Tulsi Tea
Tulsi Tea is also known as Holy Basil Tea...
Tulsi Tea, or Holy Basil Tea as it is also known by is another delicious Herbal Infusion which may be served hot or cold.
It is not a true tea because it does not come from the camellia sinensis plant. This herbal “tea” is derived from the strongly-scented leaves and blossoms of the tulsi shrub. There are three types of tulsi named Krishna, Ramma, and Vana. The drink may be brewed from just one of those herbal plants, or any combination of the three.
As you may have guessed from the names Krishna, Ramma, and Vanna, tulsi originally came from India. Now, however, it is also cultivated in Asian countries. Were you to travel to any of those countries today, you might even find the tulsi plant growing as an escaped weed.
The Latin name for tulsi, as it is commonly referred to in the East, is Ocimum Sanctum. Although a very different plant, the tulsi is also of the same botanical family as the Basil Plant, ocimum basilicum… however, at some point, the two names were combined to form sanctum basilicum. From that point on Sacred, or Holy Basil, was the name the herb came to be known by in India. Today, Holy Basil is also the name the tea is generally referred to in the West. So depending on where you are, you may find the beverage listed on a menu as either Holy Basil tea, Tulsi tea, or Basil Tea.
Ayruveda is one of the oldest healing systems in the East, places an emphasis on promoting health of mind, body, and spirit. It is now both referred to and practiced in the western world as well. For as long as can be recounted in India, Holy Basil, or tulsi, has been considered a sacred herb. There it is called “The Incomparable One” due to the herb’s many health benefits as used in the holistic methods of Ayurveda. As far back as 5000 BC, the use of holy basil has been believed in India to prolong life and promote well-being. The herbal drink has been referred to as an “elixir of life.” It has been claimed that drinking the herb in tea form aids in mental clarity, in building and maintaining stamina, and in rejuvenation of the spirit.
We now know that the herb contains phyto-chemicals which support one’s own natural defence against germs. The hundreds of compounds contained within the deep green and purple leaves of this plant have strong anti-oxidant effects. Pouring boiling water over the tulsi plant leaves infuses the antioxidants into the drink. The herb also works as an adaptogen, calming the body and aiding it in coping more effectively with stress. The herbs which contain adaptogens are unlike any other natural nutrients. Adaptogens can either tranquilize or stimulate the body in order to balance metabolism. However, they do not have a drug-like effect, are not toxic, and are not habit-forming. Besides balancing hormones in the endocrine system, it has also been found to enhance the immune system. The herb provides anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant protection to the body.
The following are some of the possible uses of Tulsi Tea, to which some have attributed benefits:
- to help treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and fungus
- to assist in the lowering of blood pressure, cholesterol, and fevers
- to lessen the severity of digestive and gastrointestinal problems
- to treat diabetes, chronic fatigue
- to improve muscle tone and to increase strength, energy, and stamina
- to lessen sugar or alcohol cravings and anxiety
- to promote faster recovery, better sleep, moods, and feelings of well-being
- to improve circulation, purify the blood, and to protect the liver
- to improve focus, concentration, and productivity
- to relieve sore throats and to fight cough, cold, flu, bronchitis, and asthma symptoms
- to reduce inflammation contributing to cancer, arthritis, and neurological disorders
After researching this particular herb here at Hottest Tea, we have come to the following conclusions ourselves:
• The first is that Holy Basil is one of the coolest names ever for an herb!
• The second is that we all should go out and buy some of this tea pronto! …Now Holy Basil, Batman, go have a cuppa! (sorry couldn’t resist).
Recommended Tulsi Tea from House of Nutrition
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