​5 Trusted Tulsi Remedies for Overall Wellness: Discover How Ayurveda Uses Holy Basil

If you have yet to experience the magic of tulsi for everyday wellness, you are in for a treat. This herb is fragrant, flavorful and famous for its potential impact on the mind and body. While tulsi (also called holy basil) is most commonly used in the form of tea, you will also find it in traditional Ayurvedic body care products like soap, shampoo and even toothpaste. If you’re curious about ways to support your mind and body with this mystical and delicious herb, below you will find five Ayurvedic recipes for overall wellness.

Tulsi Brahmi Tea to Promote Mental Clarity and Focus

If you find yourself in an afternoon slump, try making this tea instead of reaching for that second cup of coffee. You can also enjoy this tea in the morning, to clear the mind in preparation for a focused day. You may find that this tea even supports your meditation practice!

Ingredients

1 tsp tulsi tea

½ tsp brahmi leaf, cut/sifted

12 oz water

Method

• Steep in hot water for 10+ minutes.
• Strain and enjoy.

Immune Supporting Trinity Tea

Looking to give your immune system a little extra support this season? Try this amazing trinity: tulsi, ginger, and turmeric. All three have wonderful health-giving properties — especially when it comes to immunomodulation, as well as soothing and antioxidant properties. You will love the warm, cozy and stimulating sensation that this immune boosting trinity offers.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, check out the blog for more information on the benefits of tulsi, turmeric and ginger to stay inspired on your wellness journey.

Ingredients

2 tsp tulsi leaves

1 tsp ginger root, cut/sifted

1 tsp turmeric root, cut/sifted

24 oz hot water

Optional: ½ tsp local honey

Method

• Steep for 10-20 minutes and the strain.
• Add local honey (optional)
• Sip slowly, reheating as needed throughout the day.

Note: you can also make a version of this that is more like a wellness shot, but using ½ tsp tulsi powder, ¼ tsp ginger powder, and ¼ tsp turmeric powder in about 4 ounces of hot water.

Seasonal Wellness Tonic

Next time you’re experiencing fall and winter wellness challenges, try this herbal beverage. It can also be used as a gargle to ease a throat discomfort. When it comes to supporting seasonal sickness, the combination of these ingredients cannot be beat.

Ingredients

1-2 Tbsp tulsi tea

3 whole cloves

½ tsp mineral salt

16 oz water

Method

• In a small pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.
• Turn to low and simmer for 5 minutes, covered.
• Strain and enjoy.

Note: As you gather the ingredients listed above, please keep in mind that not all salt is created equal. Pink rock salt contains a wide variety of minerals and is slightly less heating than sea salt, making it a more tridoshic option. (Tridoshic means something is balancing to all three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha.) Always avoid salts with anti-caking agents and those that are iodized.

A Quick Practice for Puffy or Irritated Eyes

This one is pretty straightforward. You’ll begin by steeping two tulsi tea bags in a large cup of tea for about 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and set them aside, then enjoy sipping on your tea! The next time you notice puffy or irritated eyes, these teabags will come in handy! Follow the instructions below to learn how.

Supplies

2 tulsi tea bags, previously steeped

1 small clean towel, folded in half

Method

• Take your previously used tulsi tea bags (it’s ok if they’re dried up a bit), and steep them in a small glass of hot water for 1-2 minutes to reactivate the herbs and warm them up for an even more spa-like experience.
• Remove the teabags from the water and gently squeeze out the excess liquid.
• Lay back and place the warm tulsi tea bags over closed eyes. Lay a small towel over top to keep the heat in.
• Repeat as many times as you’d like by resteeping until the bags warm up again.

Note: The concentrated tea left in your small glass can be used as a facial toner later that day or a hair rinse after shampooing. If you’re not ready to use your leftover tea bags right away, they can sit on the counter in a dish for up to a week.

Herbal Face Mask to Reveal Radiant Skin

If you have been curious about do-it-yourself skin care recipes, now is your chance to thrive. This potent herbal blend offers a foundation for a radiance-enhancing mask that can also be used as a spot treatment or daily exfoliant. You may even apply it to bug bites to help reduce the itch.

The neem and rose water give a slightly cooling effect as the mask dries, which may soothe inflammation. Triphala is known to be quite astringent and therefore offers a tightening action.

Once you get the hang of this recipe, you can choose to add in other herbal ingredients (like yogurt, honey, turmeric, or even oil) depending on your skin type and desired outcome.

Ingredients

¼ tsp tulsi powder

¼ tsp triphala powder

¼ tsp neem powder

8-12 sprays of rose water

Method

• Combine all three powdered herbs in a small bowl and mix together.
• Add your rose water incrementally, mixing as you go, until you have a thin paste.
• Apply an even layer to your entire face (avoiding the delicate skin just under the eyes).
• Allow the mask to dry completely for about ten minutes,
• Gentle remove the mask with warm water, massing in a circular motion for extra exfoliation.
• When you are finished, bask in the beauty of your radiant skin as you apply your favorite moisturizer.

Note: If you don’t have triphala or neem on hand, you can substitute a pinch of turmeric for a more brightening effect. You can also try out chickpea flour (also called besan) to support cellular regeneration.

Bio

Molly McConnell is a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner who is committed to cultivating collective wellness. Guided by curiosity, embodied listening, and the rhythms of nature, Molly’s approach to Ayurveda is intentional and intersectional. As the cofounder ofCultivate Balance, she supports purpose-oriented people to come home to their bodies and restore resilience through nourishment, ritual, and routine. For a more immersive experience,Connect with Molly 1:1 or check outThe Reset for Resilience.