Tulsi or basil is a herb that has immense medicinal properties. The plant is easy to grow and is popular in Indian homes.
THE FIRST thing our grandmothers did after their ablutions was to fill water in a kalash and water the tulsi. As many traditions associated with the plant have declined, the presence of tulsi in homes has also become a rarity. But even those who do not believe in the tradition of worshipping tulsi would grant that this plant has wonderful medicinal properties, and so, deserves a place in one's garden.
THE FIRST thing our grandmothers did after their ablutions was to fill water in a kalash and water the tulsi. As many traditions associated with the plant have declined, the presence of tulsi in homes has also become a rarity. But even those who do not believe in the tradition of worshipping tulsi would grant that this plant has wonderful medicinal properties, and so, deserves a place in one's garden.
With the monsoons here and common colds aplenty, its time to bring home a tulsi sapling and consider the merits of Ocimum Basilicum (as the Indian basil or tulsi plant is technically called).
India's tropical warm climate is ideal for growing tulsi. With a little bit of nurturing, the plant can easily be grown in every home. Though there are many varieties of the basil herb, the most common in India is the Shyama tulsi (darker the leaves, greater the therapeutic value) and Rama tulsi (lighter leaves).
Easily grown in pots, beds, or hanging pots, this plant can grow 50-cm. tall, approximately, though with careful nurturing, it is known to grow to even 75 cm. in height. One can plant either a small saplings or sow the seeds. The key factor in growing tulsi is to ensure sufficient sunlight for a few hours each day. One has to ensure that the soil used is supplemented with good manure, which is not too acidic. Initially, the plant needs a lot of water and once it grows well, it starts to sprout white and purplish flowers on its shoots and in some varieties, the leaves turn purplish too.
Adding used tealeaves to the soil and regular pruning will ensure better growth of the plant. The leaves and juice of this herb can be used in easy-to-make home remedies to cure common ailments such as colds, migraines, fever, stomach disorders, and even some cases of poisoning. Tulsi has been known to increase stamina and ensure general well being. It reduces bronchial mucus and brings relief to those suffering from colds. This explains why tulsi is the base for many cough syrups. Tulsi contains Vitamin C (again helpful in colds), salts such as calcium and phosphorous (good to build stamina), and carotene which is a source of vitamin A (good for the eyes). Tulsi also has the potency to reduce blood sugar levels, a problem which is prevalent in India.
Tulsi, like all herbs, can be easily preserved for future use. But its flavour is best obtained by using it fresh. Tulsi leaves can be easily dried in the sun or even in the microwave. The leaves can then be preserved in a paper bag, airtight tin, or refrigerator. Some people even dry and crush the leaves and preserve the powder in oil (such as olive oil) for use in salads etc.
The tulsi plant is also known to be a mosquito repellent. That is an additional reason to grow a number of tulsi plants in a mosquito-ridden city such as Bangalore. It will also aid in keeping the atmosphere fresh and full of oxygen.
A quick tulsi recipe: Herbal tea, which cures common cold.
Ingredients: Ten to 12 tulsi leaves, black pepper to taste, jaggery powder, and one-inch ginger piece.
Method: Take two cups of water and add all the ingredients to it (you may add more jaggery in case the pepper powder is more). Boil the water till it becomes half the original quantity. The herbal tea (of syrup consistency) is ready to be consumed.
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