There are three main varieties of the Tulsi plant, which is a plant native to India with purple-colored flowers that is revered for its medicinal uses and for its importance to the Hindu religion. The three types of Tulsi (or Holy Basil) plant are Vana, Krishna and Ram, though Vana--or wild-leaf Tulsi--is less often cultivated for medicinal purposes.
Rama (or Gori) Tulsi
Rama Tulsi, sometimes referred to as Gori, meaning white, is characterized by light-green leaves and small purple flowers. Rama Tulsi has a mellower taste than other Tulsi varieties, and it delivers a cooling sensation to the body. Rama--found in regions of China, Brazil, Nepal and India--emits a strong aroma, and is used to enhance the immune system, fight fungus and combat bacteria.
Krishna (or Shyam) Tulsi
Krishna Tulsi--sometimes called Shyam, meaning black--has dark red or purple leaves, and is said to have greater potency than other varieties. Krishna--most often grown in India--is also a physically bigger plant than the Rama, and has a peppery taste. Some primarily medicinal uses for Krishna include treatment of sore throats, respiratory illnesses, earaches and skin diseases.
Vana (or Kutherak) Tulsi
Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum) is a wild variety of Tulsi grown in the Himalayas and the plains of India. Green in color, with white flowers, Vana Tulsi is a robust plant that is less frequently cultivated by humans for medicinal purposes than its relatives, Rama and Krishna.
Tags: medicinal purposes, medicinal uses, Rama Tulsi, than other, Vana Tulsi
