Now here’s something a little different. Have you never thought to put blueberries and tulsi together? Well you’re not alone. :) Not even sure what the heck tulsi is?! No problem-o. Link to read about it below. In any case, I think you’ll love this crisp, refreshing, tasty and beautifying new recipe to have in your smoothie arsenal.Â
This is the second smoothie in my 5 part series incorporating adaptogens. Not sure what adaptogens are? Check out my recent blog on adaptogens, to get caught up on how these plants and herbs help increase your resistance to stress, anxiety and fatigue.
So what exactly is in this smoothie that will help reduce stress levels?
Tulsi
You may recall a post I wrote about tulsi and tea last year that goes into detail on this pretty awesome plant. Tulsi is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine as it’s loaded with nutrition and rejuvenative qualities, as well as helping us combat disease.
One of the health benefits I’d like to focus on is its ability to balance hormones. Since we’re focusing on relieving stress with the food we ingest, it makes sense to recognize what’s known as the “stress horomone”- cortisol. You can get it here on Amazon.
While it’s meant to help protect us and keep us safe, most all of us are subjugated to abnormally high levels of stress in our daily lives! Hence elevated levels of cortisol, which over time can contribute to unwanted weight gain (Ugh! How annoying!)… in addition to impaired memory and learning, immunity, and serious health issues such as bone density imbalances and heart disease.
Tulsi leaves
Thankfully, tulsi has the ability to regulate our cortisol levels and naturally balance our hormone levels, contributing to physical and mental wellness.
In this recipe I use powdered tulsi. You can buy tulsi powder from your local health food store. Don’t hesitate to ask them to carry this product (if they don’t already)! Some shop owners are cool and open like that, especially when you let them know you’re trying to support their mom and pop shop first. You never know unless you ask! Remember to ask for a brand that’s organic, to gain the most benefit.
By adding tulsi to your smoothies and/or meals, you will calm your system and keep your body running smoothly. Just what us Beauties need! ;)
**Though super beneficial to us, powdered tulsi has a slightly medicinal flavor to it. Start with ½ a tablespoon and increase slowly, as with any new food, so you can get used to it and make sure your body reacts well with it.
Time to get blending!
Gather all your ingredients.
Add the coconut water and basil to your blender.
Also add the lime juice.
Starting the blender on a low speed, blend greens until smooth.
Add the blueberries.
Add the powdered tulsi**.
Add the banana.
Starting the blender on a low speed, blend until smooth. If needed (depending on your blender!) gradually increase to higher speeds and blend until smooth.
Enjoy!
Give this recipe a try below…
- 8 ounces coconut water
- ½ cup fresh basil, loosely packed
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ½-1 tablespoon powdered tulsi **See notes in blog
- 1 ripe banana
- Add the coconut water, basil, and lime juice to the blender. Starting the blender on a low speed, blend until smooth.
- Add the blueberries, tulsi, and banana to the blender. Starting the blender on a low speed, blend until smooth. If needed gradually increase to higher speeds and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy!
In love and health,
Kimberly
Great summary, probably my favorite adaptogenic plant. It’s also really great as a tea which has sort of a nutty flavor.
thanks for the Recipe.What can I use instead of Coconut Water?
Hi Baerbel..you can use a substitute of your liking (hemp milk, almond milk, etc.), and let your taste buds do the talking. Thanks for your question and for checking out this recipe. Sending lots of love! ;)