Name: Holy Basil Tea Recipe (Tulsi Tea)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups water; 1/2 cup fresh holy basil leaves (see notes); 1/2 tbsp honey; 1 slice lime (or lemon)

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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!

Glass cup of holy basil tea with honey and lime on a wooden board.

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.

Glass cup of tulsi tea on a woven tray with a slice of lime, honey, fresh holy basil leaves.

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 pad kra pao.

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 sanctum, or 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)

Ingredients for holy basil tea arranged on a woven mat over a banana leaf, including a clay bowl of water, fresh holy basil leaves, a lemon slice, and a small cup of honey, labeled for clarity.

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.

Fresh holy basil leaves in a glass 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.

Pouring hot water into a glass teapot filled with fresh holy basil leaves for brewing tea.

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!

Pouring freshly brewed holy basil tea from a teapot into a glass cup for serving.

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.

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