That's right fermentation fans, the newest addition to our Kombucha family has finally landed. It's a delicate blend of raspberries and tulsi, and whilst we're sure you all know what raspberries are, tulsi tea might not be as widely known. So here goes.

With words like “god”, “goddess”, “king”, “queen”, “diety”, “holy”, and “divine” often seen in texts describing tulsi, you can bet that the plant is bound to have a special history. Used in Indian culture as a religious, spiritual, and healing herb for more than 5,000 years, tulsi (or "Holy Basil", "The Incomparable One" and "Elixir of Life") is newer to western culture and is often found as an ingredient in herbal medicines, tinctures, and essential oils. Dried tulsi leaves can also be steeped to create an invigorating herbal tea, which is basically what we do with it here at Loving Foods.

Tulsi is used in Ayurvedic practice for treatments including asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure & cholesterol, headaches, earaches, skin diseases, diabetes, joint pain, kidney stones, malaria and cancer. And medical research conducted by institutions favourable to alternative medicine have confirmed that tulsi is:

• A powerful adaptogenic herb (one that reduces stress and increases energy)
• Able to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks
• Anti-inflammatory
• High in antioxidants
• Immuno-modulating (able to regulate the body's immune system up or down to achieve the optimal level)
• Protective of the liver and more generally protective against certain toxins and radiation

And as if that wasn't enough, raspberries give the drink an extra boost of vitamin C, manganese and vitamin K. They're naturally low in sugar and rich in anti-aging antioxidants.

The raspberries give the drink a delicate pink colour and the flavour is absolutely delicious. Grab one for yourself here.