De-Stress with Tulsi Tea

Also known as Holy Basil, this tea is popular in India and has many health benefits. It not only has a calming quality to the body/mind, but also acts as an adaptogen—a class of herbs that help the body adapt to physical and mental stress.

Adaptogens build energy reserves and balance your stress hormones allowing you to deal with situations in a more calm and easy manner. Bija brand makes a nice blend that is sweetened with stevia. It can be found in some health food stores.

Holy basil is also useful for colds and flus and can help lower fevers. If you don’t have holy basil on hand, regular basil can help too. Simply chop up 2 tablespoons of fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon of dried), add ¼ tsp of black pepper and steep in a cup of water covered for 10 minutes. Drink hot. Have a cup every 2 hours. This formula can also help sinus congestion and digestion.

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