Holy Basil or Tulsi is an evergreen herbaceous plant, also known as Tulsi in Bengal. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is primarily a medicinal plant, but it also works as an ornamental plant when placed on the roof, next to a window, or on a balcony. Tulsi is native to India and is cultivated commercially there. It is widely used by various pharmaceutical companies as a raw material for medicines. Tulsi plants release a lot of oxygen, making them great air purifiers. Tulsi plants can thrive with just 4 hours of light a day, and they are easy to care for. They can also be kept indoors as an indoor plant.
Tulsi plants grow 2-3 feet tall and have four types. They have perennial stems and flower stalks on the branches. The leaves are serrated and up to 2-4 cm long, with flowers around the peduncle, typically with 6 flowers per tier. The leaves have a tangy taste and are widely known as a medicinal herb. Tulsi plants sprout in the months of July, August, November, and December.
Commercial Cultivation of Holy Basil or Tulsi:
Tulsi is commercially grown by farmers in various states of India. By investing 15-20 thousand taka over three months, it is possible to earn up to three to four lakh taka. There is a special demand for Tulsi seeds and leaves. The seeds are sold at Tk 150-200, and the oil extracted from the seeds is sold at Tk 800-1000 per liter. Tulsi contains 70% more eugenol than clove oil and is valued as a raw material for various medicines.
Planting Holy Basil or Tulsi in Urban Environments:
Due to various reasons, we often have to live in urban areas where green spaces are diminishing. The noise of car horns and people can be overwhelming, and there may not be enough space for planting trees. However, it is possible to plant tulsi on a small scale in urban environments. Tulsi can be kept in the balcony or a window corner and it does not require much care to thrive. Additionally, tulsi plays a crucial role in maintaining clean indoor air.
Collecting Seedlings and Choosing Containers:
While tulsi can be grown directly from seeds, it is better to obtain healthy seedlings from nearby nurseries. Select a pot with a height of 8-10 inches to allow the roots to grow well.
Soil Preparation:
Tulsi grows well in various types of soil, with a preference for saline soil. To prepare the potting soil, mix 1 part river sand, 1 part loam soil, and 1 part organic manure thoroughly. Fill the pot with the prepared soil and ensure there is a drainage system. Water the seedlings sufficiently after planting.
Care:
Tulsi plants do not require excessive sunlight; 4 hours of light per day is sufficient. They can thrive in shaded areas for the rest of the time. Tulsi plants need regular watering; water moderately when the soil moisture reduces. Once a month, mix a handful of mustard seeds, half a teaspoon of TSP, and half a teaspoon of DAP in the soil of the pot. While tulsi is generally disease-free, insect attacks can occur. To prevent insect attacks, mix one spoon of neem oil and one pinch of detergent in one liter of water and spray this mixture on the plant at least three times a week. If you want the plant to grow bushy, prune it as soon as the buds appear. This will help the plant grow into a well-formed bush.
As many Properties of Holy Basil or Tulsi:
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, possesses numerous medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of ailments, including colds, coughs, kidney issues, and skin conditions. Its medicinal properties are truly remarkable. Let’s explore these properties in more detail.
- If you have a loss of appetite or a bad taste in your mouth, chewing a few tulsi leaves on an empty stomach every morning can help restore your taste and stimulate your appetite.
- For colds and coughs, a mixture of tulsi leaf juice with ginger juice or honey can provide relief.
- Tulsi leaves contain vitamin C, phytonutrients, and essential oils that are beneficial for the skin. Creating a face pack using tulsi leaves, neem leaves, Multani sandalwood, cloves, and camphor can help combat acne, promote smooth skin, and prevent premature aging.
- A face pack made by mixing gram flour with tulsi leaves can help eliminate blemishes.
- Tulsi possesses antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can help eliminate toxins from the body, preventing dehydration and kidney problems, as well as kidney stones.
- Boiling tulsi leaves in water and drinking the infusion can help with bad breath and throat issues.
- For fever, consuming tulsi leaf juice twice a day can help reduce fever quickly.
- Tulsi leaf tea has gained popularity for its various health benefits, including relieving mental discomfort, improving brain blood circulation, and reducing physical fatigue.
- Consuming tulsi juice can provide quick relief from body aches and headaches.
- In cases of eye pain, redness, and eyelid swelling, regularly washing the eyes with water infused with tulsi can help alleviate these issues.
- Drinking tulsi leaf juice can help reduce phlegm buildup in the chest.
- Tulsi leaves, containing vitamin C, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, can help alleviate stress and control high blood pressure.
- Studies have shown that tulsi is effective in preventing asthma, lung problems, and bronchitis.
- Boiling tulsi and cardamom together can boost the immune system.
- Applying tulsi leaf paste can help dry body wounds faster.
- Tulsi can help regulate blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and body fat, as well as prevent heart disease, heart attacks, and certain types of cancer.
- Drinking warm water mixed with tulsi leaves can be effective in alleviating upset stomach, stomach ulcers, and gas problems.
