If you scan the product reviews under “Food & Beverages” here on The Scoop, you will see that I’m a tea fanatic. My husband can verify that when we walk down the tea aisle at Whole Foods, I almost always find a new tea that I must try. I bat my eyelashes at Johnny and ask, “Hey, may I try this tea? Please? I need a variety of strong ‘morning teas.’” Or, “I need another calming tea for nighttime.” He probably thinks I’m out of my ever living mind because currently, I could open my own little tea shop in our house.

To my credit, I walked past Organic India Tulsi teas at least 2-3 times before begging of Johnny. But I was instantly intrigued by words like organic, India, “relieving the body’s negative reaction to stress”, and thinking, what the heck is Tulsi? How can basil taste good in tea? Before inevitably making my request, I did some research online. And, there is a lot of information on Organic India’s web site which is good. I like to know extensive information about what I’m putting into my body.

So, you ask, what is Tulsi?

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), although also known as Holy Basil, is a different plant from the pesto variety of Basil (Ocimum basilicum). [ah, I see] Tulsi has been revered in India for over five thousand years, as a healing balm for body, mind, and spirit, and is known to bestow an amazing number of health benefits.

I cannot say that I subscribe to Ayurveda, but I do believe herbs possess excellent health benefits. What is most interesting to me about Tulsi is that it’s an adaptogen:

An Adaptogen/Anti-stress agent improves the fighting capacity (adaptability) of the body against stress (physical, chemical, environmental, mental, and emotional). If stress becomes prolonged and the organism cannot cope with it, i.e. cannot adapt, stress will result in disease.

Lord knows, I need more help coping with stress. But Tulsi does not merely help your nerves. Look what else Holy Basil does:

• Bolsters immunity.
• Enhances stamina.
• Provides support during cold season.
• Promotes healthy metabolism.
• A natural immuno-modulator.

And, that’s not all, I swear! Click this link to read more health benefits such as antioxidant activity, radiation protection, “reduces allergic histamine, asthmatic and other adverse immune reactions”, antibiotic protection, liver support, and yet, even more. Do I believe all of these health benefits? Actually, I do. First of all, if an herb is praised century after century, and proven to be healthy all that time, count me interested. Secondly, similar to green tea, yerba maté, and other teas, study after study has proven such beverages and herbs to be nothing but beneficial to our health. Tulsi is now in the spotlight for much the same reason.

Plus, Organic India Tulsi tea is worth drinking merely because it tastes good. They offer a ton of amazing flavors, all containing Rama Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi, and Vana Tulsi. I selected Vanilla Creme because I have a sweet tooth, but also because this particular tea contains rooibos and chamomile as well, making it a perfect nighttime tea, Johnny. Vanilla Creme with a natural sweetener (like stevia) is a perfect nightcap, nice and smooth. It tastes more like butterscotch to me, but that is just fine. I should be honest and mention that I do not like the addition of an artificial vanilla flavor, but still, it’s like healthy dessert in a mug.

Of course, with the array of flavors, I’m dying to try Honey Chamomile, Chai Masala, and India Breakfast. Who am I kidding? I want to try ‘em all. So, what should I call my tea shop? (just kidding, Organic India)