In Srimad Bhagavadgita Lord Krishna says ‘if anybody offers me even a leaf with full devotion and bhav then I accept it by manifesting myself in gross form’.

The presence of tulsi plant symbolizes the religious bent of a Hindu family. A Hindu household is considered incomplete if it doesn’t have a tulsi plant in the courtyard. Many families have the tulsi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for a small earthen oil lamp. Some households can even have up to a dozen tulsi plants on the verandah or in the garden forming a “tulsi-van” or “tulsivrindavan” – a miniature basil forest.

In the scriptures, tulsi is described as the “ Mother of the Universe”. VishNu is supposed to take abode in a house where tulsi is grown. In such a house, no one undergoes sufferings, such as poverty, illness or separation from dear ones. No wonder, the tulsi plant occupies a prominent position in many households.

Medicinal uses of Tulsi

• Tulsi is taken as the herbal tea.
• The oil extracted from the Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used in the herbal toiletry.
• Its oil is also used against the insects and bacteria.
• The Rama Tulsi is the effective remedy for the Severe acute Respiratory Syndrome.
• Juice of its leaves gives relief in cold, fever, bronchitis and cough.
• Tulsi oil is also used as the ear drop. Tulsi helps in curing malaria
• It is very effective against indigestion, headache, hysteria, insomnia and cholera.
• The fresh leaves of Tulsi are taken by the million of people everyday. For over the centuries Tulsi (the queen of herbs) has been known for its remarkable healing properties.
• Tulsi is considered the best remedy for leucodermaand other skin disorders.
• Rubbing finely powdered dry Tulsi leaves on the face like talcum powder makes it glow with beauty. This powder will also remove light and dark spots on the face.
• Chewing a few leaves of the plant will purify the blood.
• Apply a thick paste by crushing and grinding dry Tulsi with a little pure water to the face to open the pores.
• For natural freshness: Take some water in a vessel. Squeeze half a lemon into it. Add a fistful of Tulsi leaves, a handful of mint leaves, boil. Expose only your face to the steam emanating from this water. Apply some of the water to your face when it has cooled down to a bearable temperature.
• For dark spots on your face, add some lemon juice to the juice of Tulsi leaves and apply this mixture on the spots. Let it dry, and then wash it off with clear water. An equal amount of ginger juice can be substituted for the lemon juice.
• A decoction of Tulsi and mint is an excellent rejuvenator.

Cultural Importance of Tulsi

• Tulsi is the sacred plant dearer to the Lord Vishnu.
• Tulsi symbolises purity. It is considered as the holy plant in the Indian Subcontinent.
• Its leaves are used in temples for the worship purposes and also on the several occasions such as marriage.
• Tulsi is belived to promote longevity and life long happiness.

Other uses : Many people wears the Tulsi beads, which is said to have certain physical and medicinal properties. Its wood is considered as more powerful than any other gem that helps in protecting one from the negative influences. One can also buy several handicraft jewellery items made of Tulsi wood.