Tulsi tea

TULSI

Tulsi – Indian Holy Basil

• Harvest 2023
• Ocimum tenuiflorum
• Origin: India
• Format: Tulsi leaves for herbal tea

What is Tulsi? Characteristics and Origin of Holy Basil

The tulsi, also known as holy basil or Indian holy basil, Ocimum tenuiflorum, is a plant native to Africa but widely spread in India, with numerous health benefits for the body. Tulsi is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, just like basil. It has a bushy shape, and its leaves are green or purple in some varieties. It is a very important aromatic herb, used both in Ayurvedic medicine for its active principles, from which Tulsi tea is derived, and in cooking as a culinary herb. On Terza Luna, you can buy dried tulsi leaves online, excellent for preparing tulsi herbal tea.

If you are looking for an alternative to the classic Tulsi herbal tea, you can try our Tulsi Spicy Chai!

Why is it Considered Sacred? History of Tulsi

Often simply known as holy basil, in Sanskrit it is called Tulasi, while the name Tulsi comes from Hindi: this plant is considered sacred in Hindu religion, where it represents an important symbol in spiritual tradition, especially in the Vaishnavism branch, as it identifies Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance, fertility, and beauty. In Indian tradition, tulsi is placed on the chest or in the mouth of dying people, and with its leaves, a wash is prepared to cleanse the heads of the deceased, as it is believed that tulsi tea helps find one's way to the kingdom of heaven.

Properties and Benefits of Tulsi

Tulsi has numerous active principles that make it an herb with beneficial properties for the body. It is very rich in vitamins A and C and minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It is appreciated by many for its adaptogenic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. With tulsi tea, you can prepare an excellent herbal tea to enjoy its numerous properties. An exceptional alternative, especially recommended for women, is the rhodiola root infusion. Ayurvedic tradition presents tulsi herbal tea as a panacea, a general tonic capable of enhancing the immune system. Tulsi can be consumed as a tea or added to dishes, preferably raw, for a sweet and pungent flavor.

Adaptogenic Properties

Tulsi tea is considered a natural stress reliever and an adaptogen, as it helps reduce psycho-physical stress thanks to its antioxidant potential. Tulsi helps the body adapt to stress factors that disrupt it and regulate anxiety and agitation states, thanks to its sedative properties.

Tulsi and Benefits on the Immune System

Tulsi is an excellent herb to consume in herbal tea to strengthen the immune defenses. In Indian tradition, tulsi tea is considered a panacea, especially against influences, colds, coughs, and fever. For this purpose, essential oils of tulsi are also often used, with expectorant and antibacterial properties.

Natural Antibacterial

The antibacterial property is very important, and its purifying action is extremely beneficial for the body. In Indian tradition, it was placed in the mouth of the deceased to ward off the proliferation of bacteria, and many suggest gargling with a (cold) tulsi herbal tea to combat the bacteria that form in the oral cavity. It is also recommended to counteract acne.

Digestive Properties

The consumption of tulsi is also recommended for those suffering from digestive problems: the essential oils in tulsi act as a powerful digestive aid and help reduce abdominal pain and other disorders related to digestive issues such as bloating and flatulence.

Tulsi: Powerful Antioxidant

Finally, tulsi has antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals, oxidative stress, and cellular degeneration, thus combating aging: it is no coincidence that in tradition, holy basil is considered the plant of longevity, precisely because of its property that slows down tissue aging in the body.

Contraindications

Tulsi has no particular contraindications, and drinking a cup of tulsi tea a day can be a real elixir for health. Tulsi tea can also be consumed in the evening, as it does not contain caffeine, and thanks to flavonoids, apigenin, and luteolin, it will provide expectorant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, and anti-stress properties. However, it is important not to consume more than 2-3 grams per day and to avoid tulsi during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

How to Use Tulsi?

Tulsi has a flavor and aroma reminiscent of lemon, thyme, and licorice. There are different varieties, which differ in appearance and are named after Indian deities, emphasizing the close relationship between tulsi and India. The main suggested use is to prepare a tulsi herbal tea: it is often referred to as tulsi tea. It is also used in cooking, especially in Asia, as an aromatic herb: holy basil is an important element in Thai recipes such as phad kaphrao, a pork stir-fry to which tulsi is added at the end of cooking.

Tulsi Herbal Tea

To prepare tulsi tea, you will need dried tulsi leaves like those sold on Terza Luna, specifically cut for making herbal tea, and water, which you will add to a saucepan with the leaves and bring to a boil, letting the tulsi infuse. At this point, you can strain and sweeten with honey, if needed, especially to combat colds and respiratory ailments. The infusion will have a great citrusy aroma. A cup of tulsi tea a day helps rebalance hormonal states, counteract headaches, and ward off fever, colds, and respiratory disorders.

Where to Buy Tulsi?

On Terza Luna, you can find tulsi tea for sale online at a convenient price. We have selected a tulsi cut for herbal tea that you can find in different sizes, suitable for your needs. Discover an amazing aromatic herb and the uses of holy basil in cooking and in the preparation of herbal teas and infusions. Buy tulsi online at Terza Luna and add it to your pantry of herbs and spices!