Organic India Tulsi Original Holy Basil Tea
Traditional Indian tulsi (holy basil) tea — adaptogenic, caffeine-free, used in Ayurveda for stress support. USDA Organic, Non-GMO.
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Brand: Organic India
Origin: India
Organic India Tulsi Original
Tulsi — also called holy basil — is one of the most revered plants in Indian Ayurvedic tradition. It's not a "basil" the way Italian basil is; it's a different species (Ocimum tenuiflorum) used for centuries as an adaptogenic herbal tea. Organic India's Tulsi Original blends three tulsi varieties (Rama, Krishna, Vana) into the definitive introduction to this herbal.
What tulsi actually is
Tulsi is a flowering plant native to the Indian subcontinent, grown in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. It's considered an adaptogen — a herb that helps the body respond to stress. In traditional Indian households, tulsi plants grow near the door and leaves are brewed daily, especially during stressful periods or illness.
Three varieties commonly blended:
- Rama tulsi — mild, slightly sweet, everyday variety
- Krishna tulsi — purple-leafed, slightly peppery
- Vana tulsi — wild-grown, more complex flavor
Organic India's Tulsi Original uses all three, giving a balanced, layered flavor.
Why Organic India
USDA Organic. Non-GMO. Fair for Life certified. Organic India was founded specifically to bring Ayurvedic herbs to the Western market with rigorous organic and ethical standards. They work directly with Indian small farmers.
The Tulsi Original is their flagship — tulsi is to Organic India what matcha is to Ippodo.
Flavor profile
- Herbal, slightly sweet — not like culinary basil; softer, more rounded
- Mild spicy undertone from the Krishna variety
- Floral finish — a little like jasmine, a little like lavender
- Clean, caffeine-free — no tannins, no bitterness
If you think "herbal tea" means bland or medicinal, tulsi is a different experience — it's genuinely pleasant to drink for flavor alone, not just the benefits.
Traditional + research-backed benefits
In Ayurveda, tulsi is considered:
- Adaptogenic — may support the body's stress response
- Immune-supportive — traditionally used at the first sign of cold or flu
- Digestive — often brewed after meals
Modern research has looked at tulsi for:
- Stress and cortisol response
- Blood sugar support
- Antioxidant activity
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Tulsi is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
How to brew
- 1 tea bag per 8oz cup
- Boiling water (212°F — tulsi handles boiling water well)
- Steep 4-5 minutes (longer = stronger)
- Add honey if desired; traditionally consumed plain or with a bit of milk
Iced tulsi: Steep 4 tea bags in 4 cups boiling water, cool, add ice. Keeps 2-3 days refrigerated.
For stress support (traditional use): Drink one cup morning and one cup afternoon, daily for 2+ weeks before evaluating.
Caffeine
Zero caffeine. Safe any time of day, including before bed.
Perfect for
- Stress / overwhelm days
- Caffeine-free seekers who want something beyond chamomile
- Evening tea ritual
- Seasonal cold/flu season
- Ayurvedic practitioners or anyone exploring traditional Indian wellness
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