Basil, commonly known as Tulsi holds an immensely important place in Hindu mythology, religion, and ayurvedic medicine. Tulsi, the “The Queen of herbs” or “Elixir of life” has an incomparable status among other bio-diversified herbs due to its medicinal, culinary and spiritual properties. Tulsi is widely grown in the Gir wildlife sanctuary and Sasan Gir National Park in India. There are three different varieties of Tulsi. Rama Tulsi which has green leaves, Krishna Tulsi which has purple leaves, and the third, Vana Tulsi, which is a wild variety has light green leaves. The size and colour of the basil plants can vary depending on the geography, rainfall and plant type.

Known from as early as the Vedic period and held sacred by the Hindus, tulsi plants are usually planted around temples. It is also called Vishnu Priya. Tulsi is planted in almost every house in India. It has a wide range of uses from cooking to medicine. Its aromatic fragrance and bitter taste are a good treat to our taste buds when added to salads and pesto sauce.

Tulsi belongs to the family, Lamiaceae with the scientific name, Ocimum tenuiflorum. Because of its spiritual status, Tulsi is also known as the holy basil. Tulsi comes in various colours and is named accordingly. The one with the lighter colour is Rama Tulsi and the one with the darker colour is Shyam Tulsi.

In Ayurveda, tulsi is known to provide a wide array of health benefits. Tulsi is also known for its therapeutic application. It can offer a plethora of health benefits such as anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-cataract, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-fertility, chemo-preventive, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, anti-diabetic, antiasthmatic, antitussive etc.

In ancient times, tulsi was considered as a symbol of purity. It was believed that even going near a tulsi plant and smelling it can protect you from many infections such as a cough, cold and other viral infections. Few leaves put in drinking water or food can purify and kill the germs. A decoction of tulsi leaves and flowers can help cure many skin and fungal diseases.

Some basic facts about Tulsi:

• Botanical Name: Ocimum sanctum
• Family: Basil family, Lamiaceae
• Sanskrit Name: Tulsi
• Other Names: Holy Basil, Rama Tulsi, Shyam Tulsi
• Common Name: Tulsi
• Origin and geographical location: Tulsi is native to India but it is also found in the Tropical regions from Central Africa to Southeast Asia.

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