Assistant Director Shari Tumandao is the HTC’s resident expert on herbal remedies and holistic health. Each week, she joins Tea Time to introduce students to herbs commonly found in teas, their natural properties, and how they may benefit your health and wellbeing. You can find recaps of her presentations here on our website.
Disclaimer: The following information comes from CommonWealth Center for Holistic Herbalism located in Brookline, MA. If you take medication, please consult your doctor before working with the following herbs. Consume at your own discretion.
Passionflower
Effects and benefits:
- Supports nervous system, and in particular, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) production in the brain
- Note: GABA is one of the main sedative neurotransmitters in the brain, associated with positive mood, calm, focus, and restful sleep
- May benefit those experiencing repetitive, intrusive, and obsessive thoughts and over-active minds
- May benefit those experiencing physical tension brought on by emotional tension
- May benefit those seeking help sleeping through the night
- Releases excess heat
- May benefit those experiencing heat from fevers and anxiety
Additional resources:
For more information about how to use passionflower, check out these resources: “5 Passion Flower Beauty Recipes That Will Calm Your Skin & Hair” and “Passionflower Tea Recipe.”
Lavender
Effects and benefits:
- Antispasmodic
- May benefit those experiencing muscle tension, headaches, and migraines
- May relieve constricted asthmatic states
- Soothing scent
- May benefit those experiencing insomnia, irritability, and other expressions of agitation
- Supports digestive system
- May benefit those experiencing indigestion and bloating
- Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
- May benefit those experiencing eczema, acne, sunburn, and infected wounds
Additional resources:
For more information about how to use lavender, check out these resources: “DIY Facial Steam with Lavender for Clear Pores,” “Lavender Eye Pillow,” and “Lemon Lavender Lane.”