Original Tulsi

Note: My review is for the loose leaf and not the teabag form of this.

I decided to pick this up at Whole Foods tonight. Seeing as how I have wasted a bunch of money on tulsi blends I didn’t really like or care for, I figure why not just drink it straight and see what it’s like. D’oh!

This is a blend of three different tulsis and it is very nice. It is has an aromatic aroma like cloves but the flavor of the tea is a bit minty/herbaly with some pepper element. I am feeling a bit of “bite” on my tongue as I sip this. It also has a slightly cooling effect.

Still, I can see the possibilities of making my own nighttime blend, possibly with some chamomile or verbena, if I didn’t want to drink this plain. I do like various herbal teas and I think this is nice on its’ own – so I will probably not spend much more money on other tulsi type stuff for a while. =)

Hooray for stress reduction!

While browsing the tea aisle at Whole Foods (aka “Whole Paycheck” :P), I tossed this and Rishi’s Ginger Pu-erh into my basket.

I’ve read good things about the restorative powers of tulsi as well as these amazing properties:

“…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.”

What a magical herb, eh? ;)

The scent is spicy like cloves and cinnamon but the taste is so mild—mild but not wimpy—there’s a nice peppery, tannic bite. It’s slightly sweet with just a hint of clove-like flavor. I sense licorice too.

I like this. Even in its mellowness, I find it pretty good. I love the aroma. And, perhaps it’s the power of suggestion, but I can feel myself unwind already. The stresses of the week seem to be melting away… :)

I bet this would taste even better (and stronger) in the loose-leaf version. But, sadly, it wasn’t available at the store.

Minty, lemony, abit of cinnamon and clove? or maybe a bit medicinal? Light and refreshing hot, awful cold, no flavor.

I’ve just discovered my new favorite tea, I love the gentle influence of tranquility this tea induces. Nice spicy, mint type of flavor. I really like when tea is good by it’s self, no additives needed. Tea leaves and hot water. What a gift.

Cinnamon, spice, peppery, nice. Like this as part of a mix with chamomile and hibiscus, or by itself.

Lots going on in this one. Spicy, herb-y, peppery… I smelled cloves in the aroma but didn’t taste much in the tea itself. Not a knockout, or a really memorable tea, but a good everyday blend.

I wish it would have been a bit stronger, but was worried about it going bitter with a longer steep- seemed like it was on the edge when I tasted it. Might try two teabags for intensity next time.

I wanted to try this in the original, with no “chai” or other extras to distract. Very herby in aroma and taste. Slightly lemony, with a hint of a basil/herb scent. I drink it plain and quite like it.

Not bad. Probably wouldn’t drink just for the taste of it. But it’s holy basil!

I LOVE basil, so I had to try this tea. I’m not sure if the water is too hot when I steep it, or if I’m steeping it too long (which is already maybe three minutes) but it goes from a nice light lime green to a light brown color. The scent is definitely basil, flavor seems like a bit of lemon myrtle with GREEN BEANS which is another thing I love actually. I’ll have to fine tune this one and see what it is like when the water isn’t so hot, though I did leave the boiled water sitting there for a bit. I’d love for it to keep that light green color while still having some flavor.

this tea is refreshing.

I like it even without honey.

Very refreshing.