Tulsi Sun Tea
Fresh tulsi leaves infusing in a cup of tea.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is a beautiful plant rich in nutritional properties. Originating in India, it features long stems with purple flowers. It is related to the basil family of herbs, and is often referred to as “holy basil”, held sacred in the Hindu tradition. It has been incorporated into daily medicinal and nutritional practices of thousands of years and has been used to treat a variety of physical and cognitive ailments. Benefits of consuming tulsi include:
Stress reduction
Energy boost and stabilization
Mental/cognitive focus and support
Respiratory and digestive support
Circulatory stimulation
Headache alleviation
Drinking it as a tea produces a combined energizing and relaxing effect. Especially in India, people will drink it more frequently than coffee, as it provides a more balanced experience and does not induce fatigue in the way that is common after consuming caffeine. The tea can be taken either hot or as a cold beverage, and the taste is reminiscent of clove, anise, and mint.
This particular recipe includes the sun as a part of the infusion process when using freshly harvested tulsi, thus the name! However, you can also make the tea by using tulsi powder or crushed leaves.
Tulsi leaves prior to infusion.
Tulsi leaves prior to infusion.
Tulsi Sun Tea
Ingredients:
-Clean filtered water in a glass jar (approximately 1 liter)
- 1 handful of tulsi leaves (or 4 tablespoons of crushed tulsi leaves/powder)
- Optional: sweetener (such as almond milk or honey) and lime
Directions (for fresh Tulsi):
Harvest fresh tulsi and wash.
Add it to the glass container and fill with water.
Leave it in direct sunlight for 6-8 hours.
After 6-8 hours, strain it, adding lime and sweetener if desired.
Refrigerate whatever is not consumed.
Tulsi leaves infusing in the sun.
Directions (for Tulsi purchased in a crushed leaf or powder form)
Boil approximately 1 liter of filtered water. Turn down the heat after a boil is reached.
Infuse 4 tablespoons of tulsi leaves/powder into the water for 15-20 minutes.
Strain (if using leaves), adding sweetener and lime if desired.
Refrigerate whatever is not consumed.
Other optional herbs and sweeteners to include for taste:
Cinnamon
Lemongrass
Coriander seed
Anise seed
Fresh or dried ginger root
Vanilla powder or stevia
¡Buen Provecho!
