Both Hibiscus tea and Tulsi, also called holy basil, tea are favorite beverages around the world. They can be served hot or cold and flavored in a variety of ways. Tulsi-Hibiscus Stress Relief Tea is considered a foundational adaptogenic herbal tea. Adaptogens or adaptogenic herbs are used for the stabilization of physiological processes and the promotion of homeostasis in the body. Stress is defined as a state in which homeostasis is actually threatened. The merging of adaptogenic Tulsi with delicate Hibiscus provides a beautiful crimson tea that is not only delicious but also provides some superb health benefits.
“Modern scientific research offers impressive evidence that Tulsi reduces stress, enhances stamina, relieves inflammation, lowers cholesterol, eliminates toxins, protects against radiation, prevents gastric ulcers, lowers fevers, improves digestion, and provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. Tulsi is especially effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels, liver, and lungs and also regulates blood pressure and blood sugar.” Dr. Ralph Miller, former Director of Research for the Canadian Dept. of Health and Welfare.
Health Benefits of Tulsi
- antibacterial properties
- antifungal properties
- antioxidant properties
- helps with stress – acts as an adaptogen
- helps with teeth disorders
- anti-inflammatory
- boosts memory
- reduces fever
- soothes coughing & colds
- helps with headaches
- helps with kidney function
- may help with blood sugar
- supports pineal gland health
- helps with acne
- removes fluoride from water
- beneficial for asthma
- helps with lung congestion
- protects from free radicals
- excellent mouth freshener
- protects from radiation poisoning
- helps reduce the uric acid level
- anti-aging properties
- boosts immunity
Tulsi and Stress
In addition to the physical, toxic, and stress of disease, our modern lives are associated with high levels of psychological stress caused by the flurry of demands and the fast pace of modern lifestyles. This stress worsens the effects of toxic chemical pollutants, and this constant fear of pervasive toxic chemicals can itself lead to even further stress and anxiety that are likely as harmful as the chemicals causing it.
While the reality of daily chemical exposure cannot be minimized, regular consumption of tulsi not only offers protection and detoxification of the body’s cells and organs, it can also help reduce toxic stress by relaxing and calming the mind and offering a plethora of psychological benefits which include anti-depressant benefits, positive effects on memory, and cognitive function. Tulsi also has a calming effect that leads to clarity of thought, along with a more relaxed and calm disposition.
More Health Benefits of Tulsi
Tulsi has a unique combination of actions including Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic), mosquito repellent, anti-diarrheal, antioxidant, anti-cataract, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive, radioprotective, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-hypertensive, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory, central nervous system depressant, memory enhancement, anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, anti-thyroid, anti-fertility, anti-ulcer, anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, anti-arthritic, adaptogenic, anti-stress, anti-cataract, anti-leukodermal and anti-coagulant activities. These pharmacological actions help the body and mind cope with a wide range of chemical, physical, infectious, and emotional stresses and restore physiological and psychological function.
Health Benefits of Hibiscus Flowers
- Reduces blood pressure
- Rich in Vitamin C – more than one orange
- Antioxidant-rich
- Helps control cholesterol
- Supports a healthy bladder
- Combats fatigue & stress
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-Aging
- Boosts energy
- Calms hot flashes
- Promotes nervous system health
More Benefits of Hibiscus
If you are anxious at times, hibiscus tea can be an excellent option for traditional medicine. In fact, hibiscus tea has been used historically, going back to the Egyptians, for these very reasons. Several studies indicate that hibiscus tea is more effective at lowering your stress than prescription drugs.
Hibiscus, in the form of tea, is found to help support healthy hormone balance. With this support, you can also experience fewer hormone-related health issues. Complications such as stress, mood swings, overeating, and depression can be reduced by controlling hormone levels. The best benefit is that, overall, it can keep stress at bay.
Hibiscus also contains melatonin, so it’s a tremendous help in getting healthy sleep. A six-week study found that three cups of hibiscus tea daily significantly lowered systolic blood pressure, without experiencing any unpleasant side effects. (Journal of Nutrition, February 2010)
Precautions Concerning Hibiscus Tea
Pregnant women SHOULD NOT drink hibiscus tea or take hibiscus products, as it can cause “emmenagogue effects.” This means it can induce menstruation and premature labor. Be aware that Hibiscus may also be labeled as “rose of Sharon” or “althea.” It’s not known if hibiscus tea is safe for breastfeeding mothers, who should also avoid drinking it until they discontinue nursing.
Hibiscus tea may interact with certain medications. Do not consume Hibiscus while you are taking blood-pressure-lowering medication unless monitored by your doctor, because it has the ability to lower your blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Hibiscus can inhibit the actions of some prescription medications that use Cytochrome P450 enzymes. Talk to your healthcare practitioner before drinking hibiscus tea to ensure it will not interact negatively with any current prescriptions you may have. (R)
If you take diabetes medications, it’s best to avoid hibiscus tea. Hibiscus tea can lower blood sugar levels and increase the effect of blood sugar-lowering meds.
Hibiscus tea can have an effect on the way the body metabolizes acetaminophen; however, it’s not entirely understood how significant this risk might be.
People taking chloroquine for malaria should avoid drinking hibiscus tea, as it dramatically diminishes how much of the medication your body can absorb. (R)
Tulsi-Hibiscus Stress Relief Tea Recipe
Ingredient List
2 ml Organic Tulsi/Holy Basil Extract
1 heaping teaspoon of organic hibiscus flowers
1 heaping teaspoon of organic rose petals
pinch of stevia or raw honey
16 ounces of purified hot water
Instructions
Place Hibiscus and rose petals in your teapot. Pour in the just-boiled hot water. Let steep for 10 – 15 minutes, then add liquid Tulsi Extract and stir. Pour into cup. Enjoy! Purchase Certified Organic Tulsi Extract
Note: You can also find online organic Hibiscus rose petal tea in teabags. Use one bag/8-ounces of water.
Final Thoughts…
My hope is that you enjoy this tea recipe as much as I do, especially for its stress-relieving benefits. We all need to take a break at least a couple of times a day to give our minds, our emotions, and our body the gift of rest. How wonderful to include a cup of Tulsi Stress Relief Tea during these breaks. You will find that the beautiful color of this tea and the wonderful flavor is immediately calming. Be sure to drink it in a clear glass cup so you can enjoy the awesome color as you drink. Also, you can enjoy this tea hot or cold; however, for me, somehow holding a warm cup of tea is in itself, stress-relieving. It’s a great idea to be on the lookout for the simple things you can do to support and improve good health and well-being. The benefits you will reap are enormous!
Research
Cohen MM. Tulsi – Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(4):251‐259. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146554.
Mahajan N, Rawal S, Verma M, Poddar M, Alok S. A phytopharmacological overview on Ocimum species with special emphasis on Ocimum sanctum. Biomed Prev Nutr. 2013; 3:185–92.[Google Scholar]
Mohan L, Amberkar MV, Kumari M. Ocimum sanctum linn. (TULSI)-an overview. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res. 2011;7:51–3. [Google Scholar]
Pattanayak P, Behera P, Das D, Panda SK. Ocimum sanctum Linn. A reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: An overview. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4:95–105. [PMC free article]
Hopkins AL, Lamm MG, Funk JL, Ritenbaugh C. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: a comprehensive review of animal and human studies. Fitoterapia. 2013;85:84‐94. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2013.01.003.
McKay DL, Chen CY, Saltzman E, Blumberg JB. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. tea (tisane) lowers blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. J Nutr. 2010;140(2):298‐303. doi:10.3945/jn.109.115097.
Vanzella C, Bianchetti P, Sbaraini S, et al. Antidepressant-like effects of methanol extract of Hibiscus tiliaceus flowers in mice. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012;12:41. Published 2012 Apr 12. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-41.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.
