The evenings are cold and that's how it is in the early hours of the morning too. But it is bright and sunny throughout the day. And this is the time when most of us are down with a sore throat , cold or cough. And I thought it will be apt to share a recipe that will ease away the winter blues....
This tea prepared with Tulsi is very effective in soothing the colds and sniffles. Tulsi is one of the herbs that we have in our small garden.
Tuli / Holy basil, which is scientifically called Ocimum tenuiflorum,is a miracle herb and is referred to as the 'elixer of life' in Ayurveda.Tulsi has so many medicinal properties and is known to cure everything from minor coughs and cold to stomach disorders ,heart diseases and even treat malaria. a few years back I read that it can even prevent the 'famous' swine flu virus[Source].It helps boost the immunity and increases the body's defense mechanism. It is also beneficial in treating constipation, lack of appetite and sluggish digestion.
I have also posted another Tulsi tea recipe with milk. I just noticed that I made that tea as suggested by mom when I was down with cold and it was in winter too!!
Anyway, this is my third post under - Healthy recipes for Week 2,Blogging Marathon #35....
I used:
Water- 2 cups
Tulsi leaves, fresh- a handful or 10-15 leaves
Honey to taste
Boil water in a pan and put in the tusli leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and add honey to taste. Sip the goodness....
Note:
- You can prepare this tea and keep aside . You can reheat the tea and then mix honey and have it through out the day at intervals.
- It is better to a have this without a sweetener. But if the Tulsi tea has a very sharp taste add honey. Don't be tempted to add sugar.
- The taste of the tea depends on the variety of Tulsi. So add more or less of the leaves.
- The color of the tea also depends on the color of the honey used. As you might have noticed the tea is on the darker shade as the honey I used is a really dark one..
Labels: Blogging Marathon, Cooking with herbs / flowers, Herbs, Winning Warmers
