Four Types of Tulsi Plants in India

Tulsi, the plant that we Indians are worshipping and growing in our homes from ages is one of the 60 species of the genus Ocimum. And it is known as Tulasi in Sanskrit, the language our Vedas are written in.

In Indian Ayurvedic texts, there are four types of tulsi plants that are mentioned. And all four of them have amazing benefits.

Types Of Tulsi Plants In India

Krishna Tulsi or Shyama Tulsi or Purple Leaf Basil

It is said that Krishna Tulsi got its name because of the purple leaves as Lord Krishna’s skin colour is dark according to the Vedas. Krishna Tulsi is also famous for its crispy and peppery taste. It will not be right to say that Krishna Tulsi grows less, but it is hard to find in comparison to the other types of tulsi. Purple leaf tulsi is also used to treat throat infections, respiratory system, nasal lesions, earache and skin diseases.

Rama Tulsi or Green Leaf Basil

Rama tulsi is also known as Sri or Lakshmi Tulasi, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum sanctum, and green leaf tulsi (Basil). The Rama tulsi emits a strong aroma from its every part. It is also found in Eastern Nepal, Brazil, China, as well as in Bengal, Bihar, Chatgaon. Rama Tulsi is widely famous for its cooling taste.

Vana Tulsi or Wild Leaf Basil

The third one from the four different types of tulsi is Vana Tulsi. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, Java and the northern and eastern parts of Africa. The scientific name of Vana tulsi is Ocimum gratissimum. It can grow up to 2m high with highly aromatic and slightly hairy green leaves. The strong antioxidant activity of Vana Tulsi slows down the ageing process.

Kapoor Tulsi or Heavy Flowered Basil

This type of tulsi has garnished its name due to the sweet fragrance that can keep insects and mosquitoes at bay. Kapoor tulsi is short in terms of heights and gets the most number of flowers among all different types of the tulsi plant. Use of Kapoor tulsi can help in the treatment of bronchitis, malaria, diarrhoea, dysentery, skin disease, arthritis, eye diseases and insect bites.

Tulsi or Basil is one of the many medicinal plants that nature has given us and which were used to treat many different diseases and injuries in ancient times.