Herbal teas are known for their property to help in relaxation. A common preparation in restaurants is tarragon tea. However, tarragon is a bit difficult to source. Alternatively,  basil  is easier to find in the supermarket and also not so difficult to propagate. An advantage in drinking herbal teas made form culinary herbs is the rich amounts of anti-oxidants. Therefore we recommend frequent intake of herbal teas. The active principle in herbal teas, in particular, basil tea, is the presence of aromatic oils or volatile oils. In preparing your own tea just put about 4 leaves of basil in a cup, pour boiling water and steep it for 5-10 minutes. Steeping is the preferred way which is done by just leaving the leaves in hot water, not a decoction. This procedure preserves the volatile oil from evaporating. You can also use holy basil which the Ayurvedic preparation.
Photos from:
www.mdidea.com/products/proper/Basil_Ocimumbasilicum_Photo01.jpg
www.fotolia.com/id/2353758
www.readersdigest.com.au/…/article96093.html
April 5th, 2009 at 3:29 am
What part of the leaf should be used in making the tea, the older leaves or the young shoots on top?
From Dr. Emil: Usually mature leaves, withoug brownish color, but deep green color.
April 12th, 2010 at 5:51 am
I tried it with Cinnamon Basil. I used about 10 small leaves. Matabang. Did I over boil or something?