Holy Basil Tea

Also Known As: Ocimum tenuiflorum, tulsi, tulasī, Hot Basil, Sacred Basil, and bai gkaprow.

Holy Basil is not the culinary basil you use in Italian cooking although it is somewhat similar. The Holy Basil is an aromatic plant native throughout South Asia and India.

It is widely cultivated and also is found as an escaped weed. This sub-shrub has hairy stems, and strongly scented green leaves. The plant also has purplish flowers.

Holy Basil is cultivated not only for its medicinal uses in tea, but for religious reasons, and for its essential oil.

Commonly used in Ayurveda healing as an integral tonic, Holy Basil also plays an important role within the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism. Devotees often worship while using the holy basil during the process. It is often used in Thai cooking.

What is Holy Basil Tea? Holy basil tea is made from the leaves and blossoms of the holy basil plant. It can be made from fresh or dried ingredients.

Holy Basil Tea Preparation:

Dried Holy Basil Tea:

  • 2 teaspoons Holy basil, crushed
  • 1 cup boiled water

Steep the Holy basil leaves for 2-5 minutes. Sweeten with honey to taste.

Fresh Holy Basil Tea:

  • Rinse Holy Basil gently.
  • Shake off excess water and pat dry between paper towels.
  • Snip off any discolored leaves or shredded stems.
  • Use a dozen leaves or two sprigs of Holy basil.

Heat a cup of water to near boiling and add the leaves and stems. Let the Holy basil steep for five minutes, less if you want a gentler tea.

Filter or spoon out the basil. Add lemon or sweetener to taste if preferred.

Home Remedies Using Holy Basil Tea:

Benefits of Holy Basil Tea:

Holy Basil has been used in Ayurveda medicine for thousands of years for its diverse healing properties.

It considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful in dealing with stress. Holy Basil was traditionally mixed with stored grains to repel insects.

Today Holy Basil Tea can be used to strengthen the immune system, promote longevity and enhance overall well-being. It is known to promote heart health, lowering both cholesterol and high blood pressure.

It is still used to handle stress, reducing the physical and psychological effects. It can be utilized to help the body use oxygen efficiently, improving stamina, strength, and endurance.

Holy Basil tea is also an effective treatment to strengthen respiratory health. It increases digestion and is used to treat gastrointestinal problems. It is recommended to neutralize biochemicals contributing to cancer, degenerative disease, and premature aging.

It helps the liver function correctly, and is believed to reduce cell and tissue damage from the sun, radiation therapy, and radiation. It relieves arthritis inflammation, and can help fight infection. Holy Basil is known to lower blood sugar.

Side Effects of Holy Basil Tea:

Pregnant or Breast feeding women should avoid the use of Holy Basil Tea as it may stimulate uttering contractions.

Holy basil has been used for thousands of years with few side effects. It has a slight blood thinning effect which should be taken into consideration if other medications are being used to thin blood. Holy Basil can also lower blood sugar, which should be considered if you are hypoglycemic.

There have been studies showing a decrease in fertility in animals that are taking holy basil extracts. It is suggested that holy basil not be taken by women or men trying to conceive.