Tulsi is considered as a Queen of medicinal plants. This wonder herb has immense medicinal properties and widely used in in Ayurvedic and naturopathic medicines which helps in the healing of the human body in a natural manner. Tulsi can help you to get rid of many health problems ranging from fever to kidney stones, as this wonder herb is stimulant, antipyretic and aromatic in nature. Tulsi plant holds immense significance in the Hindu religion.

Effective For  Disesaes – Fever, cold, skin diseases, Hair problems, Sore throat, Kidney stone, asthma, bronchitis, Mouth ulcer  etc.

Location Advice – Both indoor and outdoor areas.

Tulsi(Ocimum gratissimum) is queen of medicinal plant helps to get rid of many health problems due to its   Stimulant, antipyretic and aromatic nature.

• Nomenclature –
• Vernacular names –  Vaijayanti tulas,  clove basil, African basil, shrubby basil, tree basil
• Scientific Name – Ocimum gratissimum
• Botanical Classification-

Kingdom     – Plantae

Phylum        – Spermatophytes

Subphylum  -Angiospermae

Class             – Dicotyledones

Order             – Lamiales

Family            – Lamiaceae

Genus             – Ocimum

Species           – Ocimum gratissimum

 

• Plant Morphology-

Ocimum gratissimum is a perennial herbaceous, aromatic plant, with erect and branched stem, reaches  at  height of 0.4 to 2 meters high. The stem is rounded-quadrangular, highly branched, woody, rigid and with epidermis peeling off in strips at the base, more or less glabrous but becoming pubescent at nodes and on the inflorescences axis. The leaves are very fragrant and simple, petiolate, opposite, elliptic or oval to broadly ovate, with serrated margins. The fruits are formed of spherical capsules of about 2 mm in diameter.
Stem-
The stem is rounded- quadrangular, highly branched, woody at the base, rigid and with epidermis peeling off in strips at the base.

Leaf-
The leaves are simple, opposite with petiole of 2 to 5 cm long. The blade is elliptical to oval, 1.5 to 2.5 cm long and 0.6 to 1.2 cm wide. The margin is coarsely serrated. The apex and base are pointed. Both sides are covered with short, dense hairs. Venation is pinnate.
Inflorescence-

Small white flowers sometimes pink or carmine red, with a small calyx, are arranged in a terminal inflorescence in spike of 7 to 20 cm long.

Fruit-

The fruit consists of 4 small, sub-globular, dry nutlets, 1.5 mm long, rough, brown, remaining included in the persistent calyx.

• Growing condition-
• Plant can be propagated by stem cutting or  through seeds.
• Plant requires 6-8 hours of sunlight a day and temperatures of at least 21 °C. Keep the pot in an area where it can receive plenty of indirect sunlight.
• Water your tulsi when the top layer of soil becomes dry.
• Water the plant twice a week.
• Fertilize your plant once a month.Use a liquid fertilizer or organic compost, such as cow manure, to maintain the nutrients in the soil. An application of fertilizer once a month will help your plant continue to thrive.
• Repot tulsi plant once it has outgrown its pot.Once roots growing out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, it’s time to repot the plant to a larger pot.

 

 

Tulsi offers slow relief but you can be sure that there are no side effects and that is the reason as to why it is called the wonder herb. A single Tulsi plant can help you get rid of many health issues such as-

• For Hair Problems-
• Prevent hair fall.
• Stop graying of hair and keep it thick and black.
• Stop dandruff.
• Prevent dry scalp.

 

• For Skin Problems-
• Tulsi is found to be very efficient in treatment of Acne, face marks, skin infections.
• It improves skin texture and helps for skin brightening.
• Tulsi tea helps for weight loss. It works on metabolism and digestive system of body.
• It works effectively for common cold, fever, Malaria, Dengue fever.
• In respiratory disorderslike asthma, bronchitis, cold, influenza tulsi leaf extract is very beneficial.
• Tulsi tea has zero calories that boost your stamina.

 

• How to take care?
• Water the plant twice a week.
• Fertilize your plant once a month.
• Keep the plant for 6-8 hours of sunlight a day and temperatures of at least 21 °C.
• Use a liquid fertilizer or organic compost, such as cow manure, to maintain the nutrients in the soil.

 

• Do’s –
• Tulsi requires high amount of water, hence water the plant frequently, when top layer of soil become dry.
• In winter, cover the plant with cloth or plastic, it will allow light to enter and will also trap heat, keeping the plant roots warm.
• Tulsi leaves can develop mold in damp environments. Wipe the leaves with a soft, clean cloth to remove it.
• Protect the plant from cold during winter.

 

• Don’ts-
• Do not overwater the tulsi plant.
• Don’t plant the plant below the temperature of 21 as cold atmosphere is harmful for growth plant.
• Don’t use chemical pesticide for plant, as we use the plant leaves for eating.

Don’t place the plant in shady area, as it leads to wilting and discolouring of plant.