Tulsi is a plant native to India. It was used in ancient times to treat various ailments, including fever, cough, cold, and indigestion. Today, it continues to be used around the world to promote health and wellness.
The word "tulsi" means "auspiciousness." In Hinduism, tulsi is considered sacred because it represents the goddess Parvati. According to legend, Parvati created the universe with her body. She then became exhausted and fell asleep. Vishnu, the supreme god, took the form of a tortoise and carried her across his shell. As he did so, drops of sweat fell onto the ground, creating the holy river Ganges. These drops later turned into the sacred herb known as tulsi.
Here's a step-by-step guide to growing tulsi indoors:
1. Choose a Location
Choose a location that receives six hours of direct sunlight per day. Indoors, this may mean choosing a south-facing window. However, if you're planning to grow outdoors, choose a spot that gets at least four hours of sun daily.
2. Prepare Soil
Soil preparation is critical when growing plants indoors. Start by mixing equal parts potting soil and peat moss together. Next, spread out the mixture evenly over a flat surface. Add some fertilizer to the soil before planting.
3. Plant Seeds
Select seeds based on the size of the container you'll be using. For small containers, select dwarf varieties; for larger pots, go with standard varieties. When planting, make sure that the seedlings' roots are well-distributed throughout the soil.
4. Water Plants Regularly
Watering is essential for keeping plants alive and thriving. To ensure that your indoor garden thrives, water regularly. Be careful not to overwater, however. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to death.
5. Feed Plants Once Per Week
Feeding plants once per week is recommended. Use a liquid feed formulated specifically for houseplants. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
6. Repot Plants Every Two Years
Repotting is necessary every two years. This ensures that your plants receive adequate light and air circulation. Simply remove the entire plant from its original pot, wash it thoroughly, and repot it in fresh soil.
7. Harvest Leaves
Harvest leaves weekly during the first month of growth. Remove the leaves gently so as not to damage the stem. Store the leaves in plastic bags in the refrigerator until ready to use.
8. Enjoy!
Enjoy the fruits of your labor by making a cup of hot tulsi tea.
Benefits of Tulsi
Tulasi (also called Holy Basil) is an aromatic herb that grows in tropical climates. Its leaves have long been used to create herbal remedies. Tulsi has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The leaves of tulsi contain high amounts of antioxidants such as flavonoids, which help prevent cancer and other diseases. Tulsi also contains essential oils that provide relief from colds, flu, coughs, sore throats, and headaches. Here are some of the benefits of tulsi:
1. It's good for digestion
Tulsi helps stimulate digestive juices. It relieves gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. It also reduces inflammation and speeds up recovery time after surgery or illness.
2. It strengthens immunity
Tulsi boosts the immune system by increasing white blood cell production. White blood cells fight infections and disease. They also destroy bacteria and viruses reducing inflammation and pain associated with indigestion.
2. It improves memory
Studies show that tulsi increases blood flow to the brain, helping to improve cognitive function. It also boosts mood, concentration, and alertness.
3. It fights stress
Tulsi contains compounds that fight free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that attack cells and disrupt their normal functioning. They contribute to aging and many chronic health conditions.
4. It supports healthy skin
Tulsi promotes healthy skin by reducing acne breakouts. It also protects against sunburn and wrinkles.
5. It eases anxiety
Tulsi calms nervous tension and stress. It also helps reduce insomnia.
6. It treats respiratory problems
Tulsi helps clear sinuses and lungs when taken internally. It can be added to tea or consumed as a supplement.
7. It helps relieve depression
Research shows that tulsi may help treat symptoms of depression. It also helps ease feelings of sadness and loneliness.
8. It prevents diabetes
A study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that people who regularly consume tulsi had lower levels of glucose and insulin than those who didn't. This suggests that tulsi may protect against type 2 diabetes.
9. It lowers cholesterol
A study conducted at the University of California, Davis, showed that tulsi extract lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats.
10. It reduces heart disease risk
In one study, researchers looked at data on more than 1,000 men and women over age 50. Those who ate the most tulsi were less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks.
11. It supports weight loss
In another study, participants who drank tulsi juice lost twice as much weight as those who drank water.
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Extra reading
10 Medicinal plants to grow at home
Herbs that you can grow at home
How to grow black pepper at home
Happy Gardening!
Dr. Vandana K.