Tulsi - Holy Basil

Tulsi (Holy Basil), loose-leaf tea

Tulsi, the Incomparable One

In India, tulsi is grown at the doorstep of the home and tended as a living goddess. Her name means “the incomparable one.” Ayurveda calls her the Queen of Herbs, and traditional use goes back thousands of years. This is the herb people have sipped for steadiness and clarity, and to come back to themselves.

In the cup: Warm, peppery and sweet, with notes of clove, mint and a little citrus. It’s soft on the first sip and bright on the finish, and it smells like a garden after rain.

How it feels: Calm without the fog, and caffeine-free, so you can drink it morning or night. Tulsi is traditionally known as an adaptogen, an herb used to help the body meet stress with more ease. Can be consciously consumed any time of the day. Soothing for the throat and heart. 

Ritual: Hold the cup in both hands and take three slow breaths before the first sip. Let the steam do its work.

To brew: 1 heaping tablespoon per 8 oz of just-boiled water. Steep 5 to 7 minutes, covered, to keep the aromatics in. Delicious as is or with maple/honey, a squeeze of lemon, or a slice of fresh ginger & turmeric. 

Loose-leaf. 66g / Sri Lanka.

Shared from traditional use and early research, not as medical advice. Please check with a practitioner if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication.