Tulsi tea is one of Ayurveda’s most precious elixirs for promoting health and resilience, and Tulsi tea benefits extend to the body, mind, and even spirit.

Considered a sacred plant throughout India, its name in Sanskrit, “Tulsi”, means “holy basil.” 

It’s also known as “the incomparable one,” “the queen of herbs,” and “the elixir of life.” It is used in temples and shrines to purify energy; in homes for protection from illness, toxins, and evil spirits; and in Hinduism, it is considered the threshold between heaven and earth.

Tulsi is also loaded with active plant compounds that have been proven to support the body’s defenses, promote healthy energy, and nourish the digestive, immune, and metabolic systems.

Why is Tulsi a must-drink herbal tea? 

Herbal tea infusions are an incredible way to enjoy the benefits of various plants while bringing a sense of mindfulness, harmony, and tranquility to life.

Although green, white, and black teas are most commonly sought-after in the west, Tulsi is a crucial herbal tea for those seeking optimal health, an energy boost, environmental protection, spiritual support, and stress relief…all in one.

Why does Tulsi tea work so well in supporting holistic health?

In Ayurveda, Tulsi is considered an adaptogenic herb. Meaning it helps the body adapt and thrive under various physical, mental, and emotional stressors.

It also provides a natural source of energy that brings a sense of alertness and focus without the jitters or crashes of caffeine.

The bottom line: Tulsi tea benefits are near endless, and provide a wealth of nourishing vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds, while naturally supporting energy, focus, and a strong constitution.

Five surprising Tulsi tea benefits

There is both science and wisdom behind why Tulsi tea has been a spiritual and wellness staple in Ayurveda for centuries.

#1: SOOTHES STRESS AND TENSION

As an adaptogen, Tulsi’s superpower lies in its ability to help the body respond and adapt to various stressors.

This is what’s made it a revered staple in Ayurveda for centuries. Through times of feast and famine, war and peace, prosperity and poverty, people have relied on Tulsi for resilience, sustenance, and spiritual strength.

Fast-forward to modern times, and stress has become a contributing factor to nearly every type of chronic disease. Therefore, Tulsi tea remains a valuable tool for anyone interested in supporting their body’s stress response, resilience, and overall well-being.

It works by nourishing the adrenal glands, which control the output of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. When stress hormones are balanced, it gives us a sustained source of energy that powers us through the day and helps us relax at night. 

Tulsi is truly an herb for the ages, one that soothes stress and tension no matter what the circumstances.

#2: UPLIFTS MIND AND MOOD

Tea rituals have become popular because they promote a sense of calm, presence, and upliftment.

Tulsi is a perfect tea to turn to when a little inspiration and positive energy is needed.

Not only will the simple act of preparing the tea help ground the drinker and bring them into the present, but plant compounds in Tulsi have been shown to support a healthy mood and various other aspects of mental/emotional well-being.

It’s also been shown to have a similar effect to yoga for stress relief and promoting focus and clarity of thought.

Expert tip: enjoying a cup of Tulsi tea pre- or post-yoga and/or meditation to take the practice to a whole new level!

#3: SUPPORTS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Our immune systems are our ultimate guardians at the gate, protecting us from unwanted germs, toxins, and pathogens while keeping our internal organs and systems of detoxification running smoothly.

This is why it’s essential to fortify our immune systems daily with foods, beverages, plants, and lifestyle practices that support its innate capacities.

Ayurveda understands this, which is why most traditional formulas include at least one immune-supportive herb.

Tulsi is commonly used for this purpose. In addition to its adaptogenic properties, which help support strong immunity, it’s been shown to have immune-modulating properties (which means it supports a healthy and adaptive immune response).

In traditional Ayurveda, taking Tulsi tea on an empty stomach is typically recommended for maximum immune benefit. 

Drinking Tulsi as a tea vs. a tincture can also provide extra support for the sinuses, respiratory and urinary systems.

#4: PROMOTES DETOXIFICATION

If seeking a tea that provides multi-level, daily detoxification support, Tulsi cannot be beat.

In addition to its traditional use to promote normal blood purification, it’s been shown effective for supporting key antioxidant enzymes of detoxification, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione, in the liver and kidneys.

But Tulsi tea benefits as they relate to its detoxification prowess extends beyond the human body.

Tulsi has been used to help combat air pollution in cities. And hundreds of thousands of tulsi plants have been planted around the Taj Mahal to help protect it from environmental pollution damage.

#5: TULSI TEA AS A SPIRITUAL TONIC 

No tulsi tea benefits list is complete without mentioning its spiritual benefits. Holy basil is used in various rituals to enhance spirituality and help connect body, mind, and spirit.

In Hinduism, for example, Tulsi is worshiped as a goddess, and every part of the tulsi plant is considered sacred. Thus, Hindi households are deemed incomplete without a tulsi plant, which is used in daily rituals and other spiritual, protection, and purification practices.

Tulsi has also been called “liquid yoga” due to its calming and sanctifying effects on the mind and spirit.

By making Tulsi tea a part of daily self-care or spiritual practices, connection is also made with the creative and divine healing power—a much-needed benefit for many who reside in cities and suburbs.

Organic, regeneratively-grown Tulsi is what Organic India is best known for worldwide. They have over twenty delicious infusion options, all created with various organic, hand picked ingredients.

Organic India prides itself in supporting and honoring farmer partners with fair trade practices, equitable wages, health care, and organic agricultural training. This all culminates in the creation of Organic, Non-GMO herbal teas and supplements that support the health of the population, the vibrancy of the planet, and the livelihood of communities in IndiOrganic, regeneratively-grown Tulsi is what Organic India is best known for worldwide. They have over twenty delicious infusion options, all created with various organic, hand picked ingredients. Organic India prides itself in supporting and honoring farmer partners with fair trade practices, equitable wages, health care, and organic agricultural training. This all culminates in the creation of Organic, Non-GMO herbal teas and supplements that support the health of the population, the vibrancy of the planet, and the livelihood of communities in India.