What is Tulsi?
As you may have gathered, I like tea. Usually I’m a big snob about fancy loose-leaf teas, but one of my all-time favorites isn’t even a real tea from the tea plant, it’s an Indian herb called Tulsi. Tulsi is an adaptogen, so it helps your body with whatever it is struggling with. It’s particularly respected for its ability to help reduce stress and support the immune system.
It is also one of my favorite teas for making iced tea! Drinking iced Tulsi in the summer can help me feel more clear-headed and energized, and it doesn’t even contain caffeine.
Where to Buy Tulsi?
You are welcome to use loose-leaf tulsi if you have that, but in order to keep things even simpler and more straightforward, these instructions use the bagged Organic India brand of Tulsi that you can find at most co-ops and Whole Foods. They have a whole line of flavors that mix tulsi with other herbs and green and black tea – try them all out for lots of fun variety!
Tip: Making your own iced tulsi is ridiculously easy. Check out these step-by-step photo instructions and you’ll be all set in no time!
Iced Tulsi
Total Time: 5 min prep; 15 min steep
Step 1: Use a standard size coffee mug (usually 10-12oz). Open 2 bags of tulsi and place in your mug.
Step 2: Using a tea kettle, electric water boiler, or a pot on the stove, bring about 2 cups of water to a boil. After the water boils, pour it over the two tea bags in your mug. Use a small plate or something to cover your mug while it steeps (avoid using a plastic cover so it doesn’t melt). Set a timer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: While the tea steeps, find a large 3-cup beverage container and fill to the top with ice.
Step 4: When the timer goes off after the 15 minutes, remove the lid and the tea bags. You are now ready to pour the tea over the ice (do this over the sink to catch the drips!)
Step 5: Give the tea and ice a few vigorous stirs to melt the ice and cool off the tea.
Step 6: Top off with more ice, cover, and you’re good to go!
Step 7: Enjoy by yourself or with a pal 🙂
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