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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Tulasi
| image = Tulsi01.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Lamiales]]
| familia = [[Lamiaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Ocimum]]''
| species = '''''O. tenuiflorum'''''
| binomial = ''Ocimum tenuiflorum''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| synonyms = ''Ocimum sanctum'' <small>[[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]</small>
}}
'''''Ocimum tenuifolium''''' (known as '''Holy basil''' in [[English language|English]], and '''Tulasi''' in [[Sanskrit]]), is a well known aromatic plant in the family [[Lamiaceae]]. Apart from its culinary uses, for which it is known across the world, it is also used as a medicinal plant, and has an important role within many traditions of [[Hinduism]], wherein devotees perform worship involving Tulasi plants or leaves. Native to [[India]], it is a short lived [[perennial]] herb or small [[shrub]], often grown as an [[annual plant|annual]]. The foliage is green or purple, strongly scented. Leaves have petioles, and are ovate, up to 5cm long, usually somewhat toothed. Flowers are white, tinged purple, borne in [[racemes]]. <!-- No modern texts available to me at the moment, so botanic desc is mostly taken from Bailey's Manual of Cultivated Plants, with some content from Genders, Scented Flora of the World-->
Its aroma is distinctively different from its close cousin, the [[Thai Basil]] which is sometimes wrongly called Holy Basil, in shops and on the internet, but they can be distinguished by their aroma and flavour. Holy Basil is slightly hairy, whereas Thai Basil is smooth and hairless; Holy Basil does not have the strong aniseed or [[licorice]] smell of Thai Basil<ref> [http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/Ocim_bas.html Spice Pages:Basil] </ref>; and Holy Basil has a [[spicy]] flavor sometimes compared to [[cloves]].<ref> [http://www.waiyeehong.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=63 Introduction to Oriental Herbs] </ref>
==Sacred basil or Tulasi==
Known as '''Tulasi''' (alternate spelling ''Tulsi'') in [[India]] it is an important symbol in many [[Hindu]] religious traditions which link the plant with the Goddess figure described in the [[Puranas]]. The name "Tulasi" in sanskrit means "the incomparable one"<ref> [http://www.organicindia.com/organic-india-tulsi-mahotsava-news-2006.php Organic India article] </ref>. The Tulasi plant is known in India in two forms - dark or ''Shyama'' ([[Krishna]]) Tulasi and light or ''[[Balarama|Rama]]'' Tulasi. The former possesses greater medicinal value and is commonly used for worship.
Tulasi has also been known for thousands of years as a prime herb in [[Ayurvedic]] treatment, for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned by [[Charaka]] in the Charaka Samhita, the central teaching of Ayurvedic medicine, and in the [[Rigveda]]. Tulasi is considered to be an [[adaptogen]], balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. <ref>[http://www.botanicalpathways.com/pdfs/11.pdf Botanical Pathways article with clinical trials details]</ref> Marked by its strong aroma and [[astringent]] taste, it is regarded as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.
== Tulasi as an Ayurvedic medicine ==
[[Image:Tulsi02.jpg|thumb|250px|Tulasi, as used in Ayurveda.]]
Tulasi’s extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulasi is taken in many forms: as an herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with [[ghee]]. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal toiletry. For centuries, the dried leaves of Tulasi have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Recent studies suggest that Tulasi may be a [[COX-2]] inhibitor, like many modern [[painkiller]]s, due to its significant amount of Eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene).<ref>Indian J Exp Biol. 1999 Mar;37(3):248-52.</ref><ref> Prakash P, Gupta N. Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: a short review.</ref> Studies have also shown Tulsi to be effective for diabetes, by reducing blood glucose levels.<ref>Effect of Ocimum sanctum Leaf Powder on Blood Lipoproteins, Glycated Proteins and Total Amino Acids in Patients with Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine. V. RAI MSC, U. V. MANI MSC PHD FICN AND U. M. IYER MSC PHD. Volume 7, Number 2 / June 1, 1997. p. 113 - 118</ref> The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with Tulsi. Another study showed that Tulsi's beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.<ref>Evaluation of Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Effect of Ocimum Sanctum,. Jyoti Sethi, Sushma Sood, Shashi Seth, and Anjana Talwar. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 2004, 19 (2) 152-155.</ref>
Tulasi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning<ref> Devi, P. Uma; Ganasoundari, A.. Modulation of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes by Ocimum sanctum and its role in protection against radiation injury. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, v.37, n.3, 1999. March,:262-268.</ref> and cataracts.<ref> Sharma, P; Kulshreshtha, S; Sharma, A L. Anti-cataract activity of Ocimum sanctum on experimental cataract. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, v.30, n.1, 1998:16-20</ref> Some [[Vaishnavites]] do not use Tulasi for medicine, though, out of reverence. However, the use of Tulsi for purification and as a medicine is widespread throughout India. Many Hindus — along with the ancient tradition of Ayurveda — believe that the healing properties of sacred herbs such as Tulsi were given by the Lord himself, and can be used as a medicine out of reverence.
==Tulasi in scripture==
[[Image:tulasikattesp.jpg|thumb|Tulasi with wooden ''Katte'' stand.]]
A number of passages in the [[Purana]]s and other scriptures ([[Vedas]]), point to the importance of tulsi within religious worship. Tulasi is regarded as a goddess ([[Lakshmi]]) and a consort of Vishnu. A garland of tulasi leaves is the first offering to the Lord as part of the daily ritual. Tulsi is accorded the sixth place among the eight objects of worship in the ritual of the consecration of the kalasha, the container of holy water.
According to one story, Tulasi was a [[gopi]] who fell in love with [[Krishna]] and so had a curse laid on her by His consort [[Radha]]. She is very dear to Vishnu. Tulsi is also mentioned in the stories of Mira and Radha immortalised in [[Jayadeva]]'s ''[[Gita Govinda]]''. One story has it that when Krishna was weighed in gold, not even all the ornaments of His consort [[Satyabhama]] could outweigh Him. But a single tulsi leaf placed on one side by his consort [[Rukmini]] tilted the scale.
Tulsi is ceremonially married to Vishnu annually on the eleventh bright day of the month of [[Kaartika]] in the [[lunisolar calendar]]. 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]].
In the [[Christian]] tradition it is said that Tulsi grew around the place of [[Crucifixion]]. Tulasi is also mentioned in [[Shiite]] [http://al-islam.org/jesus_shiite_narrations/16.htm writings].
=== Quotes regarding Tulasi ===
*"As by chanting the name of [[Ganges]], one becomes free from all kinds of worldly sins, if someone chants the name of Tulasi or chants the glories of Lord [[Hari]] with devotion, he gets the same merit." - ''From the Brhan Naradiya [[Purana]]''
*"Just by touching Tulsidevi one's body becomes pure. By praying to her, all diseases practically become removed. If one waters her or makes her wet, the fear of [[Yama (Hinduism)|Yamaraja]] (death personified) is destroyed." - ''From the Skanda Purana''
*"Tulasi is most beloved of Lord Krishna and thus her leaves and flowers are also most dear to Him." - ''[[Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura|Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura]]''
*"Tulasi leaf is very, very dear to [[Vishnu]]." - ''[[A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada]]''
== Tulasi as a deity ==
[[Image:Tulsidevi01.jpg|thumb|left|Tulsi as worshiped in deity form.]]
The presence of a Tulsi plant symbolizes the religious bent of a Hindu family. In many traditions (i.e [[Vaishnavism]]), a household is considered incomplete if it doesn't have a Tulasi plant. Many families have the Tulasi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an [[alcove]] for small earthen oil lamp. Some households can even have up to a dozen Tulasi plants on the [[verandah]] or in the garden forming a "Tulsi-van" or "Tulsivrindavan" — a miniature basil [[forest]].
Places that tend to inspire concentration and places ideal for worship, according to the [[Gandharva]] [[tantra]], include "grounds overgrown with Tulsi plants". The Tulsi Manas Mandir at [[Varanasi]] is one such famous temple, where Tulasi is worshipped along with other [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]] (demi-gods/goddesses). [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavite]]s, or followers of Vishnu, revere the Tulasi leaf because it pleases [[Vishnu]] the most and thus is as an inherent part of offerings of ''[[naivedya]]''. They also wear beaded necklaces made of Tulasi stems. The manufacture of these Tulasi necklaces is a [[cottage industry]] in places of [[pilgrimage]] and temple towns. Another name for Tulsi within the [[Gaudiya Vaishnava]] tradition is '''Vrindadevi''', meaning 'the goddess of [[Vrindavan]]'.
==Tulasi Puja==
[[Image:Tulsi_pooja_034.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Tulasi plant decorated for worship, with fireworks display]] Followers of Hindu traditions often keep a Tulsi plant in front of their house. On a specific day each year known as 'Kartik Shukla Dwadashi' (usually about two weeks after [[Diwali]]) there is a tradition wherein Tulasi plants will be beautifully decorated with structures made of [[sugarcane]], [[mango]] leaves and flowers and then a [[puja]] (form of worship) is offered.
As with [[Diwali]] celebrations there are usually clay lamps lit around the Tulasi plant and the house. In some parts of India people will have also have fireworks displays to mark the occasion. In northern India and in [[Gaudiya Vaishnava]] communities it is called the 'Tulsi vivah' or the wedding day of Tulasi with [[Krishna]] in his [[Sila (murthi)|Sila]] form. There is another celebration called ''Tulsi Ekadashi'' where Tulasi is worshipped on the [[Ekadasi]] day.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:P1010476.jpg|A young Tulasi plant.
Image:Tulsi jai.jpg|A Tulsi plant in [[Jaipur]].
</gallery>
== See also ==
*[[List of basil cultivars]]
*[[Lakshmi]]
*[[Jalandhara]]
==Notes==
<references/>
== External links ==
=== Tulasi devi ===
*[http://www.vrindavan-dham.com/vrinda/vrindadevi-sevamrita.php Vrindadevi (Tulsi) - Vrindavan homepage]
*[http://www.iskcon.org.uk/norwich/tulasi/tulasi3.html Traditional Songs about Tulsi devi]
*[http://www.stephen-knapp.com/tulasi_devi_the_sacred_tree.htm Tulasi Devi: The Sacred Tree]
*[http://www.salagram.net/parishad95.htm The Story of Tulsi devi]
*[http://www.kacha-stones.com/tulasi.htm Tulasi Devi - an overview]
*[http://www.iskcon.com/education/devpractice/5_1.htm Tulsi Worship]
=== Benefits of Tulasi ===
*[http://www.prometheustrust.co.uk/Meadow_1/Holy_Basil/holy_basil.html The Holy Herb]
*[http://www.herbsociety.org/basil/b_legends.php Basil: Herb Society of America Guide]
*[http://hinduism.about.com/od/ayurveda/a/tulsibenefits.htm 15 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi)]
*[http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA346157/ Holy Basil to Combat Stress?]
*[http://www.plantcultures.org.uk/plants/holy_basil_landing.html Plant Cultures: botany, history and uses of holy basil]
*[http://www.holy-basil.com Holy Basil-Tulsi]
*[http://www.chailounge.co.uk/other/Tulsi23Jul03.pdf Tulsi Queen of Herbs (PDF Download)]
=== Practical care ===
*[http://www.salagram.net/sstp-12a.html Advice: Caring for Tulsi]
*[http://www.plantcultures.org.uk/plants/holy_basil_grow_it.html Growing Holy Basil]
=== Miscellaneous ===
*[http://www.allayurveda.com/herb_month_march2004.htm Herb of the Month, March 2004 (Ayurveda)]
{{Herbs & spices}}
[[Category:Lamiaceae]]
[[Category:Flora of India]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Vaishnavism]]
| color = lightgreen
| name = Tulasi
| image = Tulsi01.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Lamiales]]
| familia = [[Lamiaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Ocimum]]''
| species = '''''O. tenuiflorum'''''
| binomial = ''Ocimum tenuiflorum''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| synonyms = ''Ocimum sanctum'' <small>[[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]</small>
}}
'''''Ocimum tenuifolium''''' (known as '''Holy basil''' in [[English language|English]], and '''Tulasi''' in [[Sanskrit]]), is a well known aromatic plant in the family [[Lamiaceae]]. Apart from its culinary uses, for which it is known across the world, it is also used as a medicinal plant, and has an important role within many traditions of [[Hinduism]], wherein devotees perform worship involving Tulasi plants or leaves. Native to [[India]], it is a short lived [[perennial]] herb or small [[shrub]], often grown as an [[annual plant|annual]]. The foliage is green or purple, strongly scented. Leaves have petioles, and are ovate, up to 5cm long, usually somewhat toothed. Flowers are white, tinged purple, borne in [[racemes]]. <!-- No modern texts available to me at the moment, so botanic desc is mostly taken from Bailey's Manual of Cultivated Plants, with some content from Genders, Scented Flora of the World-->
Its aroma is distinctively different from its close cousin, the [[Thai Basil]] which is sometimes wrongly called Holy Basil, in shops and on the internet, but they can be distinguished by their aroma and flavour. Holy Basil is slightly hairy, whereas Thai Basil is smooth and hairless; Holy Basil does not have the strong aniseed or [[licorice]] smell of Thai Basil<ref> [http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/Ocim_bas.html Spice Pages:Basil] </ref>; and Holy Basil has a [[spicy]] flavor sometimes compared to [[cloves]].<ref> [http://www.waiyeehong.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=63 Introduction to Oriental Herbs] </ref>
==Sacred basil or Tulasi==
Known as '''Tulasi''' (alternate spelling ''Tulsi'') in [[India]] it is an important symbol in many [[Hindu]] religious traditions which link the plant with the Goddess figure described in the [[Puranas]]. The name "Tulasi" in sanskrit means "the incomparable one"<ref> [http://www.organicindia.com/organic-india-tulsi-mahotsava-news-2006.php Organic India article] </ref>. The Tulasi plant is known in India in two forms - dark or ''Shyama'' ([[Krishna]]) Tulasi and light or ''[[Balarama|Rama]]'' Tulasi. The former possesses greater medicinal value and is commonly used for worship.
Tulasi has also been known for thousands of years as a prime herb in [[Ayurvedic]] treatment, for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned by [[Charaka]] in the Charaka Samhita, the central teaching of Ayurvedic medicine, and in the [[Rigveda]]. Tulasi is considered to be an [[adaptogen]], balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. <ref>[http://www.botanicalpathways.com/pdfs/11.pdf Botanical Pathways article with clinical trials details]</ref> Marked by its strong aroma and [[astringent]] taste, it is regarded as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.
== Tulasi as an Ayurvedic medicine ==
[[Image:Tulsi02.jpg|thumb|250px|Tulasi, as used in Ayurveda.]]
Tulasi’s extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulasi is taken in many forms: as an herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with [[ghee]]. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal toiletry. For centuries, the dried leaves of Tulasi have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Recent studies suggest that Tulasi may be a [[COX-2]] inhibitor, like many modern [[painkiller]]s, due to its significant amount of Eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene).<ref>Indian J Exp Biol. 1999 Mar;37(3):248-52.</ref><ref> Prakash P, Gupta N. Therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) with a note on eugenol and its pharmacological actions: a short review.</ref> Studies have also shown Tulsi to be effective for diabetes, by reducing blood glucose levels.<ref>Effect of Ocimum sanctum Leaf Powder on Blood Lipoproteins, Glycated Proteins and Total Amino Acids in Patients with Non-insulin-dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine. V. RAI MSC, U. V. MANI MSC PHD FICN AND U. M. IYER MSC PHD. Volume 7, Number 2 / June 1, 1997. p. 113 - 118</ref> The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with Tulsi. Another study showed that Tulsi's beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.<ref>Evaluation of Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Effect of Ocimum Sanctum,. Jyoti Sethi, Sushma Sood, Shashi Seth, and Anjana Talwar. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 2004, 19 (2) 152-155.</ref>
Tulasi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning<ref> Devi, P. Uma; Ganasoundari, A.. Modulation of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes by Ocimum sanctum and its role in protection against radiation injury. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, v.37, n.3, 1999. March,:262-268.</ref> and cataracts.<ref> Sharma, P; Kulshreshtha, S; Sharma, A L. Anti-cataract activity of Ocimum sanctum on experimental cataract. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, v.30, n.1, 1998:16-20</ref> Some [[Vaishnavites]] do not use Tulasi for medicine, though, out of reverence. However, the use of Tulsi for purification and as a medicine is widespread throughout India. Many Hindus — along with the ancient tradition of Ayurveda — believe that the healing properties of sacred herbs such as Tulsi were given by the Lord himself, and can be used as a medicine out of reverence.
==Tulasi in scripture==
[[Image:tulasikattesp.jpg|thumb|Tulasi with wooden ''Katte'' stand.]]
A number of passages in the [[Purana]]s and other scriptures ([[Vedas]]), point to the importance of tulsi within religious worship. Tulasi is regarded as a goddess ([[Lakshmi]]) and a consort of Vishnu. A garland of tulasi leaves is the first offering to the Lord as part of the daily ritual. Tulsi is accorded the sixth place among the eight objects of worship in the ritual of the consecration of the kalasha, the container of holy water.
According to one story, Tulasi was a [[gopi]] who fell in love with [[Krishna]] and so had a curse laid on her by His consort [[Radha]]. She is very dear to Vishnu. Tulsi is also mentioned in the stories of Mira and Radha immortalised in [[Jayadeva]]'s ''[[Gita Govinda]]''. One story has it that when Krishna was weighed in gold, not even all the ornaments of His consort [[Satyabhama]] could outweigh Him. But a single tulsi leaf placed on one side by his consort [[Rukmini]] tilted the scale.
Tulsi is ceremonially married to Vishnu annually on the eleventh bright day of the month of [[Kaartika]] in the [[lunisolar calendar]]. 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]].
In the [[Christian]] tradition it is said that Tulsi grew around the place of [[Crucifixion]]. Tulasi is also mentioned in [[Shiite]] [http://al-islam.org/jesus_shiite_narrations/16.htm writings].
=== Quotes regarding Tulasi ===
*"As by chanting the name of [[Ganges]], one becomes free from all kinds of worldly sins, if someone chants the name of Tulasi or chants the glories of Lord [[Hari]] with devotion, he gets the same merit." - ''From the Brhan Naradiya [[Purana]]''
*"Just by touching Tulsidevi one's body becomes pure. By praying to her, all diseases practically become removed. If one waters her or makes her wet, the fear of [[Yama (Hinduism)|Yamaraja]] (death personified) is destroyed." - ''From the Skanda Purana''
*"Tulasi is most beloved of Lord Krishna and thus her leaves and flowers are also most dear to Him." - ''[[Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura|Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura]]''
*"Tulasi leaf is very, very dear to [[Vishnu]]." - ''[[A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada]]''
== Tulasi as a deity ==
[[Image:Tulsidevi01.jpg|thumb|left|Tulsi as worshiped in deity form.]]
The presence of a Tulsi plant symbolizes the religious bent of a Hindu family. In many traditions (i.e [[Vaishnavism]]), a household is considered incomplete if it doesn't have a Tulasi plant. Many families have the Tulasi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an [[alcove]] for small earthen oil lamp. Some households can even have up to a dozen Tulasi plants on the [[verandah]] or in the garden forming a "Tulsi-van" or "Tulsivrindavan" — a miniature basil [[forest]].
Places that tend to inspire concentration and places ideal for worship, according to the [[Gandharva]] [[tantra]], include "grounds overgrown with Tulsi plants". The Tulsi Manas Mandir at [[Varanasi]] is one such famous temple, where Tulasi is worshipped along with other [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]] (demi-gods/goddesses). [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavite]]s, or followers of Vishnu, revere the Tulasi leaf because it pleases [[Vishnu]] the most and thus is as an inherent part of offerings of ''[[naivedya]]''. They also wear beaded necklaces made of Tulasi stems. The manufacture of these Tulasi necklaces is a [[cottage industry]] in places of [[pilgrimage]] and temple towns. Another name for Tulsi within the [[Gaudiya Vaishnava]] tradition is '''Vrindadevi''', meaning 'the goddess of [[Vrindavan]]'.
==Tulasi Puja==
[[Image:Tulsi_pooja_034.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Tulasi plant decorated for worship, with fireworks display]] Followers of Hindu traditions often keep a Tulsi plant in front of their house. On a specific day each year known as 'Kartik Shukla Dwadashi' (usually about two weeks after [[Diwali]]) there is a tradition wherein Tulasi plants will be beautifully decorated with structures made of [[sugarcane]], [[mango]] leaves and flowers and then a [[puja]] (form of worship) is offered.
As with [[Diwali]] celebrations there are usually clay lamps lit around the Tulasi plant and the house. In some parts of India people will have also have fireworks displays to mark the occasion. In northern India and in [[Gaudiya Vaishnava]] communities it is called the 'Tulsi vivah' or the wedding day of Tulasi with [[Krishna]] in his [[Sila (murthi)|Sila]] form. There is another celebration called ''Tulsi Ekadashi'' where Tulasi is worshipped on the [[Ekadasi]] day.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:P1010476.jpg|A young Tulasi plant.
Image:Tulsi jai.jpg|A Tulsi plant in [[Jaipur]].
</gallery>
== See also ==
*[[List of basil cultivars]]
*[[Lakshmi]]
*[[Jalandhara]]
==Notes==
<references/>
== External links ==
=== Tulasi devi ===
*[http://www.vrindavan-dham.com/vrinda/vrindadevi-sevamrita.php Vrindadevi (Tulsi) - Vrindavan homepage]
*[http://www.iskcon.org.uk/norwich/tulasi/tulasi3.html Traditional Songs about Tulsi devi]
*[http://www.stephen-knapp.com/tulasi_devi_the_sacred_tree.htm Tulasi Devi: The Sacred Tree]
*[http://www.salagram.net/parishad95.htm The Story of Tulsi devi]
*[http://www.kacha-stones.com/tulasi.htm Tulasi Devi - an overview]
*[http://www.iskcon.com/education/devpractice/5_1.htm Tulsi Worship]
=== Benefits of Tulasi ===
*[http://www.prometheustrust.co.uk/Meadow_1/Holy_Basil/holy_basil.html The Holy Herb]
*[http://www.herbsociety.org/basil/b_legends.php Basil: Herb Society of America Guide]
*[http://hinduism.about.com/od/ayurveda/a/tulsibenefits.htm 15 Benefits of the Holy Basil (Tulsi)]
*[http://www.drweil.com/u/QA/QA346157/ Holy Basil to Combat Stress?]
*[http://www.plantcultures.org.uk/plants/holy_basil_landing.html Plant Cultures: botany, history and uses of holy basil]
*[http://www.holy-basil.com Holy Basil-Tulsi]
*[http://www.chailounge.co.uk/other/Tulsi23Jul03.pdf Tulsi Queen of Herbs (PDF Download)]
=== Practical care ===
*[http://www.salagram.net/sstp-12a.html Advice: Caring for Tulsi]
*[http://www.plantcultures.org.uk/plants/holy_basil_grow_it.html Growing Holy Basil]
=== Miscellaneous ===
*[http://www.allayurveda.com/herb_month_march2004.htm Herb of the Month, March 2004 (Ayurveda)]
{{Herbs & spices}}
[[Category:Lamiaceae]]
[[Category:Flora of India]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Vaishnavism]]