Tulsi Cultivation and its benefits, Know Complete information

Hinduism, Tulsi is revered as a goddess, and every part of the Tulsi plant holds sacred significance. Its distinctive aroma, reminiscent of cloves, acts as a natural repellent against mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. Tulsi exists in two varieties - one with verdant green leaves and the other with smaller, black-hued foliage. Tulsi seamlessly integrates into daily life through morning and evening rituals, along with spiritual practices such as consuming its leaves or Tulsi-infused tea. Tulsi is also venerated for its role in creating "holy water." In urban areas, Tulsi is employed to combat air pollution, exemplified by the extensive planting of Tulsi around the Taj Mahal in Agra, aimed at safeguarding against environmental degradation. Tulsi remedies are known for their efficacy in alleviating stress, fever, inflammation, and promoting overall well-being. Its petite flowers bear a striking purple hue. While Tulsi is distributed across India, it is particularly abundant in Madhya Pradesh.

How to tulsi cultivation:

The ideal time for cultivating Tulsi is considered to be June-July, as its yield is better during the rainy season. For Tulsi cultivation, well-draining loamy soil is considered the best. After the Tulsi seedlings are ready, they are transplanted from the nursery to the field.

Soil and Climate:

Tulsi can be cultivated in various types of soil. Optimal results are obtained when it is grown in well-drained soil with good water retention properties. A soil pH between 5.5-7.0 is considered ideal for its growth. Laterite, saline, and moderately acidic soils are also suitable for its cultivation. Soil with good drainage aids in plant growth. It thrives well in areas with high rainfall and humidity. Long days and high temperatures are conducive to plant growth and oil production. It can be grown up to an altitude of 900 meters.

Irrigation of Tulsi:

The irrigation of Tulsi plants depends on the season and soil moisture. During summers, irrigation is required twice a week, while in winters, it should be done at one-week intervals. Mulching should be applied to conserve soil moisture.

Planting Time and Transplanting: 

The nursery can be established in the third week of May, with transplanting typically conducted in mid-July. Seedlings aged six weeks with 4-5 leaves are transplanted at distances of 40 × 40 cm, 40 × 50 cm, and 50 × 30 cm, respectively. Irrigation is promptly carried out in the fields after transplanting the seedlings. By the time of the second irrigation, the seedlings become well established.

Manure and Fertilizers: Prior to cultivation, farmyard manure/compost should be applied at a rate of 10 tons per hectare. Compost derived from city waste and human excreta should be avoided. Fresh manure should not be utilized for plant nutrition. The recommended fertilizer dose for this crop is 120 kg N, 60 kg of P2O5, and K2O per hectare. Fertilizer application should be managed to maintain nutrient balance and promote healthy growth. The first fertilization is conducted a month after planting, followed by a second application four weeks later. Subsequently, the plants become bushy, reducing the need for further fertilization.

Popular Varieties of Tulsi:

1. Krishna Tulsi: This variety is found in all regions of India. Its leaves are purple in color. Krishna Tulsi is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and beta-carotene. The oil extracted from this variety is used as a mosquito repellent and as a remedy for malaria.
2. Amrita Tulsi: This Tulsi is found in all regions of India. It has deep purple leaves. It is used in the treatment of cancer, heart diseases, arthritis, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
3. Forest Tulsi: Found in the Himalayas and plains of India, this variety has taller plants compared to other varieties. It offers health benefits such as improving resistance to stomach ulcers. Its leaves give off a strong and complex aroma similar to cloves.
4. Rama/Kali Tulsi: This variety is found in China, Brazil, Eastern Nepal, as well as in West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Southern states of India. Its stem is purple, and the leaves are green, emitting a highly fragrant aroma. It possesses high medicinal properties, including adaptogenic, antifungal, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory effects.

The Medicinal Benefits of Tulsi: According to Ayurveda, Tulsi is beneficial for health. It possesses warmth and bitterness, penetrates deep tissues, alleviates dryness in tissues, and balances both phlegm and wind. Tulsi is also known for imparting radiance to the skin, sweetness to the voice, and fostering intelligence, stability, and a tranquil mind. Alongside these health-enhancing properties, Tulsi is employed as a remedy for anxiety, cough, asthma, diarrhea, fever, intestinal infections, arthritis, eye ailments, ear issues, indigestion, hiccups, vomiting, chronic wind-related disorders, back pain, skin ailments, ringworm, insect bites, snake and scorpion stings, and as a treatment for malaria.

The Medicinal Properties and Importance of Tulsi: Ayurveda, the Tulsi plant is considered a treasure trove of medicinal properties. It also holds religious significance. Tulsi leaves can be used in various forms such as tea powder and extracts. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, primarily containing Vitamin C, calcium, zinc, iron, and chlorophyll, along with possessing antibacterial properties. Tulsi leaves are considered to be a repository of major herbal compounds used in treatments. Chewing Tulsi leaves on an empty stomach in the morning aids in controlling blood sugar levels and is beneficial for diabetic patients. Consuming its leaves helps in regulating body fat and metabolism. It is also beneficial for respiratory issues and joint pain.

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The Tulsi plant is highly esteemed and considered sacred. Even today, Tulsi leaves are required for worship rituals. Tulsi leaves are used in both Panchamrit and Charanamrit. In Hinduism, daily watering of the Tulsi plant is believed to invite divine blessings. Planting Tulsi in the home fosters positivity, and its fragrance sanctifies the surroundings.