Babui Tulsi – बबुई तुलसी
It is an annual, erect, aromatic herb.
The stem is green, quadrangular, branched, woody in lower
parts and hairless or sometimes slightly hairs.
The leaves are simple, opposite, oval in shape with a pointed tip
and slightly toothed margin. The leaf is dotted with oil glands
containing fragrant essential oil which can be smelled on
crushing it.
The flowers are arranged on verticillaster inflorescence, wherein
flowers are arranged in sessile cymes that are arranged in
whorls. Flowers are surrounded by green or purple bracts. The
flowers are small, purple or white in color. The petals are fused
and bi-lipped, where the lower lip is larger than the upper lip.
The fruits are small, black, smooth four nutlets surrounded by
persistent calyx.
BOTANICAL NAME
Ocimum basilicum L
FAMILY
Lamiaceae
FLOWERING
August – November
FRUITING
August – November
PROPAGATION
It can be propagated by seeds and stem cuttings
PLANT PART USED
Leaves, Twigs
COMMON NAMES:
Basil, Sweet Basil;
Hindi: Babui Tulsi;
Marathi: Bhoo Tulasi, Bhu-Tulashi;
Bengali: Khubkalam;
Kannada: Kamagaggare, Kaama Kasturi;
Malayalam: Pach-Cha-Pushpam, Pachcha;
Manipuri: Naosek Lei;
Tamil: Tirunittru, Chankanirakkarantai, Chapchavitai;
Telugu: Bhoo Tulasi.
USES
The plant commonly used as a spice and to flavor certain
dishes.
It is popularly used in Italian dishes for flavoring and garnish.
Dried or fresh leaves work well in combination with tomatoes.
It is commonly grown in gardens and used to make garlands in
India.
The seeds are mucilaginous, have a cooling effect and are
added to Faloodas.
The essential oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Plant is used to treat stomach cramps, dysentery and diarrhea.
It is used for cough, worms and sore throat.
Oil is used in aromatherapy to reduce stress.
Leaf paste is applied in cases of scorpion bites externally.
Juice is applied overhead to reduce dandruff.
