Thursday November 12, 2009 | 5 comments
As the temperature outside drops, it seems as if our stress levels rise. The holidays are coming, the year end is nearing, and we still haven’t finished those projects from earlier this summer. We all feel stress differently; headaches, body aches, diminished energy, anxiety, and even depression are common symptoms. But why go through all that when we can relax with a warm cup of Tulsi tea? That’s right; take a deep breath and a little sip into a happier, relaxed state. Tulsi tea is on the forefront, along with rooibos and yerba mate, of the new old teas. Tulsi tea has been used in India for thousands of years for its healing powers.
Tulsi tea – also know as Holy Basil tea – does not come from the Camellia sinensis tea bush like white, black, green, and oolong tea, so it is not considered a true tea. Tulsi tea is made from the leaves of the Tulsi Basil plant. The plant is rich in antioxidants as well as adaptogen agents. These agents are used to help our body adapt to stressors (physical, mental, environmental, and emotional). When we become stressed, our adrenal glands produce stress hormones to help our body cope. Adaptogens help the adrenal glands by responding to the body’s needs more effectively and efficiently. The adrenal glands shut down quickly when stress levels cease or decrease, but help the body to regulate more than stress hormones. They also regulate the metabolism, help stimulate the immune system, and are connected to our “flight-or-fight” response. With all of these factors considered, it is even more apparent why it is so important to have the adrenal glands working efficiently.
As Tulsi tea resonates on your taste buds, you can savor its unique light and slightly spicy flavor. Tulsi tea has the smooth capacity to fulfill the sweet and spicy desires of the mouth. It comes in the natural basil flavor as well as many others, such as raspberry, mango, and orange. With its combination of taste and adaptogens, it is no wonder Tulsi tea has been used for thousands of years for its ability to foster relaxation. Are you ready to enjoy a cup?
Excellent suggestion especially during the flu and cold season. I tend to forget about tisanes as I keep the faith with camellia sinensis. I’ll be sure to pickup some Tulsi next time I’m at the market.
Kelly,
Thanks so much for the additional information about Tulsi. I’ve tried only one variety of it which comes from one of T Ching’s regular contributors Tracy Monson of EssenchaTea Shop in Cincinnati, OH (and I’m one of her regular customers when I get down to the BIG city from Dayton :).) Her variety is called Tulsi Apple Pear Iced and it really does make a great iced tea for summer but also has a great taste hot as well (something not all teas can say). As we know it’s not truly an actual “tea” and I was aware of many of the antioxidant properties of Tulsi but I didn’t know about the adaptogens way of helping the adrenal glands to function at a more optimal level. I do enjoy my cup, in fact the last time I was in the store I purchased an 8 oz. container of it (the apple and the pear pieces offer a nice extra natural sweetness to the brew). Thanks again for the information and as always, keep drinking what you like.
Blessings to you all,
Fr. Patrick
Just the smell alone of a good tea will calm you! Some teas are amazing this way to calm us through the sense of smell and taste…. ahhhh… nothing like a awesome cup of tea!
Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil) is indeed a wonderful medicinal herb. It’s primary use in Ayurvedic medicine, as Kelley has indicated, has been for the mind and nervous system. It is also used for depression to help improve mood and clarity of thinking. It has traditionally been used to dispel cloudy thinking caused by drugs. In addition to its use as an adaptogenic herb as Kelley has already stated, it is also used as a carminative, an antiviral and a galactagogue.
ooh–I want some more Tulsi :)