Description
Tulsi or Tulasi (Ocimum tenuiflorum) or Holy basil is a sacred plant in Hindu belief. Hindus regard it as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulsi, a consort of the god Vishnu. The offering of its leaves is mandatory in ritualistic worship of Vishnu and his forms like Krishna and Vithoba.
Sow seeds in early spring. Grows best in full sun in moderately rich and well-drained soil kept well watered. Space large-leafed cultivars (such as Thai Magic ) 1 1/2 apart and mulch to retain moisture.
Many Hindus have tulsi plants growing in front of or near their home, often in special pots or special small masonry structures. Traditionally, Tulsi is planted in the center of the central courtyard of Hindu houses. The plant is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil. It is widely known across South Asia as a medicinal plant and a herbal tea, commonly used in Ayurveda. Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned in the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of elixir of life and believed to promote longevity.It is an elixir for cough; the leaves when chewed after meals acts as a digestive, and when taken before and after cold water bath controls temperature in the stomach and prevents cold. If sprinkled over cooked food in stored water, tulsi leaves prevent bacterial growth.Plant Specifications
| Common Name | Ajaka,Baranda, Basilic Indien,Brinda,Kala Tulsi, Kemangen, Krishna Tulasi, Tulsa, Manjari,Parnasa, Patrapuspha,Shyama Tulsi, Sri Tulasi, Suvasa Tulasi and Tulsi Patra. |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 1.50 to 2 feet |
| Flower Colour | Magenta |
| Bloom Time | Throughout Year.Preferably early summer and late spring. |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Rama Tulsi Plant care
plant care may require a bit of effort, but the results are well worth the work. Not all plants are fragrant, but the most common and hardy do produce a sweet, carrying fragrance. Common is a vine and has larger glossy green leaves than Royal. Both can survive in temperate climates if they are planted in a sheltered area.
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | Well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 36-40 degrees C |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Rama Tulsi Plant special feature
As a seasoning herb in many vegetable and meat dishes, or as a key ingredient of pesto and other condiments.
Rama Tulsi Plant uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Tulsi may cure fever, cold,cough and sore throatTulsi may beat stressTulsi may desolve kidney stoneTulsi may protect the heart as it has medicinal propertiesTulsi may beat cancerTulsi may help in quitting smokingTulsi may beat stressTulsi may reduce blood sugar levelTulsi may keep skin and hair healthy
Culinary Use:
- It is considered that consuming five leaves of tulsi on daily basis protects one from different types of diseases along with enhancement in memory power and intelligence
- Consuming tulsi leaves juice with water on empty stomach in the morning increases memory power and glow along with an enhanced digestive power
- Tulsi tea is beneficial in several ways