Tulsi tea is an invigorating herbal tea that is best known for its anxiety relieving properties. This potent herbal remedy has become popular in the West after being used as an effective natural remedy for many ailments in the East.
Tulsi or Holy basil has also been christened the queen of herbs in its native India owing to its multiple health benefits and medicinal properties. If you love healthy teas, Tulsi tea is a definite must have.
Table of Contents
What is Tulsi Tea?
Tulsi tea is made using the herbs Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum sanctum. This herb is commonly referred to as holy basil due to its religious significance in India. Tulsi or holy basil belongs to the Lamiaceae group of aromatic flowering herbs.
These groups of herbs also include lavender, sage rosemary and mint. To make Tulsi tea fresh or dried Tulsi leaves are steeped in hot water to create an herbal brew. Tulsi tea can also be blended with other types of tea such as green tea or black tea.
Tulsi Tea Nutrition
Tulsi tea is naturally caffeine free and is therefore a great option for people who are caffeine sensitive. Tulsi tea is also quite effective as a sleep aid and as a tonic for stress and anxiety due to its caffeine-free nature.
In terms of nutrition this healthy tea is rich in essential minerals such as zinc, iron and calcium. Tulsi tea also contains vitamin A and vitamin C. Tulsi tea is also rich in antioxidants and is packed with natural healthy compounds that make Tulsi tea one of the healthiest teas available.
How does Tulsi Tea Taste?
Tulsi tea has a characteristic astringent and somewhat bitter flavor. Its floral nature gives it a distinct and invigorating aroma and it may also have peppery undertones. When you drink Tulsi tea you will notice a refreshing tingling that is similar to that of mint. This tingling after taste makes Tulsi tea an invigorating herbal tea that leaves a fresh feeling in the mouth long after you have drained your cup of Tulsi tea.
Top 5 Health Benefits of Tulsi Tea
1. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
A soothing cup of tea is a welcome treat after a long hard day or when you need a quick pick me up to keep you going. Tulsi tea is one of the most soothing and relaxing teas available. This healthy tea has been used over time as an effective natural remedy for stress and anxiety relief.
Tulsi tea is a powerful adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress and promotes a sense of mental balance. Tulsi tea has also been found to have an inhibitive effect on the stress hormone cortisol.
High levels of the stress hormone cortisol are linked to elevated stress levels hence by inhibiting secretion of this hormone, Tulsi tea helps in managing stress and anxiety. Research has found that Tulsi tea has antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects equal to the effect of diazepam and other antidepressant drugs.
Regular consumption of Tulsi tea will aid in combating stress, anxiety and even forgetfulness. An added benefit of taking Tulsi tea is that it acts as a great sleep aid and can help people to overcome sleep disorders such as insomnia. Have a soothing cup of Tulsi tea at bed time to ensure a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and well rested.
2. Boost Immune System
If you find yourself prone to infections such as the flu or common cold or feelings of general malaise, it may be time to make Tulsi tea part of your regular diet. This potent healthy tea is great when it comes to boosting your health profile by boosting the body’s natural ability to fight off infections.
Tulsi tea has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties that make it a powerful natural remedy against infections and disease causing pathogens. Tulsi tea has also been found to have analgesic properties, meaning that it can help in reducing aches and pains in the body.
A refreshing cup of Tulsi tea will do more soothe and calm you, but it will also actively reduce your chances of getting ill by boosting your body’s ability to fend off infections.
3. Tulsi Tea is Good for your Heart
If you have heard it once, you have probably heard it a dozen times, cholesterol is bad for your heart. So what can be better for your heart than a cup of Tulsi tea which has been found to effectively lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the body?
When levels of LDL cholesterol which is commonly known as bad cholesterol are high in the body, blood vessels become damaged due to buildup of plaque which obstructs proper blood flow. This obstruction puts extra pressure on the heart and may lead to heart disease and conditions such as stroke. Keeping LDL cholesterol levels low is therefore important in maintaining good cardiovascular health.
Drinking Tulsi tea regularly will help you in reducing the risk of heart disease by keeping your LDL cholesterol levels low. In addition to lowering cholesterol, Tulsi tea is also an effective natural remedy for high blood pressure which also tends to be a risk factor for heart disease.
When arteries are clogged, blood pressure rises and this may cause damage to arterial walls and heart muscles. A healthy heart therefore needs for blood pressure to be regulated and kept at normal levels. Diet makes a big contribution in reducing risks heart diseases thus making heart friendly foods such as Tulsi tea part of your diet will improve your heart health naturally.
4. Weight Loss and Good Digestion
Healthy teas such as Tulsi tea that promote weight loss are good not only for maintaining a healthy weight, but also in reducing the risks of diseases associated with excess weight such as heart disease and diabetes. Tulsi tea will help you to keep the extra pounds off by improving the body’s metabolism.
An efficient metabolism means that the body is able to break down food into energy and thereby limits storage of fat in the body. Give your metabolism a healthy boost by sipping a healthy cup of Tulsi tea regularly.
Bloating, irritable bowel syndrome and even hyperacidity are common symptoms of poor digestive health. Tulsi tea is good for digestion since it increases secretion of gastric juices which makes digestive processes more efficient. The gastric juices secreted act in ensuring that that the food you consume is digested completely and in this way prevents stomach disorders.
If you are looking for a healthy beverage that will help you stay trim, Tulsi tea is a definite winner. In addition, a cup of Tulsi tea after your meal will aid in digestion and help in preventing stomach discomfort.
5. Anti Inflammatory
Inflammation has been identified as the root cause of many chronic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s and many more. When inflammation goes on unchecked in the body, the risk of developing inflammatory conditions increases significantly since prolonged inflammation causes the body to start damaging its own cells and tissues.
The good news is that healthy beverages such as Tulsi tea have anti inflammatory properties that can aid in reducing levels of inflammation in the body.
The anti inflammatory properties of Tulsi tea are due to the natural compounds in Tulsi leaves or holy basil. These healthy compounds include apigenin, rosmarinic acid, linolenic acid, civsimavatine, isothymonine, and eugenol which are potent anti inflammatory agents.
Tulsi tea may also reduce the risk of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, irritable bowel disease and acute tonsillitis due to its anti inflammatory properties.
How to Brew Tulsi Tea
Holy basil or Tulsi tea leaves are widely available in grocery stores and online. To brew a perfect cup of Tulsi tea at home you can use either loose leaf Tulsi tea or tea bags. A simple guide to use when making natural Tulsi tea using basil leaves is as follows:
Materials
Fresh basil leaves, water, honey and lemon (optional)
Step
- Step 1: Heat 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Step 2: Add in your basil leaves and let them boil for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Strain the brew into a cup.
- Step 4: Add some honey and lemon to taste if desired.
Alternatively, If you prefer a strong cup Tulsi tea, you can put your basil leaves in boiling water. Once the Tulsi tea brew has boiled for about 10 minutes, cover the teapot and leave it overnight. The next day, drain the basil leaves and enjoy your Tulsi tea either ice cold or heat it up for a soothing hot cup of Tulsi tea.
Side Effects of Tulsi Tea
Tulsi tea is a healthy natural beverage that is safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However there are some considerations you should have in mind before consuming Tulsi tea.
- Eugenol is a natural compound found in Tulsi tea which has many health benefits. However, eugenol can also lead to blood thinning and therefore should be consumed in moderation. People with bleeding disorders should avoid Tulsi tea.
- Tulsi tea is useful in lowering blood sugar levels in the body. This is beneficial for people with high blood sugar; however, people who are suffering from low blood sugar may aggravate their hypoglycemia by taking Tulsi tea.
- Since Tulsi tea may slow blood clotting, do not drink Tulsi tea for at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery to avoid the risk of excessive bleeding.
Tulsi tea is derived from the leaves of holy basil which is a plant that is considered sacred in its native India. Apart from its rich tradition, this healthy beverage makes a potent natural remedy that is widely recognized in Ayurveda as a natural remedy effective in treating a myriad of ailments. This queen of herbs will make a great addition to your diet and will offer you all the benefits of a natural health remedy and a refreshing beverage all in one.
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