Tulsi tea, also known as Holy Basil, is an adaptogenic herbal tea. Used in Ayurveda for centuries, it has an earthy and slightly spicy flavour profile with zero caffeine. Learn more about Tulsi tea including how to properly steep it.
What is Tulsi Tea?
Tulsi tea is an herbal infusion that is made from the leaves of the Ocimum tenuiflorum plant. Native to India, this plant is also widely grown throughout humid and tropic climates in Southeast Asia. The leaves are harvested and dried to make tulsi tea.
It can also be known as Holy Basil because of its religious history. It is an important part of Hindu culture. Additionally, the plant is part of the Lamiaceae family which is the mint and basil family. The flavour profile between holy basil and regular basil are not the same.
Types of Tulsi
There are 3 main varieties of Tulsi commonly used in herbal teas, each with its own unique flavour. You will often find that many tulsi teas can be a combination of each of the following type to create a balance cup.
- Rama Tulsi – Mild and cooling flavour
- Krishna Tulsi – Stronger and spicer flavour
- Vana Tulsi – Wild variety with an earthy and lemon flavour
Health Benefits of Tulsi Tea
Tulsi is a functional tea. Here are just a few of its most popular health benefits:
- Supports Respiratory Health: Tulsi is often included in herbal remedies for coughs and congestion.
- Stress Relief: Known as a powerful adaptogen, tulsi can help the body respond better to stress while promoting a sense of calm.
- Supports Oral Health: The natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds from tulsi may reduce plaque and improve dental health.
Please note that you should always consult a medical professional before taking any herbs for health purposes.
How to Make Tulsi Tea
To prepare this herbal tea you will need:
- Water: Freshly boiled (100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Tulsi: 1 teaspoon of tulsi per cup or 1 tea bag
- Teaware: Teapot and/or mug with infuser basket or tea strainer
- Optional: Sweetener (ie. sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, etc.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Find a printable recipe card below with the full measurements and directions, too!
Step 1:
To begin, pour warm water into your steeping vessel (teapot or mug), swirl it around carefully then discard. This will warm the teapot or mug which will help the herbal tea steep properly and retain heat.
Step 2:
Add tulsi to the warm teapot or infuser mug. Pour freshly boiled water over the leaves, cover the teapot or mug with a lid or small plate and steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
Covering tulsi tea while steeping will help make sure the volatile oils do not escape the tea through the steam and keep the heat in. This will enhance the overall flavour and aroma.
Step 3:
If using a teapot without an infuser, pour the steeped tea into a cup over a strainer to catch the loose tea leaves. If using an infuser in the teapot or mug, remove the infuser basket when the steeping process is complete.
Step 4:
If desired, add sweetener of your choice to the cup and stir until dissolved. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tulsi tea taste like?
The taste of tulsi tea is earthy and slightly spicy. Depending on the variety, it may also have a clove-like flavour or a fresh lemon flavour.
Does tulsi tea have caffeine?
No, tulsi tea is naturally caffeine-free. It is classified as an herbal tea or tisane.
Can I use fresh tulsi to make tea?
Yes, you can. The same instructions would apply if you were making tulsi tea with dried or fresh leaves.
Where can I buy tulsi tea?
You can buy dried tulsi tea online or in natural food stores. If you’re looking for an online option, here is tulsi tea on Amazon. (affiliate link)
Related Herbal Teas You Might Like
If you enjoyed learning about Tulsi, you might also love these other herbal teas:
Tulsi Tea
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon tulsi tea (loose leaf) or 1 teabag
- 1 cup water freshly boiled
- 1 teaspoon sweetener of choice optional
Instructions
- To begin, pour warm water into your steeping vessel (teapot or mug), swirl it around carefully then discard. This will warm the teapot or mug which will help the herbal tea steep properly and retain heat.
- Add tulsi to the warm teapot or infuser mug. Pour freshly boiled water over the leaves, cover the teapot or mug with a lid or small plate and steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Covering tulsi tea while steeping will help make sure the volatile oils do not escape the tea through the steam and keep the heat in. This will enhance the overall flavour and aroma.
- If using a teapot without an infuser, pour the steeped tea into a cup over a strainer to catch the loose tea leaves. If using an infuser in the teapot or mug, remove the infuser basket when the steeping process is complete.
- If desired, add sweetener of your choice to the cup and stir until dissolved. Enjoy!