A few tulsi leaves in a cup of hot water, a handful in homemade kadha, or a plant growing in a sunny balcony corner. In many Indian households, tulsi is familiar in all these forms. Its fragrant leaves have been used in traditional home remedies, herbal drinks, and everyday household practices, making it one of the most recognisable herbs grown at home.

November is a good time to turn our attention to this plant. As the monsoon recedes and cooler weather sets in across much of India, families reach for warm herbal drinks and traditional preparations. Tulsi can be grown in pots or garden beds, making fresh leaves easily accessible for everyday use. It needs some protection from cold weather in frost-prone areas, but generally grows well with adequate sunlight and well-drained soil.

Known by its botanical name, Ocimum tenuiflorum, it is also called holy basil. It has a long history in Ayurveda and contains aromatic compounds that have attracted scientific interest. From the kitchen to traditional household practices, here are some of the many ways this familiar plant is used.

1. A common ingredient in home remedies

When someone develops a cough or complains of a sore throat, tulsi leaves may be among the first ingredients taken out of the garden. They are mostly used in homemade kadha, often alongside ginger, black pepper, and other kitchen ingredients.

A systematic review published in 2017 in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine........

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