Tulsi/Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

"Leaves, flowers, fruits, root, branches and the main stem and everything about tulsi is sacred; even the soil under the tulsi plant is holy." --excerpt from the Padmapurana, an ancient(5000 yr. old) healing text from India.


Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum = O. tenuiflorum)
(Sacred Basil, Holy basil, Tulasi)
Family: Lamiaceae


Plant description: Tulsi is native to India, where it often graces shrines and ho aromatic perennial shrub. Tulsi is grown as an annual herb in temperate clima plant is pleasing to the eye, with an upright, open and branching form. The frag leaves is also quite attractive-spicy and complex, often resembling clove. The t excellent, especially when the dried leaves are brewed into tea. The flowers of blue occur on multiple upright racemes.

Types of Tulsi: Four main forms are generally recognized: Krishna Tulsi (Ocim with leaves of purple, Rama Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) with stems of purple, Kap (Ocimum sanctum) with leaves of green, and Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum unmodified from its wild form. Tulsi exhibits great variation across its range an several domesticated cultivars. Variations in soil type and rainfall may also equ difference in the size and form of the plants as well as their medicinal strength Cultivation of Tulsi from seed: Tulsi seed is easy to germinate and grow. Sow Tulsi seeds in early spring indoors or in the greenhouse for an early start, or so directly in the spring or summer garden. Sow Tulsi seeds just under the surfac and press in firmly. Keep Tulsi seed watered and warm until germination, whic within 2 to 3 weeks (faster for Kapoor). Tulsi prefers full sun, rich soil, and plen Thin or transplant to 1 to 2 feet apart. Tulsi does well in pots or window boxes traditionally grown for good luck near the front door of the house.

Traditional uses: The uses of this plant are legion, and it is often taken in com other herbs. The fragrant leaves and flowers, in the form of tincture, tea or dec considered to be stomachic and expectorant, used in treating coughs, bronchit diseases, and diarrhea. These preparations are considered to be prophyllactic epidemics including cholera, influenza and malaria. The Tulsi seeds, taken mixe juice or cow's milk, are antioxidant, nourishing, mucilagenous and demulcent. used in treating low energy, ulcers, vomiting and diarrhea, or as an overall ton powder of the dried root, taken in milk, ghee, or as a decoction, is recommend malarial fever, as an analgesic application to the bites and stings of insects, and increase sexual stamina and prevent premature ejaculation.

Contemporary uses: Tulsi is an uplifting and energy-enhancing adaptogenic h much in common with other triterpenoid containing plants such as ginseng, ele jiao-gu-lan. The herb improves resistance to stress and has a normalizing influ blood pressure and blood sugar imbalances. Used on a regular basis as tea or Tulsi is likely to prove prophyllactic against the negative effects of environment including cancer. The plant is also richly endowed with bioavailable antioxidant and C, and calcium.

Src: http://www.horizonherbs.com/pilot.asp?pg=tulsi