What is Tulsi Tea, What are its Benefits, How is it Prepared?
Tulsi, the sacred tea of India, is a rare member of traditional medicine practices. It is also a herbal solution for some ailments in modern medicine.
Tulsi tea is also called “holy basil tea”. It is described as the “elixir of life” or “healing queen” in Indian Ayurvedic treatment. The plant from which this tea is obtained holds an important place in the world of Ayurveda and life sciences. It is widely cultivated in Hinduism for religious and medical purposes. Apart from its tea form, its essential oil is also famous We have compiled everything you wonder about the tulsi plant and tulsi tea, which is not very well known but its benefits are remarkable. You will definitely want to taste this tea!
What is Tulsi Plant?
Scientific name of Tulsi plant “ Ocimum tenuiflorum” It belongs to the “Lamiaceae” family.
The literal meaning of “Tulsi” is “unique plant”. It is also known as “Holy basil”, “Tulasi” and “Thulasi”. It is often referred to as “holy basil”. “sacred” because of its religious and spiritual significance; It is also called “basil” because it comes from the spicy herb and shrub family. The name “holy basil” is the Sanskrit name for the plant.
Tulsi, a multi-branched shrub, is a perennial herb. It can reach a height of 30 to 60 centimeters. It has green or purple leaves, hairy stems. Its leaves can grow up to 5 centimeters and have an intense scent.
It is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is also a common plant cultivated in the tropics of Southeast Asia. It is also grown in tropical regions of Europe. It can grow as a weed in wild tropical environments. It is particularly common in the wild natural habitats of India.
Many families in Asia traditionally grow tulsi plants in earthen pots at home or in their garden. Tea made from the leaves of the plant is one of the traditional herbal teas. This tea is considered a very useful and safe tea for health.
The essential oil of the plant, used for traditional medicine and religious purposes, is also popular.
What are the Benefits of Tulsi Tea?
Tulsi tea is beneficial for health due to some substances and compounds in the plant. It is rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, zinc, iron and chlorophyll. It is a decaffeinated herbal tea.
The source of tulsine’s health benefits is the active ingredient “eugenol” found in its leaves. It also contains substances called “ursolic acid” and “carvacrol” with anti-microbial properties. Tulsi tea; It is rich in antioxidants that help the body fight free radicals that cause chronic degenerative diseases.
It has excellent benefits that support the immune system and alleviate the body’s negative response to stress. It is a delicious, refreshing and calming tea. It also contains energizing properties.
Traditional medicinal remedies made from the plant are especially common in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition. Today it is known as an important adaptogen; In other words, it helps the body cope with stress.
This tea potentially provides the following benefits;
It is an antioxidant: While its antioxidant property strengthens the immune system, it helps the body fight free radicals that cause cell damage.It is an adaptogen: In other words, it helps to cope with stress. . It provides relief from both physical and psychological stress. It is recommended to increase adrenal health and reduce stress in people with post-traumatic stress disorder. strong>Can treat asthma: It is especially effective in respiratory problems such as asthma, cough, bronchitis and pleurisy. It has been determined that it reduces the frequency of attacks in asthma patients. It has cough suppressant and expectorant properties.
Effective against diabetes: It can help in the treatment of diabetes because it lowers blood sugar levels. It has been observed to significantly lower blood sugar levels compared to those taking placebo.
Improves oxygen efficiency: It is an excellent herbal solution to increase oxygen efficiency.In this way, it enables the heart to function better.
Digestive aid: It is an effective solution against digestive and intestinal problems. It also improves liver functions.
Heals headaches: By treating headaches, it helps to improve memory.
Skin friendly: Skin like eczema and psoriasis It has been shown to have positive effects on inflammatory skin problems, especially on inflammatory skin problems.
Also: It can also help against arthritis and malaria. Traditionally for years; It is used in cases of fever, inflammatory diseases, stomach complaints, heart diseases and poisoning. It is also recommended for the treatment of some ailments such as vomiting, indigestion and back pain.
To summarize, tulsi tea;
Reduces stress,
Effective against diabetes,
Supports the respiratory tract,
Helps the digestive system,
Calms the nervous system,
Helps to lose weight,
Relieves headache,
Useful for skin and hair,
Has cardiovascular benefits,
Helps with dental and oral health,
Supports the dissolution of kidney stones,
It reduces cancer risks,
Helps to quit smoking.
Important note: Scientific evidence on the potential benefits of Tulsi tea is insufficient.
Clinical trials on humans are needed to confirm its benefits!
Are There Any Side Effects of Tulsi Tea?
Actually, it has no scientifically proven side effects.
However;
There are some concerns about the use of pregnant and lactating women.
It is stated that it may cause some fertility problems in men and women. For this reason, it is not recommended for women who are considering pregnancy. because by preventing blood clotting, it may cause bleeding problems.
It may cause allergic reactions in some people. When signs of swelling and puffiness are seen on the lips, tongue, face and throat, the consumption of the tea should be stopped and a doctor should be consulted.
How to Make Tulsi Tea, How to Drink it?
Dried tulsi leaves are used to make tea; but it can also be used as dry powder or fresh leaf.
So, how can you prepare it at home?
Hot tulsi tea;
Prepare 1 teaspoon of dried tulsi leaves for 1 cup of boiling water.
Add the leaves to the boiling water in the teapot.
Close the lid of the teapot.
Wait about 5 minutes for it to brew.
Strain the tea into the cup and discard the leaves.
Add honey, sugar and milk if you prefer.
Cold tulsi tea;
Let the tea made with the above recipe cool down.
Add ice to the tea afterwards.
Do not use milk for iced tulsi tea.
Let’s share some tips for Tulsi tea;
This tea has a deep, astringent and spicy flavor. It has a strong aroma.
If you want to see the golden color of the tea clearly, choose a white cup.
For Tulsi tea, use fresh, pure and cold filtered water. Spring waters are best.
It is usually better brewed in boiled water at a temperature of between 200 and 212 degrees.
If you want to drink tulsi tea for problems such as cold, sore throat or bronchitis, mix it with honey and ginger.
Tulsi leaves should be kept away from light, oxygen, humidity and odorous environments such as coffee or spices to keep them fresh.
Tulsi tea, brewed alone, is completely caffeine-free.
What are Tulsi Types?
Tulsi is native to the Indian subcontinent and thrives in humid, tropical climates.
It grows as an upright branched shrub reaching 60 centimeters in length. It has hairy stems, fragrant purple or green leaves, and purplish flowers that turn white at the tips of the branches. Its leaves are grown, harvested and dried for use as herbal tea.
Tulsi plant has three main varieties, each with different characteristics;
Krishna: Also known as “Shyama tulsi”. The most striking feature of its flowers are its reddish or purple petals. It has a taste similar to the spicy aroma of cloves. Its leaves mimic the pungent flavors of pepper. It is widely cultivated throughout India. It is usually grown in homes and gardens. This genre plays an important role in Vishnu worship in Hinduism.
Rama: It has large green leaves, white or light purple flowers. It is known for its clove-like aroma. Purple leaf tulsine has a cooler flavor. It is grown throughout India; but it is also found in China, Nepal, Bengal and Brazil.
Valve: It is a wild type of tulsi. It is native to Asia and parts of Africa.
It has light green leaves. It has a refreshing citrus aroma and flavor unlike its spicy cousins.
Tulsi Plant and Hinduism
Tulsi Plant, BC. It is a plant known and used since 5000 years. It is very important to Hindus. It is widely cultivated considering the teachings and healing of Hinduism. In this sense, it is an important religious symbol.
Many Hindus grow tulsi in front of or near their home. A house with a Tulsi plant is sometimes considered a place of pilgrimage. It is traditionally planted in the middle of the courtyard of Hindu houses. It is usually grown in special pots or a special wall structure known as “Tulsi Vrindavan”. Vrindavan (Tulsi’s grove) is a raised cube or brick structure, usually in the courtyard of Hindu houses or in front of the house.
Tulsi; In Hindu mythology, he is known by names such as “unique”, “belonging to Vishnu”, “beloved of Vishnu” and “Vishnu Tulsi”. Its green leaves are called Tulsi Shri (lucky tulsi). “Shri” is also a synonym for Lakshmi, consort of Vishnu. He is especially considered the “god of women” and “god of the house”.
In the 19th century, some families in Bengal viewed the tulsi plant as a “protector” or “family god.”
It is erected by Hindus in homes and temples as part of meditations. In Hinduism, it is believed to be part of the goddess Lakshmi, wife of the god Vishnu. It is revered as it is believed to establish a connection between the home and the spiritual world. It is part of the ritual called “Tulsi Vivah”. Tulsi Vivah is the marriage ceremony of the Hindu god Vishnu. This tulsi wedding symbolizes the end of the monsoons and the beginning of the wedding season in Hinduism.
Tulsi is revered as a goddess in Hinduism. It is the adjective that is sometimes considered a consort of Vishnu. According to Hindu scriptures; The tulsi plant was a woman named “Vrinda” (Brinda; a synonym for tulsi). She married the Asura King Jalandhar, and she became invincible because of her devotion to Visnu. Even the god Shiva could not defeat Jalandhar. Vishnu disguised himself as Jalandhar and deceived Vrinda. Hindus consider this plant an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulsi. The offering of its leaves is obligatory in the ritualistic worship of the god Vishnu.
It is seen as a threshold between heaven and earth. In a traditional Hindu prayer; where the god Brahma sits on the tulsi branches, at the roots of all Hindu pilgrimage centres; the Ganges flows along its tulsi roots; It is said to contain all the gods on its handle.
Do You Know These?
The word “Tulsi” is used in many places and family names in India and Asia.
It has been used as a religious and medicinal plant in Indian culture for more than 5000 years.
India’ It is the holiest plant. It is widely cultivated in South Asia, Thailand, and other Hindu-influenced countries. It is considered as the elixir.
The tulsi plant is new to western culture. It is often found as an ingredient in herbal medicines, tinctures, and essential oils.
Tulsi leaves occupy an important place in Thai cuisine.
