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.
Types of Tulsi
There are two main varieties of Tulsi i.e. Ram and Shyam Tulsi.
