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Maduruthala |
| Synonyms: Ocimum basilicum L. | |
| Vernacular Name: Sinhala: Maduruthala; Eng: Holy Basil; Indian: Tulasi, Vishnu priya | |
| Description: Tulsi is a branched, fragrant and erect herb having hair all over. It attains a height of about 75 to 90 cm when mature. Its leaves are nearly round and up to 5 cm long with the margin being entire or toothed. These are aromatic because of the presence of a kind of scented oil in them. A variety with green leaves is called Shri Tulsi and one with reddish leaves is called Krishna Tulsi. Tulsi flowers are small having purple to reddish color, present in small compact clusters on cylindrical spikes. The fruits are small and the seeds yellow to reddish in color. | |
| Propagation: By seeds | |
| Parts Used: Leaves, Seeds & Roots | |
| Chemical Constituents: Volatile oil 0.4-0.8% containing chiefly eugenol app. 21% & B-caryophyllene 37% (eugenol content reaches maximum in spring & minimum in autumm). A no. of sesquiterpenes & monoterpenes viz., bornyl acetate, ß -elemene, methyleugenol, neral, ß-pinene, camphene, a-pinene etc. : ursolic acid, campesterol, cholesterol, stigmasterol, ß-sitosterol and methyl esters of common fatty acids. | |
| Uses: Tulsi leaves contain a bright yellow volatile oil which is useful against insects and bacteria. The principal constituents of this oil are Eugenol, eugenol methyl ether and carvacrol. The oil is reported to possess anti-bacterial properties and acts as an insecticide. It inhibits the in vitro growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Micrococcus pyogenes var. aureus. It has marked insecticidal activity against mosquitoes. The juice of leaves, and or a concoction, called jushanda, a kind of tea, gives relief in common cold, fever, bronchitis, cough, digestive complaints, etc. When applied locally, it helps in eradicating ringworms and other skin diseases. Tulsi oil is also used as ear drops in case of pain. The seeds are used in curing urinary problems. Aphrodisiac virtue has been attributed to it, where powdered Tulsi root with clarified butter (ghee) is prescribed. | |
