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Tulsi & Ashwagandha Adaptogen Tea

A stress-relieving adaptogen blend for sustained energy and resilience. Drink morning and afternoon as part of a long-term stress management protocol.

teasStress & AdrenalBeginner⏱ 20 minsShelf life: 12 months (dried blend)

Benefits

Stress-reducingEnergy-balancingAdaptogenicCognitive support

Ingredients

  • Dried holy basil (tulsi) — 3 tbsp
  • Dried ashwagandha root powder — 1 tsp
  • Dried licorice root — 1 tbsp
  • Dried peppermint — 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Combine herbs in a jar.
  2. Simmer ashwagandha root in 300ml water for 10 minutes (it requires simmering, not just steeping).
  3. Add remaining herbs; remove from heat and steep 10 minutes.
  4. Strain and drink.

Notes

Adaptogens work best over 3+ months of consistent daily use. Be patient — benefits are cumulative.

Interactions & contraindications

Dried holy basil (tulsi)

Full profile
  • Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects
  • Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Dried holy basil (tulsi) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Dried holy basil (tulsi) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Insufficient Data

No specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient Data

No specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.

Children

Insufficient Data

No specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.

No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Dried holy basil (tulsi) in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.

Dried ashwagandha root powder

Full profile
  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Pregnancy

Avoid

Ashwagandha has documented abortifacient/uterine-stimulant use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and is generally contraindicated throughout pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Limited safety data during breastfeeding; as a hormone- and thyroid-modulating adaptogen, it's generally used cautiously and not as a first-choice herb while nursing.

Children

Use Caution

Not well studied in children; typically reserved for adult use unless under specific pediatric herbalist guidance.

Sedatives, thyroid medication

Additive sedative effect; may also increase thyroid hormone levels.

Immunosuppressants

May stimulate immune activity, working against immunosuppressive therapy.

Blood pressure and blood sugar medications

Additive lowering effect on both.

Dried licorice root

Full profile
  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Pregnancy

Avoid

Well-documented risk in pregnancy — regular/high licorice consumption (glycyrrhizin) has been linked in research to earlier delivery and effects on child cortisol regulation and behavioral development; most sources advise avoiding significant amounts, especially the concentrated root/extract form.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Glycyrrhizin passes into milk; regular use is generally limited given its effect on blood pressure and potassium levels.

Children

Use Caution

Small culinary/candy amounts are generally fine occasionally; regular or concentrated use can affect blood pressure and potassium levels and is not recommended for daily use.

Blood pressure medications

Can raise blood pressure and counteract antihypertensives with prolonged use.

Digoxin

Licorice-induced potassium loss increases digoxin toxicity risk.

Diuretics, corticosteroids

Additive potassium depletion.

Dried peppermint

Full profile

Pregnancy

Use Caution

Peppermint tea is commonly used for pregnancy-related nausea, but peppermint oil (internal, concentrated) can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen reflux, and some traditions caution against it in early pregnancy due to a mild emmenagogue reputation — tea in normal amounts is generally considered fine.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Large amounts or concentrated peppermint oil are traditionally said to reduce milk supply; occasional tea is unlikely to be an issue but is best kept moderate while establishing supply.

Children

Use Caution

Diluted tea is commonly used for children's upset stomach, but peppermint oil/menthol should never be applied to or near the face of infants and toddlers — it can trigger dangerous breathing spasms (laryngospasm).

GERD/reflux medications

Relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter and can worsen acid reflux.

Cyclosporine and other CYP3A4-metabolized drugs

May alter blood levels of some medications.