Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Tulsi Breakfast Tea Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Organic India

Tulsi Breakfast Tea label
See full label image
Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Tulsi Breakfast Tea against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Tulsi Breakfast Tea is a dietary supplement by Organic India with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for stress and anxiety, blood sugar support, respiratory complaints.Based on those ingredients, 694 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are organic Black Tea Blend, organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Tulsi Breakfast Tea by Organic India

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Tulsi Breakfast Tea by Organic India — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Tulsi Breakfast Tea by Organic India

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Organic Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1.70 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This tea contains 3 active ingredients: holy basil (also called tulsi or East Indian basil) and black tea. Holy basil has been used traditionally for stress and general wellness, while black tea delivers caffeine and other compounds associated with mental alertness.

The product is formulated as a tea blend in bags, so you're steeping the dried herbs and leaves in hot water.

Does it work?

Insufficient evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Stress relief and immune system support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Stress, Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Respiratory tract infections, Anxiety, Immune function, Wellness.
  • The closest evidence on file: Black Tea is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Stress (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Holy Basil is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Respiratory tract infections, Stress.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish how well this tea works for most of the conditions people use tulsi for—anxiety, asthma, headaches, respiratory infections, dental health, and blood sugar control all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate. Black tea, on the other hand, is likely effective for mental alertness thanks to its caffeine, and possibly effective for heart health, bone strength, blood pressure, and certain cancers based on the data we have.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Holy Basil Black Tea

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Holy basil appears well tolerated in the short term, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects are loose stools and nausea—a small number of trial participants experienced these.

The safety data advise against holy basil during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because animal data raise concerns and human safety isn't established. Black tea is generally safe in moderate amounts for healthy adults, but its caffeine can cause problems at higher doses—think jitteriness, insomnia, nausea, racing heart, tremors, and stomach upset.

Caffeine intake during pregnancy should be limited; talk with your provider about what's safe for you. Caffeine also passes into breast milk, so if you're nursing, keep your intake moderate to avoid affecting your baby.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Holy Basil Black Tea

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Black Tea, Holy Basil.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 694 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start this tea, double-check if you take ephedrine (a serious Major interaction with the caffeine), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications, heart or blood pressure meds, anti-seizure drugs like valproate, psychiatric medications like clozapine, or certain acid-reflux and antidepressant drugs. The caffeine in black tea interacts with all of these.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a tea with holy basil and black tea—solid for mental alertness thanks to the caffeine, but the evidence for tulsi's other uses isn't established yet. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, heart drugs, seizure meds, or psychiatric medications, check with your pharmacist before brewing a cup.

Pregnant or nursing? Talk with your doctor first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Tulsi Breakfast Tea, straight from the product label.

Brand Organic India
Barcode (UPC) 801541500062
Net contents 18 Infusion Bag(s); 1.08 Oz(s); 30.6 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 23, 2018
DSLD ID 81529
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic, Halal, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Tulsi Breakfast Tea by Organic India, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Infusion Bag(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Infusion Bag(s)
UPC/BARCODE
801541500062
IngredientAmount% DV
Holy Basil0 NP--
East Indian Basil0 NP--
Proprietary Organic Blend1.7 Gram(s)--
organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend0 NP--
organic Black Tea Blend0 NP--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

At the heart of Organic India is our commitment to be a living embodiment of love and consciousness in action. We work with thousands of small family farmers in India to cultivate thousands of acres of sustainable, organic farmland. All Organic India products promote health, happiness and true wellness and are made with loving care. Each of our products embodies a flow of love, respect and connectedness between Mother Nature, our farmers, our company and you. We provide a life of dignity to our local farmers, while bringing health & happiness to you. By choosing Organic India you're actively participating in our mission to create a sustainable global environment. Whatever you may happen to lose, firmly hold onto peace, which is bliss, and cherish it now itself. -Sri Ramana Maharshi- The photo on this package is one of our farmers or a family member.

Organic India is committed to responsible packaging. This carton is made from 100% recycled paperboard, with a minimum of 30% post-consumer content. Our infusion bags are made from unbleached, biodegradable fiber. Please support our environment by recycling this package.

Stress-relieving & awakening

Tulsi - Holy basil is an herb with healing properties that relieve stress and protect the immune system.

FairTrade

Individually wrapped for freshness

Registered in India as Tulsi India Breakfast

Product of India

Rama tulsi, krishna tulsi, vana tulsi, black tea blend: Fairtrade certified & sourced from Fairtrade producers. Total 100%. Visit www.info.fairtrade.net Earth seer

Tulsi - A Legacy Of Good Heatlh Reduces stress Supports the immune system Abundant in antioxidants Builds stamina Powerful adaptogen Aids digestion Anti aging Balances metabolism Balances energy levels Uplifts mood

About Tulsi Throughout India tulsi is acclaimed as “the queen of herbs” and is revered as a sacred plant infused with healing powers. Traditionally grown in an earthen pot in every family home or garden, tulsi (also known as holy basil) makes a delicious and nourishing herbal ‘tea’ abundant in a vast array of health benefits. Tulsi’s life-enhancing qualities, repeatedly noted in ancient Indian scriptures dating back over 5,000 years, are now here for you to fully enjoy. Blessings and namaste!

Lic. No. 10015051001397

NPOP/NAB/0010

General

USOI1607A

Formula

Holy basil

Contains caffeine

Kosher

Halal Mumbai India Halal Committee Registration No. 0854

A blend of India’s finest organic black teas combined with aromatic tulsi creates a smooth and invigorating breakfast tea steeped in the cultural tradition of India. This infusion is rich in energy with half the caffeine!

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

Non GMO Project Verified Nongmoproject.org

fssai

Control Union Certified

Certified B Corporation

India Organic

Halal Mumbai India Halal Committee Registration No. 0854

OU

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Formulation

Non GMO

Gluten free

Certified Organic by Control Union-801983 Product produced and processed according to NPOP standard of India & USDA-NOP www.controlunion.com

Certified organic

Precautions

To enjoy while pregnant or nursing, consult a physician before use.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Pour 8 oz of freshly boiled water over infusion bag in a cup. Cover and steep for 5 - 10 minutes or longer. Double the strength when serving iced.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Tulsi Breakfast Tea by Organic India label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Tulsi Breakfast Tea label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Tulsi Breakfast Tea by Organic India

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Infusion Bag(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Organic Blend

1.7 Gram(s) per serving
Interaction report

Tulsi Breakfast Tea by Organic India Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Tulsi Breakfast Tea?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
694Drugs
8 Major 652 Moderate 34 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

organic Black Tea Blend 694
organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend 212

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Tulsi Breakfast Tea interact with 694 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 2 ingredients in Tulsi Breakfast Tea interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. organic Black Tea Blend organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Tulsi Breakfast Tea with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

organic Black Tea Blend46 drug types · 694 drugs

Ephedrine

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk for simulant adverse effects.
Black tea contains caffeine. There is evidence that using ephedrine with caffeine might increase the risk of serious life-threatening or debilitating adverse effects such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, seizures, and death. Tell patients to avoid taking caffeine with ephedrine and other stimulants.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Adenosine (Adenocard)

Theoretically, black tea might decrease the vasodilatory effects of adenosine and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Black tea contains caffeine. Caffeine is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine at the cellular level. However, caffeine does not seem to affect supplemental adenosine because high interstitial levels of adenosine overcome the antagonistic effects of caffeine. It is recommended that methylxanthines such as caffeine, as well as methylxanthine-containing products, be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. However, methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole (Persantine) than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, black tea may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Black tea contains caffeine. Caffeine is reported to have antiplatelet activity. Theoretically, the caffeine in black tea might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with antiplatelet drugs. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of black tea might increase cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists.
Black tea contains caffeine. Caffeine can increase cardiac inotropic effects of beta-agonists.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black tea might reduce the effects of carbamazepine and increase the risk for convulsion.
Black tea contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can lower the anticonvulsant effects of carbamazepine and can induce seizures when taken in doses above 400 mg/kg. Human research has shown that taking caffeine 300 mg in three divided doses along with carbamazepine 200 mg reduces the bioavailability of carbamazepine by 32% and prolongs the plasma half-life of carbamazepine 2-fold in healthy individuals.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of caffeine in black tea.
Black tea contains caffeine. Cimetidine can reduces caffeine clearance by 31% to 42%.

Likelihood Likely Evidence B
Clozapine (Clozaril)

Theoretically, black tea might increase the levels and adverse effects of clozapine and acutely exacerbate psychotic symptoms.
Concomitant administration of black tea and clozapine might theoretically cause acute exacerbation of psychotic symptoms due to the caffeine in black tea. Caffeine can increase the effects and toxicity of clozapine. Caffeine doses of 400-1000 mg daily inhibit clozapine metabolism. Clozapine is metabolized by cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). Researchers speculate that caffeine might inhibit CYP1A2. However, there is no reliable evidence that caffeine affects CYP1A2. There is also speculation that genetic factors might make some patients be more sensitive to the interaction between clozapine and caffeine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the effects and adverse effects of caffeine found in black tea.
Black tea contains caffeine. Oral contraceptive drugs can decrease caffeine clearance by 40% to 65%.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Inhibitors

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Black tea contains caffeine. Caffeine is metabolized by CYP1A2,. Theoretically, drugs that inhibit CYP1A2 may decrease the clearance rate of caffeine from black tea and increase caffeine levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dipyridamole (Persantine)

Theoretically, black tea might decrease the vasodilatory effects of dipyridamole and interfere with its use prior to stress testing.
Black tea contains caffeine. Caffeine is a methylxanthine that may inhibit dipyridamole-induced vasodilation. It is recommended that methylxanthines such as caffeine, as well as methylxanthine-containing products such as black tea, be stopped 24 hours prior to pharmacological stress tests. Methylxanthines appear more likely to interfere with dipyridamole (Persantine) than adenosine-induced stress testing.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Theoretically, disulfiram might increase the risk of adverse effects from caffeine.
Black tea contains caffeine. In human research, disulfiram decreases the clearance and increases the half-life of caffeine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, using black tea with diuretic drugs might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Black tea contains caffeine. Caffeine, especially in excessive amounts, can reduce potassium levels due to stimulation of the sodium-potassium pump. Diuretics can also cause lower potassium levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, estrogens might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Black tea contains caffeine. Estrogen inhibits caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Ethosuximide (Zarontin)

Theoretically, black tea might reduce the effects of ethosuximide and increase the risk for convulsions.
Black tea contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine 92.4 mg/kg can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of ethosuximide. However, this effect has not been observed in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Felbamate (Felbatol)

Theoretically, black tea might reduce the effects of felbamate and increase the risk for convulsions.
Black tea contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that a high dose of caffeine 161.7 mg/kg can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of felbamate. However, this effect has not been observed in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Flutamide (Eulexin)

Theoretically, black tea might increase the levels and adverse effects of flutamide.
Black tea contains caffeine. In vitro evidence suggests that caffeine can inhibit the metabolism of flutamide. Theoretically, concomitant use of caffeine and flutamide might increase serum concentrations of flutamide and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Theoretically, fluvoxamine might increase the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Black tea contains caffeine. Fluvoxamine reduces caffeine metabolism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, abrupt black tea withdrawal might increase the levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Black tea contains caffeine. Abrupt caffeine withdrawal can increase serum lithium levels. Two cases of lithium tremor that worsened with abrupt coffee withdrawal have been reported.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of a hypertensive crisis.
Black tea contains caffeine. Caffeine has been shown to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B in laboratory studies. Concomitant intake of large amounts of caffeine with MAOIs might precipitate a hypertensive crisis. In a case report, a patient that consumed 10-12 cups of caffeinate coffee and took the MAOI tranylcypromine presented with severe hypertension. Hypertension was resolved after the patients switched to drinking decaffeinated coffee.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nicotine

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of hypertension.
Black tea contains caffeine. Concomitant use of caffeine and nicotine has been shown to have additive cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Blood pressure was increased by 10.8/12.4 mmHg when the agents were used concomitantly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, black tea might reduce the absorption of organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) substrates.
In vitro, black tea extract inhibits organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP)2B1. OATP2B1 is expressed in the small intestine and liver and is responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds. In an animal model, black tea extract was found to inhibit the absorption of rosuvastatin, a substrate of OATP2B1. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, black tea might decrease the effects of pentobarbital.
Black tea contains caffeine. Theoretically, caffeine might negate the hypnotic effects of pentobarbital.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

Theoretically, black tea might reduce the effects of phenobarbital and increase the risk for convulsions.
Black tea contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenobarbital. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenylpropanolamine

Theoretically, phenylpropanolamine might increase the risk of hypertension, as well as the levels and adverse effects of caffeine.
Black tea contains caffeine. Concomitant use of phenylpropanolamine and caffeine might cause an additive increase in blood pressure. Phenylpropanolamine also seems to increase caffeine serum levels.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Theoretically, black tea might reduce the effects of phenytoin and increase the risk for convulsions.
Black tea contains caffeine. Animal research suggests that caffeine can decrease the anticonvulsant activity of phenytoin. The effect does not seem to be related to the seizure threshold-lowering effects of caffeine. However, the exact mechanism of this interaction is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
organic Black Tea Blend full monograph & all 46 interactions

organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend3 drug types · 212 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil can prolong bleeding time, possibly due to inhibition of platelet aggregation. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, holy basil might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Small clinical studies show that taking holy basil can decrease fasting blood glucose and other measures of glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, holy basil seed oil might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that holy basil seed oil increases pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. However, it is not known if this occurs in humans or if this applies to other barbiturates or sedatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
organic Tulsi (Holy Basil) Blend full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Tulsi Breakfast Tea, from the product label.

Organic India

See all Organic India products
Name
Organic India Pvt. Ltd.
Street Address
Plot No.266, Faizabad Rd.
City
Kamta, P.O Chinhat, Lucknow
State
U.P.
ZipCode
226028
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Tulsi Breakfast Tea by Organic India: Common Questions

Does Tulsi Breakfast Tea by Organic India interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Tulsi Breakfast Tea has a known interaction with 694 medications, including 8 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Tulsi Breakfast Tea contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I drink this tea if I'm pregnant?
The safety data advise against holy basil during pregnancy because animal studies raise concerns and human safety isn't established. Black tea's caffeine should also be limited in pregnancy—high intake may be harmful. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's safe for you before drinking this tea regularly.
Can I drink this tea while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety information for holy basil during breastfeeding, so the data advise against it. Black tea's caffeine does pass into breast milk, so if you nurse, keep your intake moderate. Chat with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized advice.
What are the side effects of this tea?
Holy basil most commonly causes loose stools and nausea, though only a small number of people in studies experienced these. Black tea's side effects come mainly from its caffeine—jitteriness, insomnia, nausea, racing heart, tremors, stomach upset, and restlessness are common at higher doses. Rare but serious caffeine effects include irregular heartbeat and chest pain.
Will this tea help my anxiety?
We don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether holy basil works for anxiety. The evidence isn't established in our data, so you'd want to talk with your doctor about whether it's worth trying for your situation.
Does this tea have caffeine?
Yes—black tea naturally contains caffeine, which gives you a mental alertness boost. If you're sensitive to caffeine or drink this late in the day, it might keep you up or cause jitteriness.
Is this tea good for blood sugar control?
We don't have enough reliable evidence to say whether holy basil helps diabetes. However, if you take diabetes medications, be aware that holy basil might lower your blood sugar further, so talk with your pharmacist before adding this tea to your routine.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Tulsi Breakfast Tea is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Tulsi Breakfast Tea label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Tulsi Breakfast Tea’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Holy Basil

Interacts with 212 drugs

Holy basil (tulsi) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb most often used today for stress and general wellness, but the human evidence is mostly small and preliminary. It is generally well tolerat...

Read the full Holy Basil monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Black Tea

Interacts with 694 drugs

Black tea is a popular caffeinated drink made from the fully oxidized leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and it contains caffeine and antioxidant plant compounds. Moderate tea drinking i...

Read the full Black Tea monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Tulsi Breakfast Tea's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 158 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Holy Basil 8 references
  1. Agrawal P, Rai V, Singh RB. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996;34:406-9.
  2. Sakina MR, Dandiya PC, Hamdard ME, Hameed A. Preliminary psychopharmacological evaluation of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;28:143-50. PubMed
  3. Singh S, Rehan HM, Majumdar DK. Effect of Ocimum sanctum fixed oil on blood pressure, blood clotting time and pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time. J Ethnopharmacol 2001;78:139-43. PubMed
  4. Mondal, S., Varma, S., Bamola, V. D., Naik, S. N., Mirdha, B. R., Padhi, M. M., Mehta, N., and Mahapatra, S. C. Double-blinded randomized controlled trial for immunomodulatory effects of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) leaf extract on healthy volunteers. J PubMed
  5. Agarwal, P. and Nagesh, L. Comparative evaluation of efficacy of 0.2% Chlorhexidine, Listerine and Tulsi extract mouth rinses on salivary Streptococcus mutans count of high school children--RCT. Contemp.Clin Trials 2011;32(6):802-808. PubMed
  6. Vohora, S. B., Garg, S. K., and Chaudhury, R. R. Antifertility screening of plants. 3. Effect of six indigenous plants on early pregnancy in albino rats. Indian J Med Res 1969;57(5):893-899.
  7. Khanna S, Gupta SR, Grover JK. Effect of long term feeding of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) on reproductive performance of adult albino rats. Indian J Exp Biol 1986;24(5):302-4.
  8. Somasundaram G, Manimekalai K, Salwe KJ, Pandiamunian J. Evaluation of the antidiabetic effect of Ocimum sanctum in type 2 diabetes patients. Int J Life Sci Pharma Res 2012;2(3):75-81.

See these in context on the Holy Basil monograph →

Black Tea 150 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
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See these in context on the Black Tea monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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