As an herb farmer, I've had the pleasure of growing many amazing plants, but few are as revered and packed with benefits as Tulsi, also known as holy basil. It's often called the "Queen of Herbs" for good reason—from helping with stress to supporting immune health, it’s a true wonder. 

My personal journey with this Queen began about fifteen years ago. I purchased what I thought were Rama Tulsi seeds, a variety known for its beautiful, full bouquet-like shape. It was fragrant and just stunning to watch grow. I soon learned from my seed supplier, Richo of Strictly Medicinals, that I was actually growing a variety called Temperate Tulsi, which quickly became my favorite due to its gorgeous form and incredible aroma.

Over the years, I've grown other varieties like Vana, Rama, and Kapoor, which have a more pronounced camphor taste, and Amrita, which is less flavorful. However, Temperate Tulsi remains my favorite for growing, and its subtle, pleasant aroma is a plus.

For all the different forms this incredible plant takes, I discovered a surprising truth: for a farmer who believes taste is everything, a single ingredient Tulsi tea is not very flavorful once dried.

 Taste is a detail many big brands don't mention. My mission became clear: to create a tea worthy of Tulsi's incredible benefits. I wanted a blend that made this wonder herb a true delight to drink, because if a tea doesn't taste great, no one will enjoy a second cup—no matter how good it is for them.

 This belief led me to craft a tea that solves the Tulsi taste problem by turning it into a delicious solution.

The Science Behind Your Delicious Tulsi Tea

 Despite its mild flavor, Tulsi is a potent herb, and modern science is increasingly validating its benefits.

A Powerful Adaptogen:

Tulsi is a well-studied adaptogen, which means it helps your body adapt to physical, environmental, and psychological stress. [1] Research indicates that it can help normalize blood pressure, blood glucose, and cortisol levels, all key indicators of how our body handles stress. [2]

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties:

Tulsi is rich in antioxidants like eugenol, which fight off free radical damage that can harm your cells. [3]

Immune System Support:

Tulsi can help to modulate and enhance immune cell function, strengthening your body's natural defense mechanisms. [4]

 Side Effects and Precautions

While Tulsi is generally considered safe, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and interactions. Human trials report minimal side effects associated with Tulsi ingestion. However, Tulsi may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants, hypoglycemic agents, and sedatives due to its impact on metabolic and central nervous system pathways [5] Always consult with a medical professional before introducing Tulsi or any new herbs into your lifestyle

Introducing Morning Mojo: The Solution to Bland Tulsi Tea 

As a farmer, I knew I had to include Tulsi in my wellness tea. It's a plant that not only feels good but has a deep, scientifically backed history of supporting health.

My solution to the blandness of dried Tulsi was to blend it with other powerful, delicious herbs that would work in concert to sing instead of drowning in blah-ness. So, Morning Mojo herbal tea became a star with taste and benefits.

Morning Mojo is a celebration of basil, combining not just Tulsi but also sweet basil and lemon basil. I added other herbs like dandelion leaf, echinacea, alfalfa, oregano, spearmint, and lemon verbena. The strong, savory notes of sweet basil and oregano provide the main flavor, while the other herbs, including Tulsi, mingle together to create a complex and satisfying taste.

The result is a tea that doesn't rely on just one ingredient for its benefits. It's a testament to the idea that some herbs are better together.

We Won the Gold

 Don't just take my word for it. Our Morning Mojo won a prestigious 2024 SFA Gold Sofi Award in the tea category and was a finalist for the Best Beverage of the Year award.

My take is that it won because its unique taste simply can't be duplicated by big brands that rely on herbs grown in vast quantities overseas. It’s proof that a tea crafted with care from small-batch herbs can be both perfect for you and a delight to drink.

I invite you to discover the flavor and wellness benefits of Morning Mojo for yourself.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before introducing new herbs or supplements into your routine, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.

Sources:

1.  Preeti Kumari*, Sahaj Singh, Overview on Tulsi, Int. J. of Pharm. Sci., 2025, Vol 3, Issue 4, 1359-1367 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15193315
2. Cohen MM. Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Oct-Dec;5(4):251-9. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.146554. PMID: 25624701; PMCID: PMC4296439.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4296439/
3. Id.
   
4. Arya, R., Faruquee, H. M., Shakya, H., Rahman, S. A., Begum, M. M., Biswas, S. K., Apu, M. A. I., Islam, M. A., Sheikh, M. M. I., & Kim, J.-J. (2024). Harnessing the Antibacterial, Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Carcinogenic Properties of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi). Plants, 13(24), 3516. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243516 (accessed through https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/13/24/3516 9/21/2025)
5.  Merck Manuals. (n.d.). Holy Basil. Retrieved September 21, 2025, from https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/dietary-supplements/holy-basil

FAQ: The Queen of Herbs – What Makes a Tulsi Tea Truly Royal?

What is Tulsi, and why is it called the “Queen of Herbs”?
Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is a sacred herb in Ayurveda known for promoting balance, stress relief, and vitality. It’s called the “Queen of Herbs” because of its rich history and broad wellness benefits for both body and mind.

Why does pure Tulsi tea taste mild or bland?
Tulsi’s natural flavor is subtle and earthy, which can taste plain on its own. While its benefits are incredible, we realized that a single-ingredient Tulsi tea didn’t capture its full potential—so we set out to make it both nourishing and delicious.

What makes Morning Mojo a better way to enjoy Tulsi?
Morning Mojo blends Tulsi with herbs like sweet basil, oregano, echinacea, and spearmint to bring out its flavor while preserving its natural goodness. It transforms plain Tulsi tea into a vibrant, energizing blend you’ll look forward to every morning.

What are the main health benefits of Tulsi tea?
Tulsi is an adaptogen that helps manage stress, support immunity, and provide antioxidants. It promotes calm, clarity, and balance—making it a powerful daily wellness companion.

Why did Morning Mojo win the Gold Sofi Award?
Morning Mojo won the 2024 SFA Gold Sofi Award for its exceptional flavor and quality. Crafted in small batches from farm-grown herbs, it delivers both taste and wellness—proving Tulsi can be truly royal.