Best and Worst Herbs for Learning European Portuguese

It is no surprise that some natural compounds can help cerebral functions, but those learning European Portuguese, or any other language for that matter, should be aware, that not all natural herbs are going to help you in your language acquisition journey, some can actually hinder it.

Does science prove that herbs help with language learning?

An example of that is a study performed earlier this year, in April of 2016, by Northumbria University’s Department of Psychology. Researchers there performed a simple memory test, by asking participants to recall words and images that had been previously shown to them.

Participants were divided into to groups, given peppermint or chamomile tea, and exposed to a chamomile or a lavender scent.

The results?

It seems peppermint and rosemary had a significant and positive effect on memory recall. Participants were able to remember 15% more and on top of that, were more alert and in a better mood.

best and worst herb for learning european portuguese

Hey, it’s a win-win situation!

Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Those exposed to chamomile or lavender felt calmer and more content but were also slower to bring back to mind words or images.

In practice, how can herbs help you learn a language quicker?

An obvious application here is to head over to Amazon and stock up on good-quality organic peppermint and rosemary tea. Create the habit of having a cup ready before starting your study sessions. On top of being a memory enhancer, it is a pleasant, enjoyable drink, so over time, you will associate study time with a rewarding trigger: tea.

This combination will likely result in greater motivation for studying, practicing, and learning European Portuguese.

On the other hand, stay away from chamomile and lavender when you know you’ll be using European Portuguese. These herbs will not deteriorate your memory or make you forget words, but their calming effect will literally make you and your brain slower. Reserve those herbs for bedtime.

Well, there you have it!

Want more tips and tricks like these? Make sure you subscribe to our podcast and check our other European Portuguese language learning tips and tricks.

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