Description
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as Tulsi, is an aromatic annual plant, hardy in USDA growing zones 10-11. It waves from the mint family Lamiaceae. It is an upright plant with a hairy stem bearing ovate leaves with toothed margins. It is a seed-grown plant, available in 3.5” pot. Its aromatic notes and phenomenal medicinal benefits contribute to its versatile profile.
What essentials do I need to ensure success in cultivating Holy Basil?
To thrive, Holy Basil requires attention to water, light, and soil. Upon receiving your plant, aim to position it in full sun sunlight.
If you are growinging in a container, you can easily control the soil. However if you are growing in the ground, Holy Basil grows best in well-drained, fertile soil.
Familiarize yourself with the growth potential of Holy Basil. Providing 12-18 inches of space between plants is essential, considering they can expand to 12-24 inches in diameter and stand up to 12-24 inches tall.
The flowering period of Holy Basil varies; while it typically blooms summer to fall, it may not flower until its second year, depending on the planting time.
What is Holy Basil good for?
Traditionally, tea, tincture has been crafted from the leaves, flowers of the plant, showcasing the various advantages linked to Holy Basil.
About Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Tulsi is an upright annual plant with a beautiful height of around 12-24 inches when given the optimum favorable conditions. It is a crucial ingredient in Thai cuisine and is regarded in religious frames in Indian culture.
Its leaves are long known for their extraordinary medicinal perks. It helps with both upper & lower respiratory tract infections and manages diabetes, stress, arthritis, hypertension, anxiety, and digestive irregularities. Its regular consumption boosts immunity, strengthens the heart, reduces chronic pain, dissolves kidney stones, and maintains good dental hygiene.
How to use Holy Basil
Holy Basil can be used to formulate:
Tincture: Soak the freshly chopped tulsi leaves in alcohol for 4-6 weeks and filter the liquid in an airtight glass container for later usage.
Tea: Both fresh or dried tulsi leaves can be steeped in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes to form tea.
Decoction: Dried tulsi leaves and roots are heated on low flame in water for an hour. The plant material is pressed and the liquid obtained can be used for making medicinal preparations.
Salve: Dried tulsi leaves and flowers are infused in olive which is later stirred with melted beeswax to form a salve.
Syrup: Dried tulsi leaves and flowers are rolled to a boil in a sugar solution to obtain tulsi syrup.
Infused oil: Dried tulsi leaves are infused in olive oil for 2 to 3 weeks on a windowsill in a clear glass bottle to formulate tulsi-infused oil.