Tulsi is one of the most popular plants grown in Indian homes, particularly due to their medicinal benefits and cultural significance. It’s a great addition to any herb garden because of its versatility and usefulness, as well as its enticing scent and small, vibrant blossoms. This article will discuss everything related to the tulsi plant, from cultivation to medicinal uses.
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What is Tulsi plant?
Tulsi is an invigorating and healing plant that grows naturally in India and other parts of the Indian subcontinent. In regions that do not experience frost and have moderate winters, tulsi may be grown as a perennial plant; however, it must be grown as an annual in colder and more temperate climes. Primarily found in India and southeast Asia, it produces white and purple blooms. Also, it is widely known for the many health benefits offered by its leaves.
Tulsi plant: Key facts
| Botanical name | Ocimum Tenuiflorum, Ocimum Gratissimum |
| Common name | Tulsi, holy basil |
| Bloom time | Seasonal |
| Flower colour | Purple or white |
| Mature size | One to two feet wide and two feet tall |
| Native area | Southeast Asia and Indian Sub-Continent |
| Plant type | Herbaceous shrub |
| Soil pH | Adaptable |
| Soil type | Sandy, moist loams with good drainage |
| Sun exposure | Full sun |
See also: Home tulsi mandir design
Tulsi plant: Physical description
Tulsi is a plant with distinctive features such as hairy green and purple to red leaves that have deep veins and emit a strong scent. During the summer, it produces small white to purplish flowers on tall spikes. In India, where temperatures and soil conditions are ideal, Tulsi bushes can reach a height of 4 to 5 feet. However, when grown indoors or in milder climates, Tulsi typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet.
Types of Tulsi plants
There are about a hundred distinct types, but the three that are most well-known and widely cultivated are as follows:
Rama Tulsi
The Rama tulsi, also known as bright tulsi, has larger leaves than its and may be found in some regions of India, China, Nepal, and southern South America. Its purpose is to promote good digestion and has a taste softer than other holy basils, but the aroma released when the leaves are crunched is greater.
Krishna Tulsi
Source: Pinterest
Purple-leaf basil, also known as Krishna tulsi, is far rarer than its green-leaf counterpart. It works well for treating skin, ear, and respiratory infections. Its spicy, pungent taste and odour may be attributable to the fact that it matures more slowly than other types. Another benefit of purple leaf basil is that it has a milder flavour and is less astringent than other types of basil.
Vana Tulsi
Source: Pinterest
The most elusive kind of holy basil is called Vana tulsi and grows only in the wild. One of the most delicious and healthful forms of all the holy basils, it thrives in the regions surrounding the Himalayas. The top leaves are pale green, while the lower ones are a darker green.
Tulsi plant: How to grow?
Plant seeds in the open air during the end of spring or the beginning of summer, once the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 C). Planting the seeds inside a nursery or on a warm windowsill in the sun can get you off to an early start in the spring.
Tulsi seeds should be scattered on the top of the soil and tamped down to provide excellent soil-to-seed contact. Place the seeds in a warm, brightly shaded, and partially sunny spot in the morning. It takes around a week to two weeks for seeds to germinate, so ensure the soil is always damp.
Carefully replant the seedlings in separate pots or outdoors once they have developed two or three sets of genuine leaves, taking special precautions not to damage the delicate roots.
Tulsi plant: Propagation
Growing Tulsi from seeds can be challenging, so it’s recommended to use cuttings instead. Follow these steps:
- Take a cutting from the tip of a healthy Tulsi plant, ensuring that you remove any flowers and some leaves.
- Place the cutting in a jar filled with water and put it on a warm windowsill. Maintain a consistently warm environment.
- Change the water every few days to prevent the growth of mould or stagnation.
- Once roots start to develop, transfer the cutting into a pot filled with moist potting mix.
By following these steps, you can successfully propagate Tulsi from cuttings and grow a new plant.
Tulsi plant: Growing conditions
The requirements for cultivating Tulsi plants are similar to those for growing sweet basil. Despite this, it can withstand greater levels of heat and drought.
Tulsi plant: Soil requirements
Tulsi thrives on loamy soil, rich in nutrients and excellent drainage. It may be grown on soil with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, although a range anywhere between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.
Tulsi plant: Sunlight requirements
Holy basil requires at least 4 hours of sunshine daily to develop to its maximum potential. Although it can grow in either full sun or partial shade, it does best in full sun.
Tulsi plant: Watering requirements
You should water the plant every time the top inch of soil becomes dry, but throughout the summer, you should maintain the soil just slightly damp. Refrain from watering while it is raining. To stave against illnesses brought on by winter, irrigation should be cut down.
Tulsi plant: Care tips
Pinch the tips of holy basil plants after forming four or six pairs of leaves to encourage the plant to develop a fuller, bushier shape. When flower buds first develop, they must be cut off as well. When seed development is inhibited, it develops in a fuller and more luxuriant manner.
To promote the development of fresh and healthy leaves, removing those that have become yellowed, wilted, or discoloured is also necessary. The plant stays healthy with regular pruning of dead leaves and florets.
Tulsi plant: Fertiliser requirements
Once every four weeks, apply a blended liquid fertiliser but cut down on the amount of fertiliser you use once the growing season has ended. It is also useful to add compost to the top layer of soil every year or every six months, which is equivalent to a depth of two inches.
Tulsi plant: Pruning requirements
Tulsi may be pruned at any time of the year to keep it manageable and encourage fuller, more packed growth. Keep off at most 50% of the stem’s growth when pruning.
Tulsi plant: Overwintering requirements
To keep your Tulsi plant alive and well during the colder months, bring it inside and stay in a sunny spot above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. After all risk of frost has gone, you may return the plant to the outdoors.
Tulsi plant: Pests and diseases
Diseases and pests don’t seem to bother it too much. Inadequate growing circumstances make it vulnerable to pests like aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, and even whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or organic insecticide to get rid of unwanted pests.
Tulsi plant: How to harvest?
Your Tulsi plant will reward you with fragrant leaves all summer long. When your plant is 8 inches tall, you may remove huge individual leaves or prune the whole branch to suit your requirements. Fresh leaves rapidly lose their colour and quality, so utilise them the next day you collect them.
Dried holy basil leaves may be stored in a cool, dark area until they are needed. Leaves will turn crispy and fall off when crushed if you gather branches in a basket, keep them in a dry spot out of direct sunshine, and toss the stem twice or thrice a day. Its seeds may be kept and used later in teas.
Tulsi plant: Benefits
There has been a significant amount of scientific research conducted in the past on this plant, all of which lend credence to the assertion that it has antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, immunostimulating, and adaptogenic (stress reduction) qualities. It helps the body’s natural defences fight against infections, the effects of stress, and various other diseases. The positive effects that the Tulsi plant has on one’s health are as follows:
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Immunity booster
Tulsi contains copious levels of antioxidants and micronutrients, all of which are effective in warding off common illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, fever, and asthma, amongst others. Chewing tulsi leaves and drinking water that has been boiled with tulsi may be an effective way to alleviate the symptoms of a sore throat and a cold. In addition, tulsi inhibits the development of certain cancer-causing cells as well as HIV cells, which helps prevent the spread of diseases that may be fatal.
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Heals infections
Due to the presence of antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal qualities within the plant, tulsi has been used to treat wounds and infections for a considerable amount of time. In addition to this, it possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, which expedite the healing process and help reduce inflammation.
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Cleans the blood
Additionally, it is well known that the holy plant may cleanse the blood, which results in good skin. Additionally, the advantages of tulsi tea may do wonders for an individual’s general health by eliminating toxins and purifying the digestive system. When consumed consistently, there are many advantages of drinking water infused with tulsi, also known as holy water.
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Cures insect bites
Fresh tulsi leaves are an effective remedy for treating various skin conditions, including ringworm and insect bites. The afflicted region should be treated with juice extracted from tulsi leaves. Holy basil has been used medicinally for centuries and is known to have natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
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Lowers blood pressure
Consuming tulsi leaves has several health advantages, including reducing cholesterol and high blood pressure levels, which may be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from hypertension. Holy basil is an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions, including headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and indications of high blood pressure.
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Treats respiratory disorders
The contaminated atmosphere hurts the health of one’s lungs, which may lead to respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Tulsi has a positive influence on the functioning of the respiratory system. In addition, the inhalation of steam-containing tulsi leaves may be beneficial in removing congestion.
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Keeps blood sugar steady
Tulsi leaves provide those who have type 2 diabetes with a significant number of health benefits. The positive benefits of the ancient plant include not only the regulation of blood glucose levels but also a reduction in the harmful consequences. Having tulsi in any capacity will enhance the metabolic process and assist the body in metabolising carbs and lipids. This is true regardless of the form the tulsi is consumed in.
Tulsi plant: How to consume?
Herbal tea and spice tea are frequent vehicles for their use. You might also use it in smoothies and soups. In several Ayurvedic preparations, it is also used as an ingredient.
Tulsi plant: Religious significance
In Hinduism, the Tulsi plant is considered sacred. It is considered by Hindus to be the entrance to Vaikuntha, the heavenly realm where God resides, and is also known as Vrinda. Tulsi is a sacred herb that brings people spiritual peace and liberation, known as Moksha.
Several components of the tulsi plant are revered as the dwelling places of various gods and goddesses. In addition to this, it is widely believed that tulsi is an actual manifestation of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi. Because of this, the tulsi plant is revered daily after a bath to achieve both wealth and calm.
Vastu for Tulsi plants
As per Vastu, Tulsi plants bring in positive energy to your home. Vastu Shastra says that placing Tulsi plants in the northeast and north directions of your home attracts maximum positivity. Moreover, these plants should not be planted near shoes, brooms, or dustbins. Moreover, it should not be planted next to thorny plants like cactus. Instead, they should be planted near flowering plants.
FAQs
What exactly is a tulsi plant?
The plant known as tulsi is classified as a herb. Because it is a perennial, it will continue to produce fragrant blossoms year after year. Tulsi is a sacred plant used for both religious and medical rituals in its native India.
What does the term tulsi mean in English?
What are the primary advantages of the tulsi plant?
There are several upsides to getting started on a tulsi plant endeavour. It strengthens the body's defences against illness, drives away pests, reduces tension, and ushers in prosperity.
Which way should the tulsi plant be kept?
According to Vastu Shastra, a Tulsi plant should be placed in the centre of your home or the east, north, or northeast corner of your property.
What is the average lifespan of a tulsi plant?
Tulsi plants typically only last about a year and a half before dying. As a sun-loving plant, Tulsi thrives in the summer months. Yet, this plant cannot survive in cold winters.
