This holy basil tea recipe (tulsi tea) is a cozy, herbal drink that’s quick and easy to make in just 10 minutes. It’s lovely with a touch of honey for winter warmth, and just as good iced to beat the summer heat!
Tip: Also try my ginger garlic tea for a daily boost or tamarind tea for a refreshing, tangy flavor.
What is tulsi tea
Tulsi tea, or holy basil tea, is a herbal drink made from tulsi leaves. Its warm, peppery flavor has hints of clove and mint, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural stress relief and a sense of relaxation.
Benefits of this herbal drink
Holy basil tea offers several health benefits. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce respiratory issues. Additionally, it can aid in stress and anxiety regulation and improve dental health. (source)
Personally, I love sipping on herbal teas when I have a sore throat—they’re so soothing! This tea is also perfect when you’re wondering what to do with a lot of holy basil leaves, just like Falling fell.
Now, let’s learn how to make tea from fresh holy basil leaves!
Ingredient Notes
You’ll find everything you need for this recipe at Asian grocery stores or Asian markets, with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Basil leaves – I used purple holy basil, also called Ocimum tenuiflorum, Ocimum holyor krishna tulsi. It has a stronger, peppery, clove-like flavor than the green kind, which I think makes it perfect for tea—it’s just so aromatic! But feel free to use other types of basil too; they work just fine.
- Honey – If you’re out of honey, another sweetener works just as well—just adjust the sweetness to your liking!
- Water
- Lime or lemon (optional)
How to make holy basil tea
Step 1: Start by bringing water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
Step 2: Place fresh holy basil leaves into a teapot.
Step 3: Carefully pour the hot water over the basil leaves in the teapot. Cover with a lid and let the tea steep for 5–7 minutes to extract the full flavor and benefits.
Step 4: After steeping, pour the tea into a cup, straining out the leaves as you pour. Add honey and a slice of lemon or lime for added flavor. Enjoy!
Serving suggestions
- Iced basil tea – Chill the tea, pour over ice, and enjoy for a refreshing option on warm summer days.
- With lemon juice – Add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavor and add a subtle tang.
- Herbal blend – Combine with a few mint leaves or a slice of ginger for added aroma and depth.
More drink recipes you’ll love
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Holy Basil Tea Recipe (Tulsi Tea)
Make this quick and easy holy basil tea recipe with honey for a healthy, flavorful sip—perfect hot or iced.
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Start by bringing water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
1 1/4 cups water
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Place fresh holy basil leaves into a teapot.
1/2 cup fresh holy basil leaves
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Carefully pour the hot water over the basil leaves in the teapot. Cover with a lid and let the tea steep for 5–7 minutes to extract the full flavor and benefits.
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After steeping, pour the tea into a cup, straining out the leaves as you pour. Add honey and a slice of lemon or lime for added flavor. Enjoy!
1/2 tbsp honey, 1 slice lime
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
- Holy basil leaves – If you can’t find holy basil, feel free to use this recipe with other types of basil for a similar, aromatic tea!
Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.1mg