Tulsi is an Ayurvedic herb that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Indians have been consuming Tulsi tea prepared from Tulsi leaves as a home remedy for many centuries. Its scientific name is Ocimum tenuiflorum. Tulsi is the Sanskrit name of Holy Basil. Holy basil is now easily found all over the world. Tulsi is considered very sacred in Hinduism, and people offer it to Lord Vishnu. Many Indians keep the basil plant in courtyards and worship it every morning. A festival named Tulsi Vivah is celebrated for the holy Tulsi.
The three main types of tulsi are:
- Ram Tulsi, whose stem and leaves are bright green.
- Krishna Tulsi, whose stem is purple in color. The leaves can be dark green or purple.
- Vana Tulsi, which is also known as forest Tulsi.
Each of these varieties is exceptionally beneficial for our health. Among them, Krishna Tulsi is the most helpful.
Tulsi tea benefits
Tulsi is known as the queen of herbs. It is one of the most beneficial herbs. Basil tea retains the following benefits:
Cures cough and cold
Eugenol present in Tulsi tea is beneficial in dealing with cough and cold. Basil tea is very good for treating sore throats. When you swallow a sip of basil tea, you will feel it passing through your throat. This feeling is because tulsi is hot. You can add honey to it to make it more beneficial.
Treats fever
Tulsi tea is the most common home remedy used to treat fever. Its antiviral and antibacterial properties help in reducing fever. If you experience a viral fever, try drinking 2 to 3 cups of basil tea at intervals of 5-6 hours.
Prevents type 2 diabetes
It helps in lowering blood sugar levels and increases the secretion of insulin in the body. Stress significantly causes an increase in blood sugar levels. Tulsi tea reduces your stress levels and makes you feel relaxed.
Good for the skin
Tulsi tea flushes out toxins and purifies your blood. It is enormously helpful in brightening the skin and healing wounds. People in India utilize the antifungal properties of basil and apply a basil paste to treat dandruff.
A natural anticoagulant
Basil tea is a natural anticoagulant and works as an excellent blood thinner. Thus, it is also helpful for the heart. It also helps people with high blood pressure.
Increases Immunity
It contains minerals like iron and zinc. Vitamin C in Tulsi tea is immensely helpful in improving the body’s immunity power.
Oral health
The antibacterial properties of basil tea eliminate bacteria in the mouth. It works against bad breath. People in India consume basil leaves as an instant mouth freshener.
Helps in weight loss
It is immensely rich in antioxidants so you must try tulsi tea for weight loss.
Kills intestinal or parasitic worms
People suffering from parasitic worms must try Tulsi tea remedy. For added benefits, add honey to it.
Besides, Tulsi tea is good for bones and nerves. It helps in treating leucorrhea and kidney stones. It is a natural pain reliever and is eminently useful in headaches. You can also try Tulsi tea for healthy sleep.
Tulsi tea recipe
Follow the below steps and learn how to make tulsi tea.
Tulsi tea
Course: Herbal teaCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy1
cup2
minutes10
minutes6
kcal12
minutesTulsi tea is tea prepared from holy basil leaves. You can take any variety of tulsi leaves for preparing it. Take 2 cups of tulsi tea per day for many health benefits.
Ingredients
8 to 10 holy basil leaves
One cup of water
Lemon juice
Directions
- Take 8 to 10 basil leaves. Discard the stem and cleanse it thoroughly with the help of a sieve.
- Take 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Turn on the stove and let the water boil.
- Add basil leaves to it.
- Place a lid on it so that the medicinal properties of basil do not evaporate.
- Steep it for about 10 minutes.
- Now pour it in a cup using a sieve.
- You can add about two teaspoons of lemon juice to it.
- Stir it well and enjoy Tulsi tea!
Notes
- Always prepare basil tea on low flame.
- Do not add lemon juice while the tea is steeping on the cooktop. Doing this will make the basil tea bitter.
Varieties of Tulsi tea
Tulsi tea with ginger
Tulsi tea with ginger is another way of making this medicinal tea. Ginger, as a Herb, adds flavor to the basil tea. Along with the therapeutic benefits of basil tea, adding ginger improves your digestion. It cures cough and cold, and is beneficial for women in menstruation. It is helpful for the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of cancer. The process of making it is straightforward.
- When the water is boiling, take about 1 inch of ginger root.
- You can either grind it or mix it with 8-10 basil leaves in boiling water.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Filter tulsi tea with ginger using a sieve in a cup.
Tulsi tea with sweet rose
Tulsi tea with sweet rose is another innovative way of making basil tea. All varieties of roses are edible, but make sure they are pesticide-free. You can get them easily from general stores or medicinal shops. Apart from making the basil tea aromatic, it provides medicinal benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and increases your metabolism. It helps you in improving digestion and is a stress buster which makes you feel instantly relaxed. Organic India Tulsi sweet rose is an excellent way to try this tea. Their tulsi tea bags have basil tea and sweet rose. You can make basil tea sweet rose at home.
- Take some rose petals and dry them.
- Put 8-10 basil leaves in boiling water and boil on low heat.
- After 5 minutes, add one teaspoon of dried rose petals per cup of water.
- After steeping for about 3-5 minutes, sieve tulsi tea rose in a cup.
Tulsi Tea Side Effects
The following people should consult a doctor before taking basil tea.
Pregnant women
Due to the presence of estragole in it, basil tea may cause uterine contractions. Thus, women should avoid tulsi tea in pregnancy.
People on anticoagulants
Tulsi tea is a natural anticoagulant. If you are on blood-thinning medicines, basil tea can increase its effect. When you are injured, blood loss may occur. So if you have recently undergone surgery, avoid taking basil tea.
People on pain medication
Basil is a natural pain killer, and it may interact with your painkillers.
Diabetic patients
Generally, patients with diabetes are given allopathic medicines for a long time. Tulsi is known to lower blood sugar levels. Therefore, merely taking basil tea with diabetes medicine can cause side effects.
Note
We should never chew Holy basil leaves
In India, chewing basil leaves is considered derogatory to the holy basil. It is not just a cultural myth but supported by modern science. Tulsi contains a minute amount of Mercury, which acts as a medicinal property. But if it stays in your teeth, it will stain your teeth. So make sure you never chew basil leaves. An alternative is that you can cut basil leaves into pieces and consume them with water. You can also take tulsi leaves with yogurt on an empty stomach in the morning.
We should never consume Tulsi tea with milk
Mercury interacts with milk and causes side effects. If we take basil leaves with milk, it will be unbeneficial for our health; paradoxically, it might be risky. We should maintain a gap of at least 1 hour between basil tea and milk.
Final thoughts
Tulsi has many health benefits and is very easy to prepare. It is not just a good refreshment but a medicinal drink. It is considered sacred in India. Daily drinking 2 cups of basil tea will help you live a healthy life. There are no adverse side effects of Tulsi tea, but follow the necessary precautions mentioned in this post. For added benefits, you can add ginger, sweet rose, honey, or lemon to it. I hope you enjoyed this article on basil tea. Comment below if you have any suggestions!