Element Associations: Fire
Planetary Associations: Mars
Astrological Associations: Aries, Scorpio, Pisces
Chakra Associations: Heart, Throat, Third Eye, Crown
Deity Associations: Lakshmi, Vishnu
Energy: Masculine / Expressive
Magical Properties: Wealth, Prosperity, Purification, Balance, Divinity, Death
Botanical Name: Ocimum tenuiflorum 
Origin: Costa Rica, India
 
Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is an annual plant native to India and other tropical regions of Asia. It has been cultivated extensively in Central and South America for its medicinal benefits. While Tulsi is a close relative of sweet basil, a common culinary herb, they should not be confused.

Often referred to as the "Queen of Herbs" due to its long history as a valuable medicinal herb, Tulsi offers a wide range of medicinal and spiritual benefits. Traditionally, it is recognized as an energizing tonic, frequently used to boost vitality and enhance resistance to physical stress, mainly related to the heart and circulatory system. Being predominantly a cooling herb, it effectively reduces fevers and inflammation.

In Hindu spiritual traditions, Tulsi is a plant and a versatile tool for enhancing one's life. It is associated with the goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth, prosperity, fortune, love, beauty, and power, thus imbuing the plant with these qualities. You invite these divine attributes into your home by hanging Tulsi above your door. Carrying Tulsi with you is believed to provide similar benefits. The herb can also be burned to purify a space, making it both a practical and spiritual tool. To ensure a peaceful transition from life to death, a leaf of Holy Basil is placed in the mouth of the deceased. Additionally, burning incense made from the plant is said to help guide messages to departed souls, highlighting the various ways Tulsi can be integrated into daily life.

There are different varieties of Tulsi, including Krishna (Ocimum tenuiflorum), known for its unique peppery, crisp taste. This variety has dark green to purple leaves, stems, and blossoms, making it a visually striking addition to any garden. It is primarily cultivated in the Indian plains and private homes and gardens throughout India. The dark purple leaves are reminiscent of the color associated with the blue-skinned god Krishna, adding a touch of mythology to its appeal.

Rama (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is another variety recognized for its cooling and mellow flavor. This plant features green leaves, white-to-purplish blossoms, and a green or purplish stem. Like Krishna, it is cultivated in the Indian plains and private gardens across India.

Finally, Vana (Ocimum gratissimum), known as the "forest type," is celebrated for its fragrance. This plant has green leaves and stems with white blossoms. Vana is found in the Himalayas and plains of India and grows wild in parts of Asia and Africa, where it is also used medicinally.