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Last updated: October 2026.
A warm, caffeine-free mug in the evening is one of the simplest rituals there is. This recipe combines tulsi (holy basil), ashwagandha and CBD into a fragrant evening tea. Below you will find the recipe, a few variations, what each ingredient is, and the important safety points to know first.
The short answer
- Tulsi is a caffeine-free Ayurvedic herb with a peppery, clove-like taste.
- Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic root, available as powder, capsules or drops.
- CBD dissolves in fat, not water, so add it with milk, a creamy plant milk or honey.
- Not for everyone: skip it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and check with your GP if you take medication.
The recipe: CBD tulsi ashwagandha tea
Makes 1 mug. Ready in 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tulsi tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose tulsi
- 250ml water
- ashwagandha: your usual serving of ashwagandha drops, or ¼ teaspoon of root powder
- your usual amount of CBD oil (for example 5 drops of a 10% oil)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of warm milk or a creamy plant milk such as oat or coconut
- optional: 1 teaspoon of honey, a pinch of cinnamon, a slice of fresh ginger or a few cardamom pods
Method
- Bring the water to the boil, then let it cool for a minute.
- Steep the tulsi (and ginger or cardamom, if using) for 5 to 7 minutes, then strain.
- If using powder, whisk the ashwagandha into the warm milk until smooth.
- Stir your CBD drops into the warm milk (or into the honey). Fat helps the CBD mix rather than float on top.
- Pour the milk into the tea, add honey and cinnamon to taste, stir and enjoy.
Tip: if you would rather keep CBD separate, take your drops under the tongue as usual and enjoy the tulsi and ashwagandha tea on its own.
Three variations
Golden tulsi latte
Add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric and a pinch of black pepper to the milk, then froth before pouring into the tea.
Cacao tulsi
Whisk a heaped teaspoon of ceremonial cacao into the milk for a richer, chocolatey evening drink.
Iced tulsi (summer)
Brew the tea double strength, cool it, then pour over ice with a splash of milk and honey. Add CBD to the milk first.
Making it your own
Herbal teas are personal, so adjust the recipe to suit you:
- Stronger tulsi flavour: steep for up to 10 minutes, or use two tea bags.
- Milder: mix tulsi with chamomile or rooibos.
- Dairy-free: oat and coconut milk work best for carrying CBD, because they contain some fat.
- Lower sugar: skip the honey and add cinnamon or vanilla for sweetness.
- No ashwagandha: the tea works perfectly well with just tulsi and CBD.
Whatever you choose, keep your CBD amount the same each time, so your routine stays consistent.
Meet the ingredients
Tulsi (holy basil)
Tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum, is a fragrant member of the basil family, native to India and treated as a sacred plant in Hindu tradition. In Ayurveda it is used as a general tonic, and it is widely enjoyed as a caffeine-free herbal tea. Research on tulsi is limited and mostly small-scale, so treat it as a pleasant herbal tea rather than a remedy.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera, is a root used in Ayurveda for thousands of years. It has been studied in a number of small clinical trials, with encouraging but limited results. It is not suitable for everyone; read our honest guide: ashwagandha reviews Ireland.
CBD
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating compound from hemp. It does not cause a high. Because it is fat-soluble, it mixes best into milk, cream, honey or oil rather than plain water. Added to a drink, it takes a little longer to work than drops held under the tongue, usually 30 to 90 minutes.
Why add CBD to milk, not water?
CBD is an oil-soluble compound. Drop CBD oil straight into black tea and most of it will float on the surface or stick to the cup. Stirring it into warm milk or honey first helps disperse it through the drink, and having some fat in the drink may also help your body absorb it.
Building an evening wind-down routine
A warm drink works best as part of a routine your body starts to recognise. A simple version:
- 90 minutes before bed: dim the lights and finish screens and work.
- 60 minutes before bed: make your tea and sit somewhere comfortable.
- 45 minutes before bed: a warm shower, a few gentle stretches or a short walk.
- 30 minutes before bed: read, journal or listen to something calm.
- Bedtime: the same time each night, in a cool, dark room.
Keep caffeine to the morning, keep alcohol light, and get some daylight early in the day. These habits matter far more than any single drink.
Other caffeine-free evening drinks
- Chamomile: mild, floral and widely available.
- Rooibos: naturally sweet and caffeine-free; lovely with milk.
- Warm milk with cinnamon: a classic for a reason.
- Cacao: rich and chocolatey; note it contains a little theobromine, a mild stimulant.
- Peppermint: fresh and light after a big dinner.
All of these work with CBD in the same way: stir the drops into milk or honey first.
Where to find the ingredients in Ireland
- Tulsi: tea bags or loose leaf in health food shops and online.
- Ashwagandha: drops, capsules or powder from health food shops or online; we stock ashwagandha drops.
- CBD oil: online or in some pharmacies; choose one with a lab report.
- Spices and honey: any supermarket; Irish honey is a lovely addition.
Storing tulsi
Keep tulsi tea bags or loose leaves in an airtight tin, away from light, heat and moisture, and use within the best-before date. If you grow tulsi at home (it can be grown in a pot on a sunny windowsill in summer), use fresh leaves straight away or dry them in a warm, airy place.
Safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid ashwagandha and CBD.
- Medication: ashwagandha and CBD can interact with some medicines, including sedatives and blood thinners, and tulsi may affect blood sugar. Check with your GP or pharmacist first.
- Health conditions: speak to your GP before taking ashwagandha if you have a thyroid, autoimmune or liver condition.
- Driving: do not drive until you know how this tea affects you.
- Under 18s: CBD is not recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put CBD oil in tea?
Yes. Because CBD dissolves in fat, not water, add it to tea with some milk, or stir it into a spoon of honey or milk before adding it to the cup. It takes longer to work than drops held under the tongue.
What is tulsi?
Tulsi, or holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), is an aromatic herb from India, traditionally used in Ayurveda and widely drunk as a herbal tea. It has a peppery, clove-like flavour.
Can I drink tulsi ashwagandha tea every day?
Many people drink herbal teas daily. If you take ashwagandha regularly, follow the guidance on the product, take short breaks, and check with your GP or pharmacist if you take medication.
Who should avoid this tea?
Avoid ashwagandha and CBD if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to your GP first if you have a thyroid, autoimmune or liver condition, diabetes, or take medicines such as blood thinners, sedatives, or thyroid, diabetes or blood pressure medicines.
Does tulsi tea contain caffeine?
No. Tulsi is naturally caffeine-free, which makes it a popular evening drink.
Where can I buy tulsi in Ireland?
Tulsi tea bags and loose-leaf tulsi are sold in many health food shops and online.
Can I use ashwagandha drops instead of powder?
Yes. A few drops of a liquid extract stirred into the warm tea is easier to measure than powder. Follow the amount on the label.
How much CBD should I add to my tea?
Use your usual amount. If you are new to CBD, 5 drops of a 10% oil (about 25mg) is a typical starting point.
Can I make a big batch?
You can brew a jug of tulsi and keep it in the fridge for a day or two, but add ashwagandha and CBD to each mug fresh, so you know exactly how much you are having.
Is ashwagandha tea safe with alcohol?
It is best not to combine them. Both alcohol and ashwagandha can make some people drowsy.
Does heat destroy CBD?
Normal tea temperatures do not destroy CBD. Very high temperatures, such as frying, can degrade it, which is why we suggest adding CBD to warm milk rather than boiling it.
Can children drink tulsi tea?
Plain tulsi tea is a common herbal drink, but do not give children ashwagandha or CBD. CBD products are not recommended for anyone under 18.
Can I add CBD gummies to tea?
No, gummies are made to be chewed. If you prefer gummies, simply take one alongside your tea.
Disclaimer: CBD is sold as a food supplement. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
