Tulsi / Holy Basil
Interesting Facts about Holy Basil / Tulsi
A fragrant, medicinal, and ancient herb- Holy Basil or Tulsi is one such plant that originated in India and has now gained popularity throughout the world. Tulsi in India is considered a holy herb that is used in various religious ceremonies. But because of its medicinal value, this little plant has crossed religious barriers and is present in most plant lovers’ collections. In India, the Tulsi plant is treated like a respectable woman. There is a ceremony known as ‘Tulsi Vivaha’ which is celebrated every year towards the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the wedding season. Tulsi plant is decorated like an Indian bride and married. Though Tulsi is a weed, it is grown in a special pot known as Vrindavana. Tulsi Vrindavana is a rectangular plant with images of gods and goddesses carved all around it. Many people, while building a new house keep a special place for this Tulsi Vrindavana in their backyard or front yard.
Benefits of Tulsi/ Holy Basil
- Tulsi is a natural air purifier. This is typically the last plant to go out of the house if someone is getting rid of their plants.
- Tulsi leaves are must-haves in many herbal remedies for cough and colds, famously known as Kadha.
- Tulsi leaves are used in the preparation of ghee/ clarified butter to add aroma.
- Tulsi leaves tea with organic honey is a great healthy way to start your drink.
- Tulsi leaves are used in various homemade detox remedies and after exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Tulsi leaves are believed to have antifungal and antibacterial properties. The leaves were commonly used by home doctors that are mothers and grandmothers for generations to make antiseptic/ antibacterial skin lotions.
- Like other varieties of basil, holy basil or Tulsi is a good-looking plant. There are green and black/ purple varieties. Even though both varieties of tulsi are useful, the black one- Krishna Tulsi is more popular.
- Tulsi leaves are used in various Thai and Indian dishes to add flavor.
