Tulsi

The name sounds strange to many. But many Indians are aware of this. Behind this short five lettered name lies a story.

Tulsi is a herbal plant. A plant which can be spotted in front of many houses in India. It is in two colours. One is green and other is brown. The brown one is consumed by peoples as its benefit is more when compared to green one. From the vedic ages this little plant is popular. The name Tulsi has many interesting stories behind it.

According to Hindu mythology the presence of this plant in every house yard is an immense blessing. The ladies after taking a head bath probably in the morning go nearby the plant, pour some water and with hands joined together, in the form of praying, take one or three rounds, around the Tulsi plant. It is a kind of worship.

Another story behind this name. Most popularly many parents of female child name their child as Tulsi. Irrespective of caste, many girls carry this name from East to West and South to North in India.

Tulsi has too many health benefits also. While boiling water for drinking one or two leaves can be added to it. They say it is a prevention to cough and cold. During covid I have seen peoples consuming this. When one is suffering from severe cough and cold just 2 or 3 leaves are added in the water taken for inhaling.

Another option is all about making a coffee with it. To make this coffee we need jaggery, cumin seeds, black pepper,cloves, a pinch of coffee powder and a bunch of Tulsi leaves. Add all this ingredients to one glass of water and boil it until it gets half of the quantity. Now just have it hot. It gives a good result for continuous cough. This should be consumed atleast 3 times a day. But little in quantity. May be 1/3 rd of a normal glass.

Here comes the next importance of Tulsi. The new sprout leaves along with its flower is plucked fresh from the plant and tied in the garland. This garland is laid for the deities in the temple. The garland includes flowers may be roses or jasmine as well. Some ladies after headbathe make it compulsory to place atleast two leaves in their wet hairs.

Every religion has its own belief. Some are quite hard to believe but then it is their trust and each one of respect that. As India is a place where you can find lot of culture, each and everyone makes it a point to respect others culture.

Image captured from my garden in my mobile.