Tulsi, Green Tea And The Notion of Purity

Tulsi is the Queen of herbs. In fact, so powerful is this basil that in Hinduism, it is considered a holy plant. In Ayurveda, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) is mentioned as a nurturing herb used for a variety of ailments.

What is Tulsi Ilaichi Green Tea?

Simply put, Tulsi Ilaichi Green Tea is Darjeeling green tea mixed with Rama Tulsi leaves and Ilaichi. No, this is not done to confuse our discerning patrons. It is done to simply make Green Tea more appealing to those who might not necessarily like its taste. Moreover, Rama Tulsi leaves have healing properties while ilaichi contains anti-inflammatory properties. So besides giving you a great tasting experience, the tea also becomes an agent of inner healing.

Benefits of Tulsi Ilaichi Green Tea

Is a natural immunity booster.
Reduces fever and pain
Beneficial for those with kidney stones

Exploring Tulsi and the Notion of Purity

Tulsi leaves are extremely powerful. They are revered in Ayurveda for their healing properties. However, the other fascinating aspect of Tulsi is the notion of purity associated with it in the Indian subcontinent.

It's auspicious to keep it in the courtyard and assumes great cultural importance in the context of Hindu marriages. In Hindu calendars, Tulsi Vivah is the ceremonial marriage of the plant with Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. It would be fitting then, to explore the beauty of this miracle herb through the eyes of a Bhakti poetess, whose poetic odes to Krishna are one for the ages. Yes, we are talking about Mirabai. Isn't it ironic, then, that in a country that only values women who are mothers and wives, Mirabai is the most famous poetess that ever existed?

Mirabai, The Most Famous Indian Poetess And Her Connection to Tulsi

Although Mirabai's poems are about a man who was not her husband, her poems retain the innocence of purity because of their metaphysical connection with Krishna, the divine Lord.

In the book, Women in Praise of the Sacred by Jane Hirshfield, there's a lovely English translation of Mirabai's famous poem, Love has Stained.

"Friends, let those whose Beloved is absent write letters—

Mine dwells in the heart, and neither enters nor leaves.

Mira has given herself to her Lord Giridhara.

Day or night, she serves only Him."
-Mirabai, Translated by Jane Hirshfield

You can read the full poem here.

So assured was Mirabai of her purity, that never once did she deter from the path of bhakti, no matter what society said about her.

These lines reflect the purity in her bhakti.

Nam rahega kam son

Suno sayane loye

Mira sut jayo nahin

Shishya na mudo koye

(One's name will be remembered through their work, listen all you wise people. Mira never bore a son, nor did she have a disciple.)

Given the connection of Tulsi and Mirabai to the Divine Lord Krishna, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu, we at Poetry Teas would love for you to explore the poems of Mira more. And if you want to have to have this miracle herb every day with your beloved (cup of tea, we mean), you can order it here.