Try This Basil Drink to Cope with Stress

Stress is a widespread issue in most communities. In our daily lives, there are three forms of stress: acute (a brief event such as a heated dispute or being stopped in traffic), acute episodic (many acute occurrences such as work deadlines), and chronic stress (persistent events like unemployment from a job loss, physical or mental abuse, substance abuse, or family conflict). Our bodies respond to all sorts of stress using the same method, regardless of whether the stress is caused by an actual or imagined incident. The fight-or-flight response is triggered by both acute and chronic stresses. Hormones are released that instigate several actions within seconds: pumping blood and oxygen quickly to our cells, quickening the heart rate, and increasing mental alertness. In prehistoric times, this rapid response was needed to quickly escape a dangerous situation or fight off a predator. 

We ‘stress-eat’ when we eat fast without paying attention to what or how much we’re eating, which can contribute to weight gain. Mindful eating methods reduce stress by promoting deep breaths, mindful food selection, focusing attention on the meal, and digesting food slowly and completely. This aids digestion and promotes meal satisfaction. Mindful eating can also help us recognize when we are eating for psychological reasons rather than physiological hunger, which may encourage us to eat more as a coping tactic.

Basil is a popular treatment for a variety of problems including stress, nausea, and insect stings. It is also commonly utilized in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Ayurveda is regarded as a profound experience, and many people seek it out for its numerous health advantages. When it comes to food and drinks, there are various alternatives that can help cool the stomach, increase immunity, and taste nice. They are also beneficial for stress management and general quality of life. Basil comes in various types across the world, including sweet basil, bush or Greek basil, Thai basil, cinnamon basil, and lettuce basil. 

This basil drink is among them. Jennifer Tabrizi, an Ayurveda lifestyle coach shared the recipe on Instagram, writing that this “delicious and refreshing lime-basil drink covers all six of the Ayurvedic tastes”, which are: sweet, salty, astringent, pungent, sour, and bitter.

To make this drink, you will need:

• A handful of basil (wash it thoroughly)
• 1 cup of water
• Lime zest
• Some grated ginger
• 1 tsp of coconut sugar
• An additional 2 cups of water

Put everything in a blender. Once ready, add the additional two cups of water after blending the top ingredients to increase the quantity and slightly dilute the taste. Then, take a glass and add salt to the rim to enhance the taste. Transfer the liquid into it and drink it up. People prefer to drink it in the morning to relieve respiratory difficulties, such as by adding it to tea with a drop of honey.

Photo: Goskova Tatiana/Shutterstock

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