Basil tea is a delicious tea that comes in numerous flavor varieties, all of which can provide some impressive health benefits to those who regularly drink it.
What is Basil Tea?
Basil tea is an herbal tea that is brewed with the dried leaves of the basil plant. The term basil incorporates a number of different subspecies, although they are all scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum. The herb has been in use for thousands of years, and originates in Asia and India, although it spread to Europe and the Mediterranean regions long ago. The different variations of this herb can produce different flavors, which can affect your tea, but look for something called sweet basil, as this is the most common type used in this beverage.
Basil tea is not to be confused with holy basil tea, as the latter is derived from dried leaves of the tulsi plant. This tea isn’t the most commonly brewed herbal tea, but due to its dense nutrient and antioxidant content, it is quite popular in various parts of the world. [1]
Basil tea has antioxidant properties. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Basil Tea Benefits
The most notable health benefits of basil tea include its ability to stimulate oral health, detoxify the body, help regulate diabetic symptoms, and relieve stress, among others.
Skin Care
Basil is packed with antioxidants like camphene and other volatile compounds that can reduce inflammation and improve the overall health of the skin. With fewer free radicals causing problems, your skin will look younger, free of wrinkles and age spots. [2]
Oral Health
Many people chew on basil leaves because there are natural antibacterial and antiviral properties in them, but the same can be enjoyed with the tea, preventing the infections that cause halitosis and other oral diseases. [3]
Diabetes
Basil leaves are widely used empirically to decrease blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. According to a 2017 study by the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal, b [4]asil is a safe herbal intervention that necessarily aids in normalizing blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and lipid profile. Moreover, it also helps to deal with psychological and immunological stress. Regular consumption of this tea helps to keep your diabetic symptoms under control.
Analgesic
Basil is also a natural painkiller, and can quickly relieve the discomfort and inflammation associated with wounds and illness, while also helping to prevent those injuries from becoming infected. [5]
Immune System
As mentioned, basil tea is packed with compounds that can help you prevent viral and bacterial infections, thus giving your immune system a needed break and extra support. [6]
Stress
When it comes to relieving stress, this earthy and soothing tea can assist in lowering stress hormone levels, and also aid those who struggle with sleep. This can be good for your cardiovascular system, as well as your metabolism and mental health. [7]
How to Make Basil Tea?
You can make basil tea quite simply, as all it requires are basil leaves and tea.
Basil Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup basil leaves
- 2 cups water
- 1-2 black tea bags
- honey optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add 1/2 cup of basil leaves to 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
- Lower the heat and allow the water to simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add 1-2 black tea bags to the water; return the water to a boil.
- Remove from heat and strain out the basil leaves. Serve with a natural sweetener, if desired.
Basil Tea Side Effects
If you consume too much basil tea, there can be some side effects, but most of the effects are due to the caffeine present in the tea.
- An allergy to basil is possible, and this can result in inflammation or upset stomach.
- Pregnant women should avoid drinking basil tea, as there are certain active compounds in this herb that can affect hormonal levels.
- Furthermore, this drink can thin the blood, so it is not recommended to be drunk before a surgical procedure.
