Whenever you eat leaves, swallow the leaves directly with water. Do not chew it and eat it. Mercury i.e. para is found in basil leaves. Therefore, basil leaves should never be chewed.

Was recommended during Pandemic Too

Everyone knows that strong immune system has been the perfect solution for tackling COVID-19. Tulsi is one of the wonder herbs that was much favoured by Ayurveda during the year 2020. It was widely accepted and recommended for flu type symptoms. Tulsi works as a powerful germicide. Because of its phytochemicals and antioxidants, it effectively helps in locating germs, viruses and bacteria the moment they enter your body and destroy them. This is the reason Tulsi was greatly promoted and accepted against the corona virus.

WHAT NOT TO KEEP NEAR A BASIL PLANT?

Do not keep shoes, slippers etc. near the basil plant. This brings negativity in the house.

Do not keep dirty clothes near the basil plant.

No broken things to be kept near the basil plant. 

The basil plant should never have garbage of any kind. Complete cleaning of its pot is a must.

LIFE OF TULSI PLANT

In India, Tulsi plants can reach 4 to 5 feet tall in the intense summer heat, but indoors or in more temperate climates, they stay small and bushy, growing no bigger than 1 to 2 feet. With proper care and management basil plant can survive more than 4 years. after which the plant starts weakening and drying up. Meanwhile the seeds cooked from the basil plant keep falling into the soil. During the rainy season, these seeds germinate and new plants emerge which are healthy.

GROW TULSI WITH THE HELP OF SEEDS

Basil seeds germinate at a temperature of about 25 ° C. However, the month of April is considered suitable for planting basil from its seeds. You can grow new plants by spreading basil seeds on composted soil. After spreading, apply a layer of soil of about quarter inch on it. After that sprinkle water over it. Sprinkle water daily. Do not add too much water. There should be moisture in the soil. The growth will be visible between one to two weeks. Plants can be re-potted elsewhere when they grow four to five inches tall.

HOW TO PLANT BASIL WITH CUTTINGS?

Basil can also be planted with cuttings. The rainy season is the best for this. For this, take six-inch-long cuttings and remove the leaves at the bottom of it. Transpose it in compost mixed soil and keep it in a place with low to moderate sunlight. In eight to ten days, the roots come out and the plant starts growing.

HOW TO CARE OF TULSI PLANT?

Taking care of a Tulsi plant is easy. 

Everyone should know how to maintain a green and healthy Tulsi plant.

·        The basil plant needs sunlight. Make sure that it gets at least two hours of sunlight. But keep it away from too much heat during summer.

·        When flowers (manjari) start coming in the plant, the growth of the plant stops. They should be plucked when the plant starts flowering. This makes the plant dense. According to our tradition, this is called reducing the burden of Tulsi ji.

·        Tulsi plant requires more nitrogen. For this, cow urine (in proportion of one-part cow urine and ten parts water) can be added once in every three months. Apart from this, you can apply compost manure in small quantity once in two weeks.

·        Do not use chemical fertilizer in basil.

·        The plant should be kept light by removing old leaves that are dry, yellow and wilted.

·        Strong cold and dew are harmful for basil. This can cause the plant to turn blue and be destroyed. To protect basil from strong cold and dew, cover it with thin cloth.

·        Generally, the basil is protected from winter by wearing a chunari and the plant is not destroyed due to cold.

 

 

 

 HOW TO SAVE TULSI FROM DISEASE?

Although the disease appears less in Tulsi plant, but sometimes fungal infections can cause black or brown spots on the leaves which is a disease. This is due to prolonged humidity or wetness. If such spots appear on one or two leaves, then those leaves should be removed immediately, otherwise it can destroy the plant by spreading over all these leaves. In this situation you can explore natural fungal options on infected leaves. They include fungal soap, a baking soda and water mixture, etc. Trimming away and removing an infected leaf spot is the best way to treat the rest of the plant.

Being a religious plant and beneficial in terms of health, it should be in every household. If possible, more than one basil plant should be kept in the house. I keep three basil plants in my terrace garden so that even if there is a problem with any one, I always a good and healthy plant by my side.

Ancient Ayurveda suggests that Tulsi is a tonic for the body, mind and spirit that offers solutions to many modern day health problems. Tulsi has also been used in cities to combat air pollution and hundreds of thousands of Tulsi plants have been planted around the Taj Mahal in Agra to help protect the iconic marble building from environmental pollution damage. By planting more and more Tulsi plants we can follow the United Nations call “Wake Up Before It's Too Late” for the global community and as such we can validate and stand up for local solutions to toxicity.

 

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