Basil Benefits: The Versatile Herb

by Kalah Garcia

Basil is one of the world’s most cherished herbs, known for its vibrant aroma, refreshing flavor, and cultural significance. While many people think of basil as a kitchen staple for pasta or pesto, it also has a long history as a soothing tea ingredient.

From Tulsi in India to lemon basil in Southeast Asia, basil tea offers both tradition and taste in every cup.

At our tea company, basil isn’t just an herb — it’s a star ingredient in blends that are uplifting, calming, or simply refreshing. Whether hot or iced, basil tea connects you with centuries of tea tradition while adding a unique layer of flavor to your daily ritual.

A Look at Basil Varieties in Tea

Different types of basil shine in different kinds of infusions:

  • Holy Basil (Tulsi): Highly revered in Indian culture, Tulsi has a peppery, clove-like taste and is commonly enjoyed as a daily calming tea. It’s a cornerstone of Ayurveda and often prepared as a simple herbal infusion.
  • Lemon Basil: With a citrusy aroma and bright flavor, lemon basil is perfect for summer iced teas or blends paired with ginger, mint, or fruit.
  • Thai Basil: Known for its bold, anise-like flavor, Thai basil adds a distinctive depth to teas, especially when blended with spices.
  • Sweet Basil: The most familiar type, sweet basil makes a mild, peppery tea. It pairs well with floral or fruit-forward ingredients.
  • Purple Basil: Striking in color and slightly spicier in flavor, purple basil makes both a flavorful and visually stunning infusion.
basil paste

Potential Benefits of Basil Tea

Beyond its flavor, basil has been studied for its possible contributions to wellness. While results vary and tea should never be considered a replacement for professional care, here are some of the ways basil tea may support everyday balance:

  • Promotes Relaxation – Tulsi (holy basil) has been valued for centuries as a calming herb. Many tea drinkers enjoy it to unwind and feel grounded.
  • Digestive Comfort – Lemon basil and sweet basil teas are often sipped after meals, where their bright, aromatic qualities may encourage digestion and reduce bloating.
  • Antioxidant Support – Basil contains compounds like eugenol and flavonoids, which have been studied for their antioxidant potential, helping protect cells from everyday stress.
  • Immune Support Tradition – Across cultures, basil teas have been brewed as part of seasonal wellness routines. Modern studies suggest basil may play a role in supporting the body’s natural defenses.
  • Women’s Wellness Herb – In many traditions, Tulsi has been enjoyed for monthly comfort and balance, making it a staple in women’s tea rituals.

As with all herbal teas, basil tea should be seen as a supportive, flavorful choice — not a medical treatment.

Brewing Basil Tea

Brewing basil tea is simple and rewarding:

  1. Use 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves (or 2–3 fresh leaves) per 8 oz cup.
  2. Steep in hot water for 5–7 minutes.
  3. Enjoy plain, or add honey and lemon for extra depth.

For a refreshing twist, brew lemon basil tea and pour over ice for a bright summer cooler. Tulsi blends, on the other hand, shine best hot — perfect for a calming evening ritual.

basil plant

Bringing Basil Tea Into Your Routine

Basil has been celebrated for thousands of years, and when steeped as tea, its versatility truly shines. From calming Tulsi blends to citrusy lemon basil iced teas, basil offers a cup for every mood and moment.

Sources:

1. Sakkas H, Papadopoulou C. Antimicrobial Activity of Basil, Oregano, and Thyme Essential Oils. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2017 Mar 28;27(3):429-438. doi: 10.4014/jmb.1608.08024. PMID: 27994215.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27994215/

2. Zhan Y, An X, Wang S, Sun M, Zhou H. Basil polysaccharides: A review on extraction, bioactivities and pharmacological applications. Bioorg Med Chem. 2020 Jan 1;28(1):115179. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115179. Epub 2019 Nov 9. PMID: 31740199.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31740199/

3. Dhar N, Sarangapani S, Reddy VA, Kumar N, Panicker D, Jin J, Chua NH, Sarojam R. Characterization of a sweet basil acyltransferase involved in eugenol biosynthesis. J Exp Bot. 2020 Jun 22;71(12):3638-3652. doi: 10.1093/jxb/eraa142. PMID: 32198522; PMCID: PMC7307857.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32198522/

4. Nazir S, Jan H, Tungmunnithum D, Drouet S, Zia M, Hano C, Abbasi BH. Callus Culture of Thai Basil Is an Effective Biological System for the Production of Antioxidants. Molecules. 2020 Oct 21;25(20):4859. doi: 10.3390/molecules25204859. PMID: 33096885; PMCID: PMC7588007.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33096885/

5. Cohen MM. Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Oct-Dec;5(4):251-9. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.146554. PMID: 25624701; PMCID: PMC4296439.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25624701/

6. Majdi C, Pereira C, Dias MI, Calhelha RC, Alves MJ, Rhourri-Frih B, Charrouf Z, Barros L, Amaral JS, Ferreira ICFR. Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactive Properties of Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum cv. 'Cinnamon') and Lemon Basil (Ocimum×citriodorum). Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Apr 29;9(5):369. doi: 10.3390/antiox9050369. PMID: 32365570; PMCID: PMC7278754.

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