Sunrise Chai (Tulsi)

Posted byblackbirdsbackyardPosted inFood Recipes

When I drink this tea I imagine the phrase “rosy fingered dawn”. It is perfect hot or iced first thing in the morning. I like to consume it out in my garden before my noisy and demanding teens have gotten up. I savor it while listening to the birds and watching the light slowly change as the sun rises. I feel ready to do my yoga routine and start the day in a really good place. Green tea is great to consume right before exercise.

Sunrise Chai

In a quart sauce pan add…..

1/2 TBSP “gunpowder” green tea

2 green cardamon pods crushed or ground

2 TBSP of dried rose petals

1 TBSP of dried tulsi or finely chopped fresh leaves/tops

1 star anise pod crushed or ground

2 TBSP of fresh milky oat tops or dried oat straw

Pinch of cinnamon powder, cloves, and nutmeg

Pinch of dried ground ginger powder (fresh would over dominate the taste)

Bring 2 cup of water to a boil

Add

1/4 tsp of pink salt

1/8th tsp of baking soda

Lower heat, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until liquid is reduced by half

Add one cup of ice cold water poured from high above.

Place liquid in an aerator or blender and blend until it turns pink. You can VERY small pinches of baking soda to help the process but be careful as your do not want to ruin the taste.

Strain and let cool

Reheat and add..

1 cup milk or substitute of your choice

Sugar 2-4 TBSP

Reheat and then serve hot or iced. Garnish with dried rose petals

This is based off of an Afghan recipe served at weddings and special occasions.

I have dozens of books on herbal medicine. Many of which are well known and popular. I also have a few books on Ayurveda. I was very disappointed that there was so little about tulsi in my home resources.

A far as a physical description, all varieties of basil will be frost tender annuals. Leaves will be oval shaped and opposite. These will not be downy. “Basil” leaves tend to be smooth and flat, same color top and bottom. Tulsi leaves will be much smaller than cultivated Italian basil, they may be slightly serrated. Tiny flowers will grow in whorled clusters or along a spike at the ends of stems past the large mature leaves. Light pink/purple or white petals are fused, the flower funnel shaped, with a large bottom lip. Hence why it is popular with bumble and native bees. Like other members of the “mint family” , tulsi will be high is volatile oils with a distinctive scent. It will have have square stems. Coloration of leaves and stems will vary just like other “mints” with lots of cultivated varieties. You may see hints of red or purple.

I have decided not to describe the medicinal qualities of tulsi as it it were Italian basil. You can read about that in other posts were I have featured that specific plant. Rather I will only list what is unique or special to tulsi based on internet research.

Tulsi reduces the inflammation associated with viral and bacterial infections. It is thought to purify the blood and remove serious toxins. This plant has a history of being used to treat heat conditions related to the eyes, skin, heart, liver or lungs. As herbal medicine it has been used for kidney stones, migraines, fevers, dental disease, gout, arthritis, stress, anxiety, fatigue, gas, bloating, parasites, poor appetite, ulcers, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bronchitis, flu, allergies, asthma, swelling and pain. It may support weight loss by boosting metabolism. It may have anti-aging properties like reducing memory loss and boosting vitality.

As a poultice it has been used to remove venom from bites or stings. As an external wash it may help when there is acne, eczema, scars, hair loss, dandruff, rashes, fungal infections, and aging skin It can be burned as a disinfectant to purify or remove negative energy.

Latin name: Ocinum tenuiflorum/sanctum

Parts used: leaves and flowering tops

Energetics: pungent, bitter, warm, dry. In Ayurveda or vitalistic traditions, Tulsi is used to cool heat conditions.

Element: Fire

Spiritual/Emotional uses: Mastery and accomplishment through self control hard work and confidence. An expanded state of awareness that is positive, protective and supports achieving goals or manifesting dreams. Inspiration. To release any inner tension that constricts the spirit. Helps to increase self-esteem or courage. Can be used in a mild tea, external wash or bath to ease transitions or remove sorrow.

Contraindications: individuals experiencing diabetes, infertility, or who are pregnant. Large quantities may cause diarrhea and nausea.

Published by blackbirdsbackyard

My backyard botanical pharmacy is located in Boulder Colorado. I began studying herbal medicinewhen I was 12 years old. In college I studied subjects like anthropology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, After graduation I decided to go to midwifery school. I attended births and had a small practice until I retired early in order to be a mother full time. I have always had an herb garden, gathered plants and made my own healing formulas with plants. Over the last 30 years there have been many teachers and I have attended dozens of workshops. I am one of those people who is always reading, studying and learning. In 2019 I was called to practice as an herbalist professionally, using "plant spirit medicine" and bio-energetic ( 5 element)healing techniques. I feel that there is a big need in the community for my skills and talents. I hope to inspire others to start their own backyard pharmacies as a solution to species extinction and the healthcare crisis in America. Healing has also become a spiritual practice and way for me to feel balanced and connected with nature. I consult with clients in person, teach classes (adults and kids), give tours of my garden and offer apprenticeships. Health, joy, meaning, and support are everyone's birthright.