Vaastu & Tulsi Plant

Indian basil or the holy Tulsi plant is an important symbol in the Indian tradition. It has great relevance in Vaastu remedial application. It is a venerated plant and the name itself means "the incomparable one. Though Tulsi grows wild in the tropics and warm regions, it is a delicate plant if not well attended and watered daily in accordance with the season. If it is grown or maintained in a pot, it should be watered morning and evening in summer. In winter it needs water in the morning only. Dark or Shyama tulsi and light or Rama tulsi are the two main varieties of basil, the former possessing greater medicinal value. Of the many varieties, the Krishna or Shyama tulsi is commonly used for worship. Karpoora tulsi gives us essential oil used for medicinal purposes, and is used in herbal soaps, also these days.

The presence of tulsi plant symbolizes the purity of thought, karma and body to the family members. Even without a vaastu dosa its presence itself is powerful enough to give good health to the mind, body and soul. It can be nurtured religiously either in the courtyard of the abode or in the northeast sector balcony or opening. One can have the tulsi planted in a specially built structure with images of deities on all four sides, and an alcove for a small earthen oil lamp to be lighted morning and evening. One can safely have up to a dozen tulsi plants on the verandah or in the garden or on either side of the pathway forming a "tulsi-vrindavan".

Tulsi is a prime herb in Ayurvedic treatment. It is considered the elixir of life as it promotes longevity. The extract of tulsi plant is used to prevent and cure many illnesses including malaria. It can be used to treat common ailments. These days many household drink tulsi tea also to promote health. The tulsi plant is even known to purify. It is used as a repellent to mosquitoes and other harmful insects.

In Hindu mythology, tulsi is very dear to Lord Vishnu. Tulsi is ceremonially married to Lord Vishnu annually on the 11th bright day of the month of Karttika of the lunar calendar (which will fall on October this year). This festival continues for five days and concludes on the full moon day, which falls in mid October. This ritual, called the 'Tulsi Vivaha' inaugurates the annual marriage season in India.

Varanasi boasts of Tulsi Manas Mandir where tulsi is overgrown and worshipped along with other gods and goddesses. According to one belief Lord Vishnu is pleased when tulsi is worshipped. Some wear beaded necklaces made of tulsi stems.

Tulsi as Medicine

           

Tulsi or basil is a herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here's a list of some medicinal uses of tulsi, from Health library:

1. The juice of tulsi leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of tulsi leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.
2. Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilise mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing tulsi leaves relieves cold and flu.
3. For earache a few drops of tulsi extract, if instilled, relieves the symptoms promptly.
4. The juice of fresh leaves, flower tops and slender roots is a very god antidote for snake and scorpion bite.
5. Its oil is rich in vitamin C, carotene, calcium and phosphorus. Besides, it has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

6. Ayurvedic tulsi preparations have significantly reduced the symptoms of viral hepatitis.
7. In diabetics it helps in lowering the blood sugar level.
8. Its anti-spasmodic property can be utilised to relieve abdominal colics. The extracts are also helpful in digestive disorders.
9. Tulsi leaves have properties similar to the currently available anti-TB drugs like Streptomycin and Isoniazide.
10. Oil of tulsi has been used as a potent anti-malarial drug. It also has mosquito repellent properties.
11. It raises the human body immunity by increasing the antibody production.
12. Experimental studies on animals have shown anti-stress activity with tulsi extract.
13. Tulsi has anti-fertility effect by reducing the estrogen hormone levels in females and decreasing the sperm count in men.
14. It is also used to treat ringworm of the skin.

For invigoration and full effect of the plant chant, in multiples of 3 :

“Aum Shri Tulasye Vidmahe, VishnuPatney Dheemahi Tanno Vranda Prachodyat.”