Fine-flowered basil - uses and beneficial properties

Tulsi (tulsi, thin-flowered, Indian or Thai basil) is rightfully considered an amazing plant. In many countries, mystical properties are attributed to it - it helps to find harmony, cleanse the soul and achieve peace. It is also an effective remedy in the treatment of many diseases.

In this article we will tell you in detail about the beneficial properties of holy Thai basil.

Description of basil

Basil (sacred), or tulsi, is a perennial herbaceous shrub of the Lamiaceae family native to India. An adult plant reaches 60 cm. The leaves of tulsi are green or purple, jagged, up to 5 cm long. Short hairs cover the surface of the stem and leaves. The flowers are white, with a purple tint, collected in false whorls.

In addition to India, tulsi is also found in other Asian countries: Thailand, Arabia, Indonesia and the Philippines. In temperate climates it is grown as an annual plant.

What is the sacredness of Indian basil

Almost every religious Indian has a tulsi bush growing in their home. The veneration of this plant cannot be compared with the pagan worship of stone or wooden idols. Respect is given not to a material object, but to the person who has taken on this appearance.

According to the ancient scriptures (puranas), one great saint living in the spiritual world was at some point so imbued with the suffering of ordinary people that she decided to descend to earth and share their fate.She took the form of a small bush, and people began to worship it for the purpose of purification and receiving grace. "Tulasi" translates as "incomparable." It is believed that that saint has no equal in her devotion to God, so he blesses all who revere the holy basil.

In Vaishnavaism, tulsi is worshiped as the incarnation of Lakshmi - the goddess of fertility and happiness. In the traditions of Krishnaism, the plant personifies Radha, one of the female forms of God.

The leaves of the finely colored basil are used daily in ritual ceremonies; beads and rosaries are made and collected from its branches. Long garlands are woven from leaves and flowers to decorate the necks of statues of deities.

Reference. In Thailand, the fine-flowered basil is called "kaphrao" and is popular in cooking. Tulsi stems and leaves are fried with meat and seafood.

Beneficial features

The beneficial properties of holy basil are explained by the chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the stems of the plant. Tulsi is widely used in pharmacology and Ayurvedic practices.

The main active ingredient is eugenol, which has a disinfecting and analgesic effect.

Other useful components:

• cineole provides an expectorant, disinfectant and anesthetic effect;
• methyleugenol – sedative, antispasmodic;
• carvacrol has an antibacterial effect;
• Ursolic acid speeds up metabolism.

An adult plant accumulates phosphorus, calcium, folic acid and B vitamins in its leaves.

Medicines and infusions containing finely colored basil have a tonic effect on the human body.

Tulsi helps solve many health problems:

1. Supports defenses. Due to its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effect, it naturally stimulates the immune system. The susceptibility to diseases is reduced, and the recovery process is much easier. Tulsi helps treat colds and flu, viral and bacterial diseases (malaria and typhoid fever).
2. Normalizes sugar levels. Eugenol contained in the plant stimulates the pancreas and helps control insulin levels. Sugar levels even out with regular use. The drug is prescribed for diabetes as a natural supplement to improve the condition.
3. Fights stress. Used as a natural replacement for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Normalizes the functioning of the adrenal glands, which produce stress hormones. Anxiety goes away, the emotional state becomes more stable, mood swings disappear.
4. Cleanses the kidneys. Tulsi removes toxins that accumulate in the body. Helps control uric acid levels, excess of which is considered the main cause of kidney stones. Fine-flowered basil is indicated for kidney problems, but is prescribed only after consultation with a specialist.
5. Improves the functioning of the digestive system, accelerates the absorption of beneficial components, relieves constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Has a beneficial effect on the stomach and intestines.
6. Reduces the risk of developing malignant tumors. The growth of blood vessels that feed cancer cells slows down. The tumor experiences nutritional deficiency, it stops developing and shrinks. Tulsi extract is used as part of complex anticancer therapy.
7. Normalizes hormonal levels. Accelerates metabolism, removes harmful substances and decay products.
8. Has an anti-inflammatory effect. An imbalance of fatty acids, according to Indian medicine, forms a chronic source of inflammation. Basil helps normalize this balance, which reduces inflammation in the body and reduces the risk of developing disease.

Read also:

Is it possible to plant basil before winter and how to do it?

The best ways to preserve basil for the winter

Contraindications

Like most medicinal plants, holy basil has restrictions on its use:

1. Pregnancy and lactation. Despite the fact that Asian women use tulsi during pregnancy and breastfeeding, experts point out the need for preliminary consultation for those who are not used to tulsi.
2. Childhood.
3. Individual intolerance to the active components.
4. Problem with blood clotting. Substances contained in holy basil thin the blood when consumed over a long period of time. This increases the risk of internal bleeding.

Growing Tulsi

With proper care and suitable conditions, fine basil grows successfully in garden beds, in a greenhouse, a pot on a balcony or a home windowsill.

Conditions for growth

Tulsi is a plant of tropical climate. Its cultivation requires a lot of sunlight and abundant watering. Basil is grown outdoors as an annual plant, and indoors with the onset of cold weather they provide additional lighting, so the bush feels comfortable all year round.

Sowing seedlings

Basil seeds are poured into small boxes filled with soil.The seeds are sprinkled with soil on top, watered and covered with a transparent film to maintain moisture.

Comfortable temperature for seed germination is +22…+26°C. In such conditions, sprouts appear on days 5-7.

Transplantation into open ground

The seedlings are moved to a permanent place as soon as the sprouts reach a height of 5 cm. When the basil produces 4-6 leaves, the top of the plant is pinched. Then the tulsi will grow wider and the plant will begin to bush.

Further care

Further care includes timely watering, fertilizing and pruning.

Watering

The best moisture for watering tulsi is rainwater. However, when growing a plant on a balcony or windowsill, regular, settled tap water will do. Some gardeners recommend boiling water. If the water is chlorinated, leave it for several days before boiling, stirring occasionally.

Water regularly - 1-2 times a week in moderation. The soil must not be over-moistened.

Top dressing

For growing thin-flowered basil, light, textured soil is best. To feed the bush, nitrogen fertilizers are used to stimulate the growth of green mass.

Trimming

The leaves are cut when the basil grows to 10-15 cm. During the flowering period, the leaves and shoots are the most fragrant and juicy. After cutting, the bush is fed by watering with a solution of 2-3 g of urea per 1 liter of water.

If the foliage becomes very thick, the plant is thinned out to allow free ventilation.

Read also:

When to collect and how to properly dry basil.

Plant compatibility: what to plant basil next to and why it is important.

How to properly freeze basil for the winter: a selection of the best methods.

Conclusion

Holy basil is easy to care for and feels comfortable in a pot on the windowsill. The beneficial properties that its leaves and stems possess will help in the treatment of many diseases and will have a beneficial effect on overall well-being.