Tulsi Ki Chai:

Tulsi Tea. Tulasi/ Tulsi ka Chai. Holy Basil Tea. Sacred Basil Tea. Thulasi/ Thulsi Tea recipe.

The Botanical name of this humble herb is Osimum sanctum. The plant is considered sacred by Hindus. It originated from India. Well…again there are 3 or 4 species. Except few, most of them are consumable. The plant is very aromatic, the leaves and inflorescence(flower) are edible here.

Traditionally most of the medicinal plants identified were considered holy and sacred by our ancestors….maybe its a way to protect the ecosystem and balance! When they impose religious faith on an important plant/animal (totem worship is prevalent among old civilizations like China, India, Mayans and Aztec) it is handed down with care to next generation, preventing extinction! That is a way beyond of thinking. I used to get the same feelings when the Rajasthanian tribes worship their black buck, it was on verge of extinction…Govt imposed rules to protect that bird & also announced it as State Bird of Rajasthan. Tribals are really aware of these Eco balance and stuff than educated people sometimes. West always accused Indians for slash & burn system and brown cloud. When tribal only ate the older animal or very young and feeble(which has high mortality rate & they never killed an animal / plants in their peek breeding season) some forest rangers, rich Babus and British hunted and exploited for game and pleasure(during modern history time). Anyways, am I missing the story here! All I am saying is….protect the ecosystem! Do not exploit, pluck the medicinal plants leaves only when there is a need! Try to save a few seeds, as modern life style is not supporting very well for natural pollination.

Science of Basil Leaves:

On general any Basil leaves has an important constituent ‘adaptogen’, an anti-stress component. Relieves depression related symptoms upon regular consumption. As most of the herbs it is loaded with anti-oxidants….yeah yeah so fights with that free-radicals and reduce oxidation. Besides it has several physiological significance, expertise in pharmacology are working on it….claiming their effect as anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotic, improves one’s immune system, lowers blood glucose level, lowers blood cholesterol, lowers triglycerides level, lowers blood pressure. Some sources say chemotherapy for cancer patients shows significant effect, when they fed their patients with these leaves.

Common Medicinal Uses: Popularly known for its cold and cough concoctions. Has an amazing properties to remove severe bronchial phlegm. The decoction of these leaves works well for sore throat, done this tons of times, as a kid. Sure its a good home remedy for cold & flu, I have seen asthma patients chewing these leaves regularly.

Caution: It has severe anti-fertility effect…that is why Hindu priest have them daily in their holy water. So take them wisely only when it is necessary. If you’re smart enough, use them as a contraceptive concoctions. It does have a birth control agent.

Ingredients:

Holy Basil leaves 10-12
Granulated black tea leaves 1 spoon
Cardamom pods 1 or 2 crushed/ use powder
Ginger 1″ grated
Honey 2 heavy teaspoons.

Method:

Use fresh or dry holy basil leaves for making this tea. It works both the way.

Heat water, along with tea leaves, basil leaves, cardamom and ginger. Decant the supernatant.

Mix honey and serve. Serves best on a rainy day, winter and flu infected days.