Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a flowering plant of the mint family grown for its aromatic leaves. Tulsi is native to the Indian subcontinent and grows throughout Southeast Asia. The plant is widely used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine, often as an herbal tea for a variety of ailments, and is considered sacred in Hinduism.
It is also used as a culinary herb with a pungent flavour that intensifies with cooking. It is reminiscent of clove, Italian basil, and mint and has a peppery spiciness. It is considered an agricultural weed and an invasive species in some areas outside its native range.
Tulsi’s Importance In Indian Homes
Tulsi is revered by Hindus all over, considered a manifestation of the Goddess. In fact, in many homes it is grown in the centre of the courtyard. Its presence is believed to protect and safeguard the home from any kind of harmful influence. Due to its antibacterial powers, the presence of tulsi in the vicinity of the house prevents the spread of germs and helps to keep the atmosphere clean.
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Every part of this plant contains spiritual significance—its roots symbolise a religious pilgrimage, its branches represent divinity, and its crown signifies an understanding of the scriptures. The leaves are definitely one of the most commonly used ingredients as a remedy for a cough, cold, or congested chest.
In Hinduism, the tulsi is venerated as any other divinity by lighting incense and applying vermillion. Women, in many households, worship it every morning and evening.
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Tulsi Tea
Tulsi, brewed into tea, is the most popular way to consume it. A handful of leaves should be first boiled and simmered for about 10 minutes. This process extracts all the goodness from the leaves. Honey or lime can be added to augment its flavour. This concoction is not just an immunity booster; it is said to be a cure for coughs, colds, and skin-related disorders like acne and mouth ulcers and even helps control blood sugar levels.
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Tulsi is considered to be a blood purifier. The flip side about tulsi leaves is that they should not be chewed, as they have a significant amount of mercury and iron, which is released upon chewing. The religious significance of the plant is yet another factor that makes people desist from chewing on it.
Also Read: Know Why Tulsi Tea Is A Boon
Tips To Keep Your Tulsi Plant Healthy In Monsoon
Soil
Tulsi requires well-drained soil to grow, especially in monsoons. You can mix loamy soil with cocopeat and plant them in a medium-sized pot with drain holes at the bottom so that the excess rainwater can drain out of the pot.
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Remove The Mulch
Mulching is a technique in which you can cover the top layer of the soil with mulches to preserve moisture in summers. During monsoon, make sure to remove mulches to prevent water stagnation.
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Do Not Overwater
Avoid overwatering the Tulsi plant in monsoon, as the rainwater itself is sufficient for the plant to thrive. You can also move the plant under a shade if the rain continues for three to four hours.
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Proper Sunlight
It is essential to provide an equal amount of sunlight to the Tulsi plant in monsoon. Keep the plant outdoors during sunny hours.