We use basil in our recipes which adds an un-matching flavor and aroma, but did you know that you can also use basil to make tea? Yep, basil tea has been made for centuries in ayurvedic medicine to help with all kinds of illnesses so here is a simple basil tea recipe for inflammation you must try.

Note: Like all herbs, basil can have side effects. When combined with other ingredients to make a tea blend, basil tea may not be the right choice for everyone. Make sure to read below to find out if you can safely drink this tea.

How Does Basil Reduce Inflammation

Basil – studies have found that basil has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. However, you must use fresh basil leaves to get any of the benefits listed here.

Compounds in the leaves and seeds of the holy basil plant may also reduce uric acid levels, alleviating the pain that results from inflammatory conditions like gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Antioxidants in basil help fight inflammation by inhibiting the cox-1 and cox-2 enzymes, which produce inflammatory compounds and trigger pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Ginger – multiple studies show that drinking ginger tea can significantly reduce inflammation in the body. That’s because ginger contains 2 powerful compounds called 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol. Both work by stopping the production of inflammatory compounds and blocking key inflammatory pathways in the body.

Lemon juice – adds flavor and vitamin C to your tea which is great for boosting the immune system and reducing oxidative stress. Make sure you always use fresh lemon juice in your tea recipes.

Raw Honey – not only adds sweetness to your tea but it also neutralizes free radicals that lead to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Cinnamon – has a ton of antioxidants, like polyphenols, which are substances that can prevent or slow cell damage. Some of its antioxidants are so strong that cinnamon can sometimes be used as a natural food preservative. Adding cinnamon to your tea can boost antioxidant levels in your blood as well as lower inflammation markers.

Basil Tea Recipe For Inflammation

Ingredients for 1 serving | Total time: 10 minutes

• 10 fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup of boiling water
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• 1 inch ginger root (minced)
• 1 Ceylon cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (fresh)

How To Make Basil Tea

Combine the water, ginger, basil, and cinnamon into a mug, cover and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a teacup and mix in the honey and lemon juice. Drink while it is still warm for best results.

Basil Tea Nutrition

This basil tea has | 89 calories | 0.7g total fat | 0.4g saturated fat | 0mg cholesterol | 15mg sodium | 20.7g total carbs | 1.1g dietary fiber | 18.5g total sugars | 1.4g protein | 60mg calcium | 1mg iron | 175mg potassium | These facts are based on a 2000-calorie diet.

Storage

Drinking your freshly brewed tea right away is always recommended, however, you can store it in a tightly closed glass container in the fridge for a few hours.

Who Should Not Drink Basil Tea

Basil tea blended with ginger and cinnamon should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women, people on blood thinning medications, and those with bleeding disorders. Due to potential blood sugar lowering effects and high coumarin content in certain cinnamon, diabetics and those with liver disease should also exercise caution or avoid this tea.

Want More Tea Recipes For Inflammation?

• Anti Inflammatory Chamomile Tea Recipe
• Anti Inflammatory Dandelion Root Tea Recipe
• Anti Inflammatory Peppermint Tea Recipe
• Thyme Tea Recipe For Inflammation
• Hibiscus Tea Recipe For Inflammation
• Fennel Tea Recipe For Inflammation

Conclusion

Now you know how to make your own anti inflammatory basil tea at home. I really hope you try this tea recipe and if you do, please let me know how it went in the comments below. You can also find me on Pinterest and Facebook for more helpful natural remedies and wellness tips.