Early morning my mother told my brother to bring tulasi plant, Ocimum sanctum, from our nearby grandma?s house she again told the leaves should be dark be careful while bringing the plants. There are two types of Tulsi plant—one is Rama Tulsi having light green leaves, generally of bigger size and the other Krishna Tulsi having dark green leaves which is a prerequisite for the worship of Vishnu and Narayan.

In the Hindu religion the Tulasi Plant is referred to be one of the most sacred plants that have all the medicinal qualities and also there is a great religious belief on the Tulasi Plant. 

Today it is ekadashi, the eleventh lunar day, called Harisaheni ekadashi, marking this auspicious day Tulasi is planted, like every year today my brother planted it in my house and I pour some water on it and our neighbors also did the same. There are many myths regarding the reason behind planting Ocimum but what matters the most is, it is planted every year on this day and followed by every day we worship, care and water this plant.

It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned in the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text. Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.

Tulasi extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for a variety of ailments. Traditionally, tulasi is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora tulasi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics.

If the tulsi plant is kept in the house then the spreading of the air borne disease is reduced. Tulsi plant is kept in the centre of the house therefore it increases the oxygen circulation inside the house.

My mother told ?Brahmins always swallow one or two leaves after their meal which helps digestion, tulasi leaves are considered as a potential preventive medicine. Hindus eat some leaves before and after their ablution in cold water in order to keep up proper temperature in the stomach and prevent ailments arising from cold. Every day morning if the extracts of the Tulasi leaf consumed with the mixing of honey can cure all the stomach associated problems and also increases the blood circulation inside the body.? She further added our ancestors were indeed wise like tulasi, Peepal (Ficus religiosa) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) are the plant one should plant them in surrounding environment.

I feel proud as a focus of devotion on my religion for these eco friendly practices.