Tulsi - Complete guidance for planting and care

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) or the HOLY BASIL has always been worshiped in the Indian Household as one of the most revered plants. Most Hindus plant Tulsi outside their homes separately in a pot or on a well mounted cemented altar (Tulsi- Manch). This plant has proven scientific and healthcare properties. 

• Tulsi plants sprout by themselves in soil just after the spring season as their seeds are carried away by wind. Sufficient moisture and sunlight let the plant grow as soon as weather conditions improve on the onset of spring. Small saplings can be taken and planted elsewhere. 
• With proper care even plants upto 1m in height can be uprooted and planted elsewhere. Care must be taken while uprooting the plant as Tulsi plants has small root system as compared to shoot. Therefore the roots shouldnot get damaged or cut. 
• Overall, they are perennial plants but are greatly affected during the cold weather season. Protect the plant from Fog during cold. A major protection technique at home can be covering the plant with a net or keeping it in a partially shaded area. Simple clothes like old worn out cotton sarees can serve as best home made cover as they will actively absorb the fog and keep the plant underneath protected. 
• Cotton sarees are also porous and hence do not hinder with the gaseous exchange of the plant. It allows the plant to breath. Water the plant regularly but monitor that the soil should not be too wet. On winter sunny days, remove the covering and allow the plant to get sufficient sunlight.
• Don't get disheartened if all leaves of the plant wither away during cold. Just take all precautions. I have seen Tulsi plant with no leaves and after 1-2 weeks new leaves start sprouting again . If you want to get sure whether the plant is alive or not just scratch slightly the bark(outer skin) of the plant. If the inside is green, the plant is alive. 

Tulsi Plant 

Tulsi plants are generally heat resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 40-42 degree Celsius during peak summer months of May and June. If there is too much heat, the leaves may turn yellow but with proper watering of plants, the leaves remain green during summer. The plants start flowering during May to June. They have unique flowers called verticillaster. Closeup of their flowers reveal their sheer beauty.

Verticillaster inflorescence of Tulsi

TULSI in MEDICINE

The plant has several medicinal properties :-

• A decoction of the plant leaves with hot water along with cloves, cinnamon, pepper and ginger helps a lot to clear throat. The decoction can be made by adding 10-20 tulsi leaves with 5-6 black pepper seeds, 1 cinamom stick, 4-5 cloves along with 1 small piece (0.5 inches diameter)grated ginger in 1 and half cup of water. This water i boiled till it reduces to half. Filter the contents and drink the hot water like a herbal tea. This soothes the throat and also helps in reduction of pain in case of inflamed tonsils.
• Another way can be taking 8-10 tulsi leaves and crushing them and taking out their juice in a spoon. This juice can be taken along with honey 3-4 times a day. This also acts against cough and the honey acts as a demulcent. 
• Tulsi leaves can be used as mouth freshners as well. Their unique aroma fights bad breath. 
• They also gives satiety and a feeling of fulfillment. It is no doubt that in Ramayana Lord Hanuman was offered Tulsi leaves along with his last meal so that his hunger can be satisfied. 
• Tulsi tea is very famous. Just adding some leaves of Tulsi while making tea gives it a unique flavor and aroma. 

TULSI in HINDU RELIGION

The leaves of this plant is considered auspicious for many rituals of Hinduism. 

• The leave are given as special offering to Lord Vishnu during Satyanarayan Katha and in the Prasadam of the God. Tulsi water is used to bath Lord Vishnu before the Pooja. 
• According to mythology, Lord Vishnu was very pleased by the worship of Tulsi when she was a princess in human form. Hence he granted a boon that Tulsi will exist as a plant and her leaves will be necessary to perform any pooja of Lord Vishnu. She will exist as his consort and Lord Vishnu incarnated himself as a smooth black marble rock called "SHALIGRAM" to remain besides the Tulsi plant. 
• Tulsi, as already said above, is also offered in the Prasadam of Lord Hanuman.
• Tulsi water is also given in the mouth of a dying person just before the soul leaves the body. It is said to purify the body and the soul before the soul takes it final journey towards its heavenly abode.
• Bengalis make a special Prasad called 'Shinni' by adding Tulsi leaves along with flour, ripe banana unboiled milk,water and sugar which is offered to the God during Narayan(Vishnu) Pooja. 
• Garlands of Tulsi leaves is offered to Lord Hanuman and Vishnu.