Tulsi, or Indian basil, is a plant valued in Ayurveda for its balancing and healing properties. Whether as a fragrant essence or as a soothing tea – the herb is suitable for everyone and brings peace, clarity, and warmth. If you have to deal with stress-related symptoms or colds in everyday life, this plant is just right for you. How exactly Tulsi works, how you can best take it, and everything else you need to know will show you here.
What is Tulsi?
The plant called Tulsi is mainly found in Southeast and Southwest Asia. It belongs to the basil genus and is also called Indian basil, royal basil, or holy basil.
In India, the herb has a very high value and is often used in spiritual ceremonies. Legend has it that the Hindu goddess Tulsi slipped into the plant to heal and protect people. The name Tulsi also means “the incomparable.”
As you can see, this spiritual herb is something extraordinary. In Ayurveda, this plant is also essential because it is considered a Rasayana, i.e., a herbal substance that is said to prolong life. But why is this so?
The Effect of Tulsi: To Calm the Doshas
In Ayurvedic medicine, Tulsi is used to balance the three doshas. Especially in stress-related complaints, Indian basil helps release blockages and normalize blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Since it slightly increases the Pitta dosha, the herb is used primarily for Vata and Kapha diseases.
Soothes the Vata-Dosha: stress-reducing and clarifying
The inability to adapt to stress is associated with a high Vata dosha.
Tulsi attenuates an increased Vata and, therefore, all complaints related to stress, such as stomach cramps, flatulence, and digestive problems. The plant contains powerful antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids, and beneficial essential oils. As a result, the body learns to cope better with stress.
Indian basil is also effective against mental stress. In turbulent times, we can sometimes feel tense and distracted. The herb harmonizes and dissolves fears and helps us to find ourselves again. It soothes a restless mind and brings back more clarity. It is also incredibly useful for memory and retentiveness. Free your body and mind from stress with this beautiful basil!
For Kapha disorders: against colds and inflammations
Basil can also bring healing to Kapha diseases. It has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect and therefore helps well with colds, coughs, or fever. The respiratory tract becomes more transparent, and it can be breathed more freely again.
The plant is also an excellent dental care product and can help with inflammation of the gums or mouth area. As a conditioner, it brings a pleasant freshness and is suitable for oral health. Increased Kapha is, therefore, no longer a problem.
Tulsi: Taking and dosage
To benefit from the effects of Indian basil, the healing leaves of the Tulsi plant are used.
There are different ways of taking it:
- As a tea: To bring the doshas back into harmony, the herb is consumed in the form of a purifying tea.
- As an essential oil: As an essential oil, basil is incredibly helpful in calming the nerves and soothing the mind.
- Tulsi leaves for food: Tulsi leaves can be added to salads or other foods and are suitable for digestion and against flatulence. But beware: the leaves should not be cooked along with the food.
- Chew the leaves: Even chewing the raw leaves of the plant can be useful. Indian basil is considered a miracle cure for torn corners of the mouth and bleeding gums. Anyone who suffers from chesty coughs or a feeling of fullness can also chew the leaves.
An Ayurvedic secret tip takes five leaves with a little water on an empty stomach in the morning. This is said to improve brain and memory performance. The easiest and most effective way to start is to enjoy Tulsi as tea. Therefore, we will now show you how to take a break with the hot drink.
Tulsi Tea: cleansing and relaxing
Mostly Indian basil is taken in the form of tea. This is because Tulsi tea is highly valued not only for its effects but also for its good taste. It has a sweet, lemony note, but at the same time, tastes slightly peppery.
If you suffer from digestive problems, stress, or a weak immune system, the drink is incredibly beneficial. But it is also recommended for colds or high blood pressure. For Tulsi tea to be effective, you should drink 1-2 cups of it daily for over six weeks.
Ready-made tea blends are available packaged in stores. However, if you want to do something extra good for yourself, get the Tulsi leaves and prepare the tea yourself. This is very easy and can be removed at will!
Prepare Tulsi tea
For a nice cup of Tulsi tea, you need nothing more than:
- One teaspoon of Tulsi herb
- 200 ml of water
Pour the seasoning into a cup and bring the water to a boil. Pour the water over the herb and let the tea steep for about 6-10 minutes. That’s it! Of course, you can also spice up the tea a little. For example, add ½ tsp. Turmeric and 1 tsp. Ginger to make the tea even more spicy and tasty!
If you would like to slow down a particular dosha, we have a few tips here to make the tea even more useful.
- Steaming Kapha: If you suffer from a cold caused by excess Kapha, you are welcome to add some honey to your tea. Alternatively, you can also stir in some ghee.
- Balance out Vata: If you want a clearer mind or suffer from stress-related digestive problems, you should steam your Vata Dosha a little. In this case, add some ginger, fennel, and cardamom to the tea and drink the tea with your meals.
- For Pitta types: As a Pitta type, the tea can, of course, also be drunk. If you wish, you can enrich it with some rose petals and Brahmi.
We advise you to drink the Tulsi tea after your meal and before going to bed. Especially in the case of depressive moods and anxieties, the tea is recommended as an evening drink, as it will help you relax and thus bring you a restful sleep.
Tulsi tea: how often should you drink it?
As with most things, it depends on the right dose. It is recommended to take the tea over six weeks at the most. During this time, women can drink about 1-2 cups a day. Why only women? Men are advised not to drink the tea every day, as it may inhibit sperm production and cause constipation.
But be careful: the tea should never be drunk during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
However, if you stick to the recommended dose and avoid drinking tea during pregnancy, there is nothing to prevent you from enjoying this stimulating hot drink!
Tulsi Oil
Due to its essential fragrances, the plant is occasionally used as a pleasant aromatic oil. However, a small dose is sufficient. Add a drop of Tulsi oil to about 50 ml base oil and enjoy the lovely scent. The mixture strengthens the immune system and is good support for infections.
Especially during or after work, the balancing scent can also provide more concentration and bundled energy. It lets you breathe deeply again and soothes strained nerves. In this way, the oil ensures that the mind becomes more focused and work more comfortable.
So if you notice an increased Kapha or Vata Dosha and are longing for a little more balance for body and mind, this herb is the ideal solution for you. It will bring the doshas back into balance, helping you to find the right balance again. Try it and treat yourself to a soothing Tulsi tea!
Satvik Living 