Holy Basil Tea (Tulsi)

Training hard is one thing. Switching off afterwards is another. Between early sessions, work and a race on the calendar, your body rarely gets the signal that it can slow down. Holy basil, known in India as tulsi, has been used for centuries in Ayurveda as an adaptogen: a herb traditionally taken to help the body handle everyday stress.

It is not the basil from your kitchen. Holy basil has a warm, slightly spicy taste with hints of clove and pepper, and it is naturally caffeine free. That makes it an easy evening tea after a hard session or a long day, or a calm start to a rest day. Brew a cup and you have built a small recovery habit that costs you five minutes.

Why we like it

• Traditionally used in Ayurveda as an adaptogenic herb
• Naturally caffeine free, so you can drink it any time of day
• Warm, spicy flavour with notes of clove and pepper
• An easy wind-down ritual after training or a busy day
• Pure holy basil, no added flavours
• Lovely hot, or cold as an iced tea in summer

Is this you?

• You find it hard to switch off after an evening workout
• Training, work and life are all asking a lot at once
• You want a calming tea that isn’t just chamomile again
• You’re cutting back on caffeine but still want a warm drink ritual

Specs

• Ingredients: 100% holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
• Caffeine free
• Use: 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup, water around 95 °C, steep 5 to 7 minutes
• Tip: add a little honey, or let it cool for iced tea