7 Benefits Of Keeping A Tulsi Plant At Home
Jul 17, 2025
Tulsi is considered sacred in Hinduism and is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and protection to the household.
Inhaling the Tulsi plant's aroma or consuming its leaves can relieve respiratory issues like cough, cold, and asthma.
The strong scent of Tulsi repels mosquitoes and other insects, keeping the home pest-free.
According to Vastu Shastra, placing Tulsi in the northeast direction brings positive energy and spiritual harmony.
Its natural aroma has calming effects and can help reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Tulsi is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that strengthen the immune system.
Tulsi releases oxygen and absorbs harmful gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, improving indoor air quality. Read Next Story
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
14 hours ago
- News18
Why Do We Touch Elders' Feet? The Hidden Meaning Behind This Simple Gesture
Touching the feet and seeking blessings is a significant part of Indian tradition. It symbolises respect, humility, and devotion. In Indian culture, especially in Hinduism, traditions are a big part of our lives. From childhood, we are taught certain rituals and habits, like touching the feet of our elders. While many of us follow this practice out of respect or habit, have you ever wondered why we do it? Touching someone's feet, known as Charan Sparsh, is more than just a gesture; it is filled with cultural, spiritual and even scientific meaning. A Sign of Respect and Humility In most Indian families, children are taught to touch the feet of their parents, grandparents, and older relatives every morning or during special occasions. This act is a way of showing respect and gratitude. Reportedly, it is a simple gesture that says, 'I honour your presence in my life." But it is not just about tradition; it is about acknowledging their love, guidance and sacrifices. By bending down and touching their feet, we let go of ego and show humility. Scriptural Meaning Ancient Indian texts like the Vedas speak highly of seeking blessings from elders. It is believed that when we touch their feet, we are also receiving their blessings, which are full of love, wisdom and positive energy. These blessings are said to bring strength, knowledge and success in life. The act also represents learning from elders. No matter how old or accomplished you become, your elders carry life experiences that can guide you. By touching their feet, you are accepting them as your life teachers. The Deeper Spiritual Angle There is a spiritual reason, too. According to Hindu belief, elders carry a kind of positive energy. When we bow down and touch their feet with sincerity, we activate a flow of this energy, from their body to ours. This energy can protect us from negative thoughts and help us lead a better life. It is said that good wishes that come from love and purity have the power to heal and protect. That is why blessings from elders are seen as a powerful shield in life. Symbolic Meaning Another popular belief is that elders have walked the earth longer than us. The dust on their feet is seen as a symbol of the journey they have taken; their struggles, lessons and wisdom. By touching their feet, we hope to absorb that wisdom and make better choices in our lives. There are three common ways to do Charan Sparsh: Simple Bow: Bending forward and touching the feet. This is the most common form used for parents and elders. Kneeling Touch: Sitting on your knees, then, bowing down. This is often done when greeting spiritual teachers or gurus. Full Prostration (Sashtanga Pranam): Lying flat on the ground with arms stretched forward. This is usually practised in temples or during deep worship, mainly by men. view comments First Published: August 02, 2025, 17:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
9 indoor plants you should not keep at home
Not all houseplants are as harmless as they look. While indoor greenery can brighten up your space, clean the air, and boost your mood, some plants may pose unexpected risks. Certain varieties are toxic to pets and children, trigger allergies, or attract pests and mould. Others can be difficult to care for or symbolically linked to negativity. If you're planning to decorate your home with plants, it's worth knowing which ones to avoid. These are nine indoor plants that may not be the best choice for your home, no matter how attractive they seem. Avoid these 9 indoor plants if you want a healthy, happy home Cactus Cacti are popular for their low maintenance and aesthetic appeal, but they come with sharp thorns that symbolise negative energy in Vastu. These thorns are believed to cause arguments, stress, and tension among family members. While some feng shui practices say cacti can ward off intruders when placed outside, they are best avoided inside living spaces, especially in bedrooms or near entrances. Caladium (Elephant ear plant) Caladium, known for its colourful, heart-shaped leaves, contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic if ingested. This makes it dangerous for households with pets or small children. Even touching the plant can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain Keeping You Up at Night? This Trick Could Help Instantly Learn More Undo Aside from the health risk, its high maintenance needs and moisture sensitivity make it a poor indoor choice. Cotton plants Cotton plants may seem decorative, especially with their fluffy white blooms, but they are not recommen ded indoors. According to traditional beliefs, they are associated with poverty and misfortune. Additionally, dried cotton can attract dust, mould, or pests like mites, potentially triggering allergies or affecting indoor air quality. Babul plant (Acacia nilotica) Though valued in traditional medicine, the Babul tree is not considered auspicious for indoor spaces. Vastu Shastra discourages keeping thorny plants like Babul at home, as they are believed to attract discord and conflict. Its strong thorns are also physically hazardous, especially in households with children or pets. Plus, it requires full sunlight and outdoor space to thrive, making it unsuitable as a houseplant. Dead or dying plants Keeping dead, dried, or decaying plants indoors is considered inauspicious in both Vastu and Feng Shui. They are said to block the natural energy flow and symbolise stagnation and decline. On a practical level, these plants may also attract mould, insects, and dust, negatively impacting both aesthetics and hygiene. Always remove withered leaves and replace dead plants with healthy, thriving ones. Dieffenbachia (Dumb cane) This common indoor plant is often chosen for its large, attractive leaves. However, Dieffenbachia contains toxic compounds called calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, it can cause burning sensations, swelling in the throat, nausea, or even breathing issues. It's particularly dangerous for pets and small children who may chew on the leaves. While it's easy to grow, its toxicity makes it risky indoors. Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) While the banyan tree is sacred in many Indian traditions and temples, it is not suitable for indoor growth. According to Vastu, keeping a banyan tree at home can hinder progress and create stagnation. Its expansive roots symbolise entanglement, which may energetically affect the flow of positivity indoors. Moreover, it requires a lot of space and sunlight, something most indoor environments can't provide. English ivy (Hedera helix) Though beautiful as a hanging or wall plant, English ivy is considered invasive and toxic. It contains saponins that can cause skin irritation or gastrointestinal issues in pets and people. Additionally, if not regularly maintained, it may attract pests like spider mites and scale insects. In Vastu, plants that creep or climb without support are thought to bring instability and unpredictability. Lilies Lilies are elegant and fragrant, but many varieties, especially peace lilies, Easter lilies, and tiger lilies, are toxic to pets, particularly cats. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure or severe illness. Some lilies also exude pollen that can stain furniture or trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. From a Vastu perspective, their association with funerals in some cultures may also symbolically invite grief or sorrow. While indoor plants can improve well-being and aesthetics, it's essential to choose them wisely. Plants like Babul, cactus, and cotton may look harmless but could introduce negative symbolism, allergies, or toxicity into your home. Always consider your household needs, pet safety, and the energetic balance you wish to maintain. By avoiding these nine plants and opting for Vastu-friendly, non-toxic alternatives like bamboo, money plant, or areca palm, you can create a safer, more harmonious indoor environment. Also Read: 5 easy ways to bring the 2025 biophilic design trend into your home
India.com
26-07-2025
- India.com
Does your toothpaste contain animal ingredients? Here's how to know the difference between veg and non-veg toothpaste
Representational Image Brushing our teeth is a crucial part of our daily routine without which we cannot imagine to begin our day. But have you ever wondered whether your favorite toothpaste contains animal ingredients or is made from plants? Interestingly a toothpaste, like any other consumable, can be either veg or non-veg, depending upon the ingredients used. Read on to find out whether your favorite toothpaste is veg or non-veg? What is a non-veg toothpaste? In simple terms, a toothpaste which is made from ingredients obtained from animals is a non-veg product and might be offensive for people belonging to certain religions, including Hinduism and Islam, especially in India. There are several foreign brands which used animal ingredients in their toothpaste. However, it must be noted that Indian brands usually use natural ingredients, such as those obtained from plants, in their toothpaste, so its generally safer to use a made in India toothpaste, if you're worried about animal products being used in your oral hygiene products. Why some brands make non-veg toothpaste? Indian brands, or even foreign brands who manufacture the product in India, generally use products derived from plants such as cloves, mint, and other natural herbs to prepare toothpaste. However, some global brands might used animal derivatives like glycerin obtained from animal fat or calcium phosphate extracted from animal bones in their product. The primary reason from making non-veg toothpaste is cost, because animal derived products and byproducts are cheaper and easily available. Secondly, animal ingredients give the toothpaste a better texture and a much-longer shelf life. How to find out if your toothpaste is veg or non-veg? This information is usually provided on the both the outer and inner packaging of the product. If you read '100% vegetarian' printed on the packet with a green mark, then the toothpaste is certainly vegetarian. But if that part is marked in red, it means the product contains animal derivatives and is categorized as non-veg.
