There are two main varieties of Tulsi -- Ram and Shyam Tulsi.The leaves of Ram Tulsi are lighter in color, which has earned it the name `Gori` - the fair one. Shyam or `Krishna` Tulsi, is darker in color and more effective as a destroyer of kapha (phlegm). Consequently it is preferred for medicinal uses, as its aroma and its juice possess the property of being more `sharp`.

`Vana Tulsi`, is also known as `kutherak`. It`s stronger aroma and its capacity to neutralise poisons is greater. This variety is useful in treating toxaemia, leucoderma, eye diseases and obstetric diseases.

A fourth variety is called `maruvak`. The juice of this Tulsi is beneficial in cuts, wounds or bruises, and also bites of poisonous animals.

A fifth variety `Barbari` or `Babui` tender shoots have a penetrating odour. In the Unani system, the seeds of Tulsi are referred to as `Tukhm Rehan` and is said to make a man strong and to make semen thicker.All varities of Tulsi share the quality of strong odour, antibiotic and anthelmintic properties.