Tulsi-the sacred plant

 

THE HOLY BASIL 

Scientific name:  Ocimum sanctum

Common names:  Tulsi, Holy basil, Krishna tulsi 

Found :

The plant is native to India. It can be seen growing abundantly across different states of the country.

It is also common in south Asian countries (though its  different varieties are found in other parts of the world)

More about it: 

These are aromatic shrubs. The plant has a hairy, purplish stem. The leaves are oval and  has small purplish tubular flower. They have a bunch of fibrous roots(hair like).

There are different types of Tulsi known in different names in different parts. The wild Tulsi is little more bushy and is more purplish . It has a stronger smell ,so its parts can be used perfume the cupboards and clothes.

Cultural importance:

The plant has a very cultural importance in Hindu religion and is also mentioned  in Hindu scriptures about its importance. It is offered in temples to the deities directly as leaves or as garlands. It represents a form of goddess(wife of Lord Vishnu and prayers are offered to it. In north India, there is a celebration known as 'Tulsi Vivah' (the day when Tulsi is married to the Lord Vishnu/Krishna).In south India, it was a tradition and a culture to have a Tulsi plant at the front of their house, to which they did the offerings.

Uses:

Medicinally also it is very important and major ingredient  in many of the ayurvedic medicines. It was common to use decoctions of Tulsi leaves for  fevers. It is used for respiratory problems and also in cough syrups. 

During the 2009 Swine flu pandemic, when people where desperate to find a cure for it and there was no solution from the modern medicine, they started to look for the natural remedies. And immediately there was remedy that if you eat 2 or 3 leaves of Tulsi in the morning everyday empty stomach, it can prevent the spread.

 

How to grow it?

Flowers -green when young which turns purple as it matures and finally turns brown.

Flowers -green when young which turns purple as it matures and finally turns brown.

You can grow the Tulsi plant from their seeds and also from the stem cutting. But the common way is with the seeds which we can collect the flowers with the help of forceps or pluckers and sprinkle them directly to the soil. Do not over water it and it needs warm and sunny climate.

Planting is easy but taking care is important.