Tulsi (tool-sea)

My alternatives to lattes at Starbucks include just regular Tazo teas like chai and earl grey. I know it's a shame because I could always prepare a cup of tea on my own by heating water in the microwave. But there's something wonderful about that pipping, tongue-burning hot tea from coffee shops that I can't otherwise get from my rather ineffective MicroFridge. I do like my tea very hot, but I had to buy some tea bags for this spring semester because I need to do a better job of saving dining points.


One day my sister and I went grocery shopping and discovered this tea called Tulsi, pronounced as "tool-sea." I had no idea what it was at first, so took a glimpse at the description on the box. Apparently, it's also known as the "holy basil," a sacred plant for Hindus. It tastes minty and a bit like regular basil that you use for tomato sauce, and speaking of food, tulsi is also commonly used in Thai cuisine. The plant's formal scientific name is Ocimum tenuiflorum, and according to recent studies, it has a painkilling effect due to its high concentration of eugenol. It's also naturally caffeine-free, perfect for bedtime tea. There are various types of tulsi, and when brewed, it looks much like black tea but gives off that strong refreshing aroma that not many other teas would.