Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is a widely grown, sacred plant of
India. It belong to the labiateae family. It is also called
by names like Manjari/Krishna tulsi (Sanskrit), Trittavu
(Malayalam), Tulshi (Marathi) and Thulsi (Tamil & Telegu).
It is called Holy Basil in English. The natural habitat of
Tulsi varies from sea level to an altitude of 2000 m. It is
found growing naturally in moist soil nearly all over the
globe. In India, Hindus grow Tulsi as a religious plant in
their homes, temples and their farms. They use Tulsi leaves
in routine worship. This plant is also grown as a pot herd
and in home gardens.
Tulsi is a branched, fragrant and erect herb having hair all
over. It attains a height of about 75 to 90 cm when mature.
Its leaves are nearly round and up to 5 cm long with the
margin being entire or toothed. These are aromatic because
of the presence of a kind of scented oil in them. A variety
with green leaves is called Shri Tulsi and one with
reddish leaves is called Krishna Tulsi. Tulsi flowers are small
having purple to reddish color, present in small compact
clusters on cylindrical spikes. The fruits are small and the
seeds yellow to reddish in color. Because of its
medicinal virtues, Tulsi is used in Ayurvedic preparations for
treating various ailments.
Tulsi leaves contain a bright yellow volatile oil which is
useful against insects and bacteria. The principal
constituents of this oil are Eugenol, eugenol methyl ether
and carvacrol. The oil is reported to possess anti-bacterial
properties and acts as an insecticide. It inhibits the in
vitro growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Micrococcus
pyogenes var. aureus. It has marked insecticidal activity
against mosquitoes. The juice of leaves, and or a
concoction, called jushanda, a kind of tea, gives relief in
common cold, fever, bronchitis, cough, digestive complaints,
etc. When applied locally, it helps in eradicating ringworms
and other skin diseases. Tulsi oil is also used as ear drops
in case of pain. The seeds are used in curing urinary
problems. Aphrodisiac virtue has been attributed to it,
where powdered Tulsi root with clarified butter (ghee) is
prescribed.
In addition to Ocimum sanctum proper, some other species on
varieties of this plant also go by the same name viz Tulsi.
These are Ocimum canum (Ram tulsi or Kali tulsi), Ocimum
basilicum or bobai tulsi, Ocimum kilmand, O. scharicum or
camphor tulsi, etc. The medicinal effect of all these
varieties is nearly similar, if not the same. The best part
of the matter is that certain Indian scientists are at the
threshold of finalizing their discovery of a reliable
medicine against cancer out of Tulsi plant.
Tulsi is one of the most important plants of Haryana and
rest of India. Therefore it is required that more research
is done for large scale cultivation of the plant in vacant
lands and spaces. More research is also required in the use
of Tulsi leaves, oil and extracts for a large number of
medicinal uses and as an organic insecticide. The Ch Devi
Lal Herbal Nature Garden is involved in researching and
cultivating many medicinal herbs including Tulsi and Safed
Musli.