Also known as Holy Basil, the tulsi plant adorns places of Hindu worship and other areas that focus on spirituality and concentration. Indian mythologies make mention of the tulsi, which means "incomparable one." Devout followers of the Hindu religion offer up the leaves of the tulsi plant to God as part of their daily ritual. A water offering is made to the tulsi plant several times a day while holding a sacred candle. There are eight objects required for Hindu worship--the tulsi is number six.
Identification
The tulsi plant is a perennial shrub that reaches 18-inches tall at maturity. The leaves of the plant vary in color between green and purple. Spiky purple flowers complement the foliage in late spring. The plant grows upward and produces a pleasant fragrance that exudes from essential oils in the leaves. The tulsi plant functions well as a potted houseplant and in the garden setting.
Types
There are three main forms of tulsi. Rama tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), which has green leaves and stems, and Krishna tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), which also has green stems and leaves. It is important to note that the main difference between Rama tulsi and Krishna tulsi is that leaves on Krishna tulsi sometimes turn purple. Vana tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum) is a wild form of basil that grows freely as a wild herb.
Significance
It is Hindi belief that every household should have a tulsi plant--without one, the household is incomplete. This holy herb often sits in a decorative planter, embellished with likenesses of the deities. For some Hindu families, one tulsi plant is not enough. In fact, some families choose to plant a whole garden of tulsi basil plants. Hindu families refer to this religious planting of tulsi in a garden setting as a tiny basil forest.
Benefits
Ayurvedic treatment is a form of medicine native to ancient India. It encompasses all areas of health including mental and physical well-being. The tulsi plant is the main herb used by Ayurvedic healers. According to AyurBalance, Hindu medicine refers to tulsi as a natural cleanser. Not only is the tulsi plant known to rid the body of toxins, it also improves stomach disorders, headaches, heart disease, malaria and inflammation. The essential oils derived from the tulsi plant also go into the making of herbal toiletries.
Considerations
Gardeners interested in growing the tulsi plant will find that it easily propagates from seed. The tulsi seeds are sprinkled over the soil in late spring or early summer and covered with a ¼-inch layer of soil. The tulsi seeds germinate within one to two weeks of planting in full sun and well-drained soil, moistened with daily waterings. Once the seedlings develop their second set of leaves, the weakest are weeded out of the crop, leaving behind the healthiest tulsi plants spaced 1 to 2 feet apart.
Member Comments