Rama or Shayama: Which Tulsi should be kept in homes

Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a holy plant for Hindus all over the world, and especially people of the Vaishnava sect. It is respected, prayed to, and worshipped for its spiritual, medicinal, and cultural value, and is also called ‘The Queen of Herbs’ for its magical properties when it comes to healing, medicinal uses, and treating certain conditions.
Tulsi is also believed to be a form of Vrinda, a devoted wife and a devotee of Lord Vishnu, who was reincarnated in the form of Tulsi, and is wedded to Lord Shaligram, a form of Lord Vishnu, on the day of Tulsi Vivah.

Tulsi is more than just a plant in Hindu households, it is considered divine. Tulsi is believed to attract peace, prosperity, and divine energy into the home, and as it is associated with Lord Vishnu, offering Tulsi leaves during prayers is a common practice, especially when worshipping Lord Vishnu or Maa Lakshmi. But when worshipping Lord Shiva or Lord Ganesha, Tulsi leaves are never used.
Tulsi plant is also believed to purify the air, and keep the energy and the air around people healthy and positive. People also believe that the Tulsi plant absorbs any negativity and spreads peace and calm.

Rama Tulsi, also called Shri Tulsi, is the most common and most used Tulsi variant. It has bright green leaves, a mild fragrance, a sweet-herby taste, and is used for regular, everyday worship and health purposes.

It is said that Rama Tulsi has a cooling effect on the body and is considered to be gentle, calming, and sattvic in nature.

Shyama Tulsi is more popular as Krishna Tulsi, and is believed to have been a favourite of Lord Krishna through the years. And just like Lord Krishna is usually portrayed in blue and purple colour, Shyama Tulsi also has dark green and purplish leaves, and a stronger aroma and taste.
It has a sharp smell and taste, and is considered to be intense, deep, and warming in nature.

The main difference between Rama and Shyama Tulsi comes in their inherent nature, its properties, and the colour. And owing to its properties, it is also used in different ways.
While Rama Tulsi is bright green in colour, Shyama Tulsi has a dark green and purple shade. And while Rama Tulsi is mild and sweet in flavour, with a herby taste, Shyama Tulsi has a sharp flavour profile. Plus Rama Tulsi has slightly larger and broader leaves, Shyama Tulsi has narrow leaves, and is used in specific rituals.

Rama Tulsi is most commonly used in households for daily worship, herbal teas, and general well-being. Rama Tulsi is offered to deities like Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, and Maa Lakshmi during daily prayers, and its leaves are used to make tea, kadha, and juices to improve digestion, immunity, and reduce stress.

Shyama Tulsi, more than in spiritual works, is used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. Due to its strong, spicy flavour, it is often used to treat fevers, asthma, coughs, and even skin infections, and its first use comes in medicines for respiratory problems. It is believed to have warming effects on the body and is often eaten or added to foods and water during cold seasons.

And while most people do not even know about Shyama Tulsi, the question of which one is better for the home still exists.
For worship and keeping at home, Rama Tulsi is considered to be best for keeping at home. It is believed to be calming, has cooling properties, is Sattvic in nature, and is also easier to maintain. And so most Hindu homes have Rama Tulsi in their balconies or in the ‘Aangan’ of their home, and the Shyama Tulsi is used by experts for its strong medicinal treatments.