Tulsi wood- the meaning

Tulsi/Tulasi beads are said to protect one from bad dreams, accidents, attack by weapons, and inauspicious destinations at death.

This tree is considered very sacred and its wood can be worn at all times.  If the wood touches the body in anyway at the moment of death it will protect one from any danger in the afterlife.

The Tulsi re-awakens ones dormant love of the Supreme, brings peace and tranquility and purifies ones intentions.

In recent years there has been debate if these neck beads can be worn by others who are not Hindu and the answer is yes, anybody may wear these necklaces, just a few guidelines that it should not be used for anklets what would touch the feet or floor.  Usually worn as a chocker, a single or double strand if fine.  having the neck beads wrap around the neck 3 times needs to be for harinam/braminical initiated Vaishnava's. 

The wood may be mixed with other woods, metals or stones.  often mixed with Rosewood to determine which wood beads are Tulsi, Tulsi floats in water whereas Rosewood will sink in water.