The day is winding down, your to-do list is still long, but your energy? It is practically gone. You feel sluggish, unfocused, and maybe even a little irritable. Sound familiar? The mid-afternoon slump is real, and for many of us, it strikes like clockwork. While coffee or sugary snacks might offer a quick fix, they often come with a crash soon after. What if there was a more nourishing way to recharge? Enter Tulsi-ginger tea. This time-tested herbal blend, rooted in Ayurveda, may help you feel refreshed, calm, and energised naturally.
Tulsi (Holy basil) and ginger are two of India's oldest herbs, known for their stress-relieving, digestion-boosting, and immunity-enhancing properties. Together, they create a concoction that is gentle on the body and powerful in effect. Let us look at how this simple tea can help you beat the afternoon slump and bring balance back to your day.
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Tulsi Ginger Tea: Benefits, Nutrition And Best Time To Drink
Health Benefits Of Tulsi And Ginger
Tulsi and ginger have been part of Indian kitchens and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is believed to support immunity, digestion and respiratory health. Ginger, with its spicy warmth, is often used for nausea, colds and joint pain. When brewed together, the two create a tea that is both soothing and energising.
Health Benefits Of Tulsi Ginger Tea
This tea is often consumed during monsoon and winter when the body is more prone to coughs, colds and low energy. Tulsi contains compounds like eugenol and ursolic acid that have anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger brings in gingerol, known for aiding digestion and reducing nausea. Together, they act as a natural shield for everyday wellness.
1. Supports Stress Relief And Immunity
Tulsi is considered an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Tulsi may regulate cortisol levels, reduce inflammation, and support immunity. It contains compounds like eugenol and ursolic acid, which have antioxidant and calming effects.
Tulsi is also known to:
- Improve mental clarity
- Support respiratory health
- Balance blood sugar levels
- Promote emotional resilience
By easing stress and supporting the immune system, Tulsi lays the foundation for balanced energy throughout the day.
Also Read: Why You Shouldn't Start Your Day With A Cup of Tea
2. Helps Ease Digestion, Bloating And Fatigue
Ginger is widely used to relieve nausea, bloating, and fatigue. Experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine note that ginger improves circulation and digestion, which in turn boosts energy levels.
Its key benefits include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Enhancing nutrient absorption
- Stimulating metabolism
- Easing muscle tension and brain fog
Together, Tulsi and ginger create a warming, grounding, and energising tea that is ideal for afternoons when both body and mind need a lift.

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Nutritional Profile Of Tulsi-Ginger Tea:
Tulsi-ginger tea is light in calories but rich in bioactive compounds. Here is a snapshot of what a typical unsweetened cup may contain:
Nutrient/Compound | Presence in Tulsi-Ginger Tea | Benefits |
Calories | Approx. 10-15 kcal (unsweetened) | Light and energising without heaviness |
Eugenol (Tulsi) | Present | Antioxidant, stress relief |
Ursolic Acid (Tulsi) | Present | Anti-inflammatory, immunity support |
Gingerol (Ginger) | Present | Anti-nausea, improves circulation |
Vitamin C | Trace amounts | Immunity support |
Iron & Calcium | Trace amounts | Bone and blood health |
Antioxidants | High | Protects against oxidative stress |
While the tea is not meant to provide full nutrition like a meal, its active compounds make it a powerful wellness drink that works with the body rather than against it.
Also Read: 5 Herbal Teas to Calm Your Mind and Relieve Stress
Can Tulsi-Ginger Tea Help With Indigestion And Bloating?
Yes. Ginger stimulates digestive enzymes, improves gut motility, and helps food move more efficiently through the system. Tulsi complements this by calming the stomach and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
If you often feel heavy or bloated after lunch, sipping Tulsi-ginger tea can ease discomfort and restore digestive balance. It is especially useful during the monsoon or winter months when digestion tends to slow down.

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Is Tulsi-Ginger Tea A Better Choice Than Afternoon Coffee?
For many people, Tulsi-ginger tea is a gentler and more nourishing alternative to coffee. While coffee gives a sharp energy spike through caffeine, it often leads to a crash or jitteriness later.
This tea, on the other hand, supports your body instead of overstimulating it. Tulsi calms the nervous system, while ginger boosts circulation and digestion. The result is steady energy, sharper focus, and a calmer mind without caffeine spikes.
Also Read: Breakfast Special: How To Make Roadside Adrak Chai (Ginger Tea)
Tulsi-Ginger Tea Vs Other Herbal Teas:
Herbal teas are popular for different reasons, but Tulsi-ginger tea stands out because it offers both calming and energising qualities.
- Tulsi-Ginger Tea vs Green Tea: Green tea contains caffeine and antioxidants, making it mildly stimulating. Tulsi-ginger tea is caffeine-free yet still boosts energy naturally through circulation and stress balance.
- Tulsi-Ginger Tea vs Chamomile Tea: Chamomile is best known for relaxation and sleep. Tulsi-ginger tea, however, works better for afternoons, offering calmness alongside sharper focus.
- Tulsi-Ginger Tea vs Lemon Tea: Lemon tea aids digestion and refreshes, but lacks the adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of Tulsi and ginger combined.
This makes Tulsi-ginger tea versatile, as it supports both productivity and relaxation depending on when you drink it.
How To Make Tulsi-Ginger Tea At Home | Simple Tulsi-Ginger Tea Recipe:
Making Tulsi-ginger tea is straightforward and can be customised with fresh or dried herbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1/2 tsp dry ginger powder)
- 5-6 fresh Tulsi leaves (or 1 tsp dried Tulsi)
- 2 cups water
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon, black pepper, or fennel seeds
- Natural sweetener: honey or jaggery (optional)
Method:
- Boil water and add ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Tulsi and optional spices. Simmer for another 3-5 minutes.
- Strain and serve warm. Add sweetener if desired.
- Alternative Method: Brew it in a teapot or infuser. For a stronger flavour, steep for up to 10 minutes.
Quick Tips To Get The Most Out Of Tulsi-Ginger Tea:
Tulsi-ginger tea works best when it becomes a mindful ritual. Here are a few ways to maximise its benefits:
Best Time To Drink: Between 3-5 pm
This is when your energy naturally dips. Drinking Tulsi-ginger tea during this time can help you stay alert and calm.
Avoid Overboiling Tulsi:
Tulsi is delicate. Overboiling can make it bitter and reduce its therapeutic effects. Simmer ginger first, then add Tulsi to preserve its aroma and properties.
Pair With A Light Snack:
To keep blood sugar stable and avoid hunger pangs, pair your tea with roasted makhana, nuts, or fresh seasonal fruit.
Stay Hydrated:
While Tulsi-ginger tea is hydrating, it should not replace water. Keep sipping water through the day for energy and digestion support.
Also Read: Can Drinking Excess Tea Cause Bloating?

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Is Tulsi-Ginger Tea Safe To Drink Daily?
Yes, Tulsi-ginger tea is considered safe for most people in moderation. One to two cups a day is typically well tolerated and can improve digestion, reduce stress, and support immunity.
Keep in mind:
- Tulsi may interact with blood-thinning or diabetes medications. Consult a doctor if needed.
- Ginger can cause acidity in some people if consumed in excess.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek medical advice before regular use.
Listening to your body is key. If it makes you feel better, it is working for you. If it causes discomfort, adjust the amount or ingredients.
Should You Drink Tulsi-Ginger Tea On An Empty Stomach?
It depends on your digestion. Tulsi is generally gentle, but ginger can feel strong, especially in the morning. For some, it may cause acidity or a burning sensation.
If you have a sensitive gut or are new to herbal teas, drink Tulsi-ginger tea after a light meal or with a small snack like fruit or nuts. This cushions the stomach and makes the herbs more effective.
Is Tulsi-Ginger Tea Better In Summer Or Winter?
Tulsi-ginger tea can be consumed year-round, but the way you drink it can change with the seasons.
- In Winter and Monsoon: Its warming and digestion-supporting qualities make it especially comforting.
- In Summer: Serve it as a lighter infusion or slightly cooled version to aid hydration without overheating the body.
This seasonal flexibility makes Tulsi-ginger tea a smart herbal drink for all weathers.
Where To Buy Tulsi-Ginger Tea Or Ingredients?
Tulsi and ginger are widely available in India and abroad. You can:
- Use fresh Tulsi leaves from home gardens or local markets.
- Buy dried Tulsi or Tulsi tea bags at supermarkets and organic stores.
- Choose fresh ginger from vegetable markets, or use dried ginger powder.
- Look for organic Tulsi-ginger tea blends in health stores or online platforms if convenience is preferred.
Whichever option you choose, using good-quality herbs makes a big difference in taste and benefits.
Also Read: Start Your Day With Corn Silk Tea - Nature's Secret For Health and Flavour

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The Bottom Line:
In a world that pushes constant productivity, Tulsi-ginger tea is a reminder to pause, breathe, and restore. It is a soothing, caffeine-free alternative that supports digestion, immunity, and stress management. Swap your afternoon coffee for this herbal blend, and give your body the nourishment it deserves.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
About Somdatta SahaExplorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day.