Tulsi, or holy basil, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years — blended with green tea, it becomes one of the most balanced cups you can brew.
Source: https://nevisan.in/journal/tulsi-green-tea-adaptogen
April 2026 · Nevisan Tea Journal
Tulsi, or holy basil, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years — blended with green tea, it becomes one of the most balanced cups you can brew.
Tulsi, known botanically as Ocimum tenuiflorum and commonly called holy basil, is one of the most revered plants in Indian tradition. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for at least 3,000 years for respiratory support, stress relief, and immune function. As an adaptogen — a class of plants thought to help the body regulate its stress response — tulsi has been studied for its effects on cortisol, immune function, and blood sugar stability.
When tulsi is blended with green tea, the pairing is unusually well-suited. Green tea brings antioxidants, mild caffeine, and L-theanine. Tulsi adds eugenol, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid, along with a distinct clove-like, slightly peppery aroma. The flavour combination is warming without being heavy, and the adaptogenic properties of tulsi complement the calm focus that L-theanine supports.
Studies have shown reductions in cortisol levels, improvements in cognitive function under stress, and anti-inflammatory effects from regular tulsi consumption. It is not a sedative — it does not make you drowsy — but many people report a noticeable sense of mental ease when they drink it regularly.
For anyone looking to reduce daily stimulant load while still supporting focus, tulsi green tea is a useful starting point. It has enough caffeine to be functional in the morning without the cortisol spike of coffee. Tulsi grown in India, paired with tea grown in India, brewed simply at around 80°C for two to three minutes.