Plant Report

Scientific name: Ocimum tenuiflorumCommon name: Tulasi/TulsiConditions for proper growth: Tulasi grows in rich loamy soil with ample precipitation and strong sun. Tulasi does fine in a standard rich potting soil. Though Tulasi grows as a perennial throughout India, it is planted right before the monsoon in the intense heat and sun of North Indian summers. In most areas, the first planting is in April, typically indoors in a greenhouse or some protected area.Uses: Tulasihas been used for thousands of years inAyurvedafor its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned in theCharaka Samhita,an ancient Ayurvedic text.Tulasiis considered to be anadaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress.Marked by its strong aroma andastringenttaste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity. Tulasiextracts are used inayurvedicremedies for a variety of ailments. Traditionally,tulasiis taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf or mixed withghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpooratulasiis mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics.For centuries, the dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.In Sri Lanka this plant is used as a mosquito repellent. Isolatedtulasi extracts have antibacterialactivity againstE. coli.

ANSHUMAN MITRA12 A ROLL NO : 7