Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a popular herb in India with numerous health benefits. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years and is still revered as a sacred plant. Tulsi is not just a herb, but a way of life in India, and there are several types of Tulsi found across the country. In this article, we'll explore the different types of Tulsi in India, which type of Tulsi is the best, and how to grow and care for Tulsi plants.

There are four main types of Tulsi found in India:

  • Rama Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum): Rama Tulsi is known for its cooling and mellow flavor. It has green leaves and is the most commonly grown Tulsi variety in India.

 

    • Krishna Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Krishna Tulsi has dark purple leaves and is known for its strong flavor. It is used in many Ayurvedic medicines for its medicinal properties.

     

      • Vana Tulsi (Ocimum gratissimum): Vana Tulsi has a wild and bushy appearance and is commonly found in forests. It has a stronger aroma than Rama and Krishna Tulsi.

       

      • Kapoor Tulsi (Ocimum americanum): Kapoor Tulsi is also known as temperate Tulsi, and it is a shorter variety with a distinct camphor-like aroma. It is used in making herbal teas.

       

      Which type of Tulsi is best?

      All four types of Tulsi have their unique properties and health benefits. However, according to Ayurveda, Krishna Tulsi is considered the most potent, with the highest medicinal value. It is rich in antioxidants, helps in relieving stress, and is beneficial for respiratory disorders.

      Purple Leaf Tulsi

      Purple Leaf Tulsi, also known as Krishna Tulsi or Shyama Tulsi, is a type of holy basil plant (Ocimum tenuiflorum) that has dark purple leaves. It is a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine and is believed to have numerous health benefits.

      Some of the reported benefits of Purple Leaf Tulsi include:

      • Boosting Immunity: It is believed to have immunomodulatory properties that help boost the immune system and protect against infections and diseases.

       

      • Anti-inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis.

       

      • Antioxidant: It is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radical damage and oxidative stress.

       

      • Stress Reduction: It is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body cope with stress and anxiety.

       

      • Respiratory Health: It is commonly used to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, and asthma.

      Purple Leaf Tulsi can be consumed in various forms, including tea, capsules, and powder. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new herb or supplement to your diet.

      Green Leaf  Tulsi

      Green Leaf Tulsi, also known as Rama Tulsi, is another type of holy basil plant (Ocimum tenuiflorum) that has light green leaves. Like Purple Leaf Tulsi, it is a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine and is believed to have various health benefits.

      Some of the reported benefits of Green Leaf Tulsi  include:

      • Anti-inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis.

       

      • Antioxidant: It is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against free radical damage and oxidative stress.

       

      • Digestive Health: It is believed to help improve digestion and relieve digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

       

      • Respiratory Health: It is commonly used to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, and flu.

       

      • Stress Reduction: It is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body cope with stress and anxiety.

      Green Leaf Tulsi can be consumed in various forms, including tea, capsules, and powder. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new herb or supplement to your diet.

      Kapoor Tulsi

      Kapoor Tulsi, also known as Camphor Tulsi or Variegated Tulsi, is a type of holy basil plant (Ocimum tenuiflorum) that has green and white variegated leaves with a camphor-like aroma. It is also a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine and is believed to have various health benefits.

      Some of the reported benefits of Kapoor Tulsi include:

      • Anti-inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis.

       

      • Antimicrobial: It has antimicrobial properties that can help fight against various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

       

      • Respiratory Health: It is commonly used to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis.

       

      • Digestive Health: It is believed to help improve digestion and relieve digestive problems such as bloating, gas, and constipation.

       

      • Skin Health: It is also used in traditional medicine for its ability to improve skin health and treat skin conditions such as eczema and acne.

      Kapoor Tulsi can be consumed in various forms, including tea, capsules, and powder. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new herb or supplement to your diet.

      How to grow and care for Tulsi plants?

      Growing Tulsi is relatively easy, and it can be grown in pots or in the ground. Here are some steps to grow and care for Tulsi plants:

      • Choose a sunny spot: Tulsi needs plenty of sunlight to grow. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

       

      • Prepare the soil: Tulsi prefers well-drained soil with a pH level of 6 to 7.5. You can add some organic manure to the soil to enhance its fertility.

       

      • Sow the seeds: Sow the Tulsi seeds about 1 cm deep in the soil. You can also use stem cuttings to propagate Tulsi.

       

      • Water regularly: Tulsi needs regular watering, especially during the summer months. Water the plants deeply but make sure the soil is not waterlogged.

       

      • Fertilize: You can add organic fertilizers like compost or cow dung to the soil every month to provide the required nutrients to the plant.

       

      • Prune regularly: Prune the Tulsi plant regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent leggy growth.

       

      In conclusion, Tulsi is a highly revered herb in India with several health benefits. There are four main types of Tulsi found in India, with Krishna Tulsi considered the most potent. Growing Tulsi is relatively easy, and with the right care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this wonderful herb. So go ahead and grow your own Tulsi plant, and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer!