The greatest secrets of wellness are not found in a bottle, but in a leaf, a petal, and the joyful curiosity of a shared moment.

-Onyeka Tefari

Last Sunday, our wellness space was transformed into a garden of earthly delights—and delightful confusion! Our December Bantaba, centered around the playful "Guess That Herb" game, brought together an intimate group of curious souls ready to engage their senses, challenge their perceptions, and deepen their connection with plant medicine.

The Blindfolded Reveal

The highlight of the afternoon was, without a doubt, the moment the blindfolds went on. Laughter filled the room as participants relied solely on touch and scent to identify the herbs before them. The biggest surprise? How similar camphor and Cuban oregano felt in the hand—a textural trick that stumped even the most seasoned herb lovers! Meanwhile, the bright, citrusy scent of lemongrass was an instant mood-lifter, while the deep, resinous aroma of myrrh gum transported many to a place of sacred stillness.

We loved watching the "aha!" moments when someone correctly identified thyme by its pungent, earthy scent, or recognized rose petals by their velvety softness. It was a beautiful reminder that wellness isn't just about knowledge—it's about experience, presence, and sometimes, a little playful humility.

Your Herbal Guide

For those who attended—and for anyone curious to learn more—we've compiled a quick-reference guide to the herbs we explored. Each one holds unique gifts, and there are so many ways to welcome them into your daily rituals.

Herb	Benefits & Indications	Methods of Use
Lavender	Calms nervous system, promotes relaxation & sleep.	Tea, aromatherapy, infused oil.
Rosemary	Stimulates memory & circulation, antioxidant.	Culinary spice, hair oil, tea.
Thyme	Respiratory support, soothes coughs & sore throats.	Tea with honey, steam inhalation.
Cuban Oregano	Strong respiratory aid, topical antiseptic.	Tea (small amount), poultice.
Mint	Aids digestion, relieves nausea, cooling.	Tea, culinary garnish, aromatherapy.
Juniper Berries	Supports kidney & urinary tract health.	Tea, infused vinegar.
Myrrh Gum Resin	Antiseptic, immune booster, oral health.	Tincture, infused oil, mouthwash.
Elderberry	Top-tier immune supporter for colds & flu.	Syrup, tea, gummies.
Saw Palmetto Berry	Supports prostate health & hormonal balance.	Tincture, capsules, tea.
Camphor	Relieves congestion & muscle aches (external use only).	Salve, chest rub, steam inhalation.
Rose Petals	Soothes stress, supports skin, heart-opening.	Tea, hydrosol, infused honey.
Chamomile	Gentle relaxant, promotes sleep, soothes digestion.	Tea, compress, bath soak.
Allspice	Warms digestion, eases bloating.	Culinary spice, tea, infused oil.
Cloves	Analgesic for toothache, digestive aid.	Tea, powdered capsules, culinary.
Cardamom	Aids digestion, freshens breath.	Culinary spice, tea, chewed pod.
Star Anise	Aids digestion, relieves coughs, antiviral.	Tea, broths, tincture.
Garlic	Natural antibiotic, supports heart health.	Raw in food, honey-infused, tincture.
Cilantro	Digestive aid, natural detoxifier.	Fresh in foods, juice, tea.
White Sage	Purifying, antimicrobial, respiratory support.	Smudging (ceremonial), tea.
Lemongrass	Aids digestion, reduces anxiety, antifungal.	Tea, culinary spice, essential oil.

Take the Magic Home

Did you connect with a particular herb during the game? Felt drawn to the calming scent of lavender, or curious about making your own elderberry syrup? Many of the herbs we explored are available for purchase!

If you’d like to take home any of the herbs from our Bantaba—whether it's rosemary for your kitchen, chamomile for evening tea, or white sage for ceremony—simply reach out to us. We’d be happy to share these plant allies with you.

--> Contact us via DM, email, or in-person to arrange your herbal purchase.

No sensory journey would be complete without honoring one of our most beloved daily rituals: the perfect cup of coffee. We were thrilled to have the wonderful Vic join us to share pro tips on brewing. Vic reminded us that great coffee starts with quality beans, a precise grind, and water just off the boil. But the real secret? It’s in the pause—taking a moment to inhale the rich aroma before that first sip, transforming a simple morning routine into a mindful act of self-care. It was the perfect complement to our herbal exploration, reminding us that wellness can be found in both the extraordinary and the everyday.

Gratitude & Growing Together

Thank you to everyone who shared their senses, smiles, and stories last Sunday. These gatherings are rooted in community, curiosity, and the joy of learning together. We look forward to seeing you at our next Bantaba—where we’ll continue to explore wellness in ways that engage, inspire, and connect.

Stay curious, stay grounded, and keep smelling the roses (and the rosemary, and the thyme…).

With warmth and wellness,
Onyeka Tefari & the Wellness Team

P.S. Want to be the first to know about our next event? Subscribe to our newsletter or check out our Events Page for updates and herbal highlights!

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A Sensory Journey: Recapping Our “Guess That Herb” Bantaba

The greatest secrets of wellness are not found in a bottle, but in a leaf, a petal, and the joyful curiosity of a shared moment.

The Blindfolded Reveal

Your Herbal Guide

Take the Magic Home

Gratitude & Growing Together

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