🌼 Swap Sedatives for Chamomile Feeling tense, restless, or emotionally frayed? Before reaching for pharmaceutical sedatives or sleep aids, consider the calming power of chamomile—a gentle herbal ally with centuries of use in traditional medicine. ✅ Why It Works: Chamomile contains apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, promoting mild sedation and reducing anxiety. - Helps quiet racing thoughts and ease nervous tension - Supports deeper, more restorative sleep - May reduce cortisol levels and improve emotional resilience - Often used in herbal protocols for generalized anxiety and insomnia Clinical studies have shown chamomile extract to be effective in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety, with fewer side effects than conventional medications. ✅ How to Use It: - Brew 1–2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5–10 minutes - Sip slowly in the evening or during stressful moments - Add a slice of lemon or a spoonful of honey for extra soothing power - Try a “chamomile wind-down ritual” with soft music, dim lights, and mindful breathing ⚠️ Important Note: Chamomile is generally safe, but may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed, daisies, or marigolds. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking blood thinners, consult your healthcare provider before using regularly. 💬 What’s your favorite way to unwind? Have you tried chamomile for stress or sleep? Share your rituals, blends, and bedtime hacks below—and let’s build a calm-first toolkit together.

🍯 Swap Lozenges for Raw Honey Scratchy throat? That dry, painful tickle that makes swallowing feel like sandpaper? Before you reach for medicated lozenges or sprays, try nature’s golden remedy: honey. ✅ Why It Works: Honey isn’t just sweet—it’s medicinal. - Antibacterial & antiviral: Raw honey contains hydrogen peroxide and other compounds that fight microbes. - Anti-inflammatory: Soothes irritated tissues and reduces swelling. - Demulcent effect: Coats the throat, forming a protective barrier that eases pain and suppresses cough. - Antioxidants: Support immune function and healing. Studies show honey can be as effective as over-the-counter cough suppressants—especially in mild cases and nighttime relief. ✅ How to Use It: - Take 1 teaspoon of raw honey straight, slowly letting it coat your throat. - Stir into warm (not hot) herbal tea—try chamomile, ginger, or lemon. - Mix with turmeric and black pepper for an anti-inflammatory throat paste. - Combine with garlic or cinnamon for a DIY immune booster. ⚠️ Important Safety Note: Honey should never be given to children under 1 year old due to the risk of infant botulism—a rare but serious condition caused by bacterial spores that may be present in honey. For adults, raw honey is generally safe and soothing when used in moderation. 💬 What’s your honey ritual? Do you go raw, infused, or blended? Drop your favorite combos below—and let’s build a throat-soothing recipe bank together!

Ever heard of the vagus nerve? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s your body’s built-in chill switch. As the longest cranial nerve, it runs from your brainstem to your gut, connecting the dots between digestion, heart rate, breath, and even mood. 📍 Why It Matters: The vagus nerve is the MVP of your parasympathetic nervous system—aka your “rest and digest” mode. When it’s functioning well (high vagal tone), you feel calm, resilient, and well-regulated. When it’s off? You might experience bloating, anxiety, brain fog, or even immune dysfunction. 🌀 Signs You Might Need a Reset: - Sluggish digestion or appetite changes - Racing heart or shallow breathing - Mood swings, anxiety, or fatigue - Feeling “stuck” in stress mode 🍽️ Food as Medicine: Vagus-Friendly Nutrients These foods help nourish the gut-brain axis and support vagal tone: - 🥬 Leafy greens (magnesium-rich for nervous system support) - 🫐 Blueberries (antioxidants to reduce inflammation) - 🥑 Avocados (healthy fats for brain and nerve function) - 🧄 Fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, and sauerkraut (probiotics to support gut signaling) - 🫖 Green tea (L-theanine promotes calm and focus) - 🐟 Fatty fish like salmon and sardines (omega-3s for mood and nerve health) 🧘‍♂️ Rituals That Reset the Vagus Nerve: - 🌬️ Deep diaphragmatic breathing (inhale for 4, exhale for 6) - 🧊 Cold exposure (cold showers or face splashes) - 🎶 Humming, chanting, or singing (activates vocal cords and vagal pathways) - 🧘 Yoga and meditation (especially poses that open the chest and throat) - 🤲 Facial massage or acupuncture - 🏃‍♀️ Gentle movement (walking, stretching, dancing) - 😄 Laughter and connection (yes, joy is therapeutic!) 🔄 Try This Today: Sip warm bone broth while humming your favorite tune. Then take 5 slow belly breaths and stretch your arms overhead. You’ve just fed and activated your vagus nerve—no prescription required.

We’re so excited to start this 7-month Food is Medicine journey with you! 🎉This space is all about healing through food, learning, and supporting each other. 👉 Start by introducing yourself in the comments! Share your name, where you're from, and one thing you hope to get out of this program. 💬 P.S For those that are new to the platform and are trying to access the modules click on "Classroom" at the top corner of your Skool page here you will find all 7 months broken up into modules. Each module should take you up to one month to complete then you may move on to the next month until you have completed all 7 months! Let’s make this a supportive, uplifting space where we grow together — one healthy step at a time. 💚 #Welcome #MyLeraWellness #FoodIsMedicine