The Parkinson’s Journey – Chapter 6: Can a Cup of Tea Help with Parkinson’s? My Journey with Herbs, Farnesol & Luteolin

It’s been nearly fifty years since the gold standard treatment for Parkinson’s was introduced. I’m grateful for the ways it has helped me and so many others, but I can’t help wondering if it’s time for the next evolution. Science keeps moving forward, and yet sometimes the answers don’t come from a pharmacy shelf — sometimes they’re found in places we overlook every day.

What if that next step isn’t hidden in a lab, but sitting right in our kitchens? What if something as simple as a cup of herbal tea could make a real difference? That question has been on my mind a lot lately.

Over the past few months, I’ve been exploring five common herbs — lemongrass, thyme, chamomile, basil, and rosemary. On the surface, they might seem ordinary, but research suggests they may hold surprising benefits for the brain. Some even show properties that could matter for those of us living with Parkinson’s.

This isn’t about miracle cures or quick fixes. I know better than to believe in those. For me, it’s about curiosity, staying open, and learning how natural approaches might complement the treatment plan I already follow. I’ve started weaving these herbs into my daily life — mostly through teas — and it’s been an eye-opening journey.

In this post, I want to share what I’ve learned, why I started experimenting with herbal teas in the first place, and how these simple plants may connect to something much bigger when it comes to brain health and Parkinson’s.

My Journey with Tea & Farnesol

From Sushi Green Tea to a Herbal Horror Story

I was never a tea drinker growing up. Coffee, sure. Soda, definitely. But tea? Not really my thing. That started to change when I got hooked on sushi. Every meal came with a cup of green tea, and I slowly began to appreciate it. Still, tea was never something I thought of as “medicine” — until life threw me a curveball.

Years ago, when my wife Hayley and I were on a desperate, and ultimately fruitless, quest to find relief for her endometriosis pain, we tried everything. At one point we visited a local acupuncturist, hoping maybe Eastern medicine had something to offer. After the appointment, he prescribed a mix of Chinese mushrooms and tea ingredients. Let me tell you: it was the foulest-smelling concoction I’ve ever brewed.

We were living in an apartment building at the time, and when that pot started steaming, I swear the neighbors must have thought we were burning the place down. The stench was so bad I had to take it outside and dump it in the ditch, then run back in and open every window in the house. That experience made me pretty wary of any so-called “herbal remedies.”

The Study That Changed My Perspective

But in November 2024, all those old preconceptions were shattered. I stumbled across a research study out of Johns Hopkins that absolutely rocked my world. The study showed that an organic compound called farnesol had the ability to reverse Parkinson’s in test tubes and mice. It worked by deactivating a protein called PARIS — one of the culprits that pushes Parkinson’s disease forward.

Now, I can already hear the pushback: “Dave, come on. Mice and test tubes? That’s not very convincing.” And honestly, I agree. Humans and mice don’t exactly look alike on the outside. But before you dismiss it, let me share something fascinating.

Research shows that mice and humans share an incredible amount of genetic material. In fact, about 99% of human genes have a mouse counterpart. That similarity is exactly why scientists use mice to study diseases — what they learn often translates to humans in meaningful ways.

And about those test tubes — here’s what really grabbed me: the way the researchers designed the study showed that farnesol was highly effective at boosting levels of something called PGC-1α. That’s a protein in the brain that protects neurons and supports vital functions. Normally, in Parkinson’s, the PARIS protein suppresses PGC-1α, leaving our brain cells vulnerable. But farnesol? It farnesylates PARIS (basically slaps a little molecular “off” switch on it), which deactivates PARIS’s harmful effect and allows PGC-1α to keep doing its protective work.

Even more compelling, additional studies in animal models of Parkinson’s — including Parkin knockout and alpha-synuclein models — showed the same protective benefits of farnesol. And when researchers looked at the brains of people with Parkinson’s, they found reduced levels of this “farnesylated” PARIS in the substantia nigra (the very area hit hardest by the disease), compared to unaffected brain regions.

That was the moment I thought: Okay, pass me a cup of tea! If something as simple as a plant compound can have that kind of impact in the lab, maybe there’s more here than I ever gave herbs credit for. Of course, if it were really as easy as drinking a cup of tea, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. But still — it was enough to open the door for me, and to make me start looking at herbs not with skepticism, but with curiosity.

The Five Herbs That Caught My Attention

These five herbs have really caught my attention lately. I’ve been digging into the research and even self-experimenting a bit. Now, let me be clear — I’m not recommending that everyone do what I do. Please don’t blindly follow me. Make sure you’re informed and have the knowledge you need to make good decisions for yourself. I’m just a guy living with Parkinson’s (PWP), doing the best I can with the information I’ve got — not a doctor.

But because I’ve learned so much, I feel compelled to share. So let’s dive in.

What is Farnesol, and Where Do We Find It?

Before we get into the herbs, let’s talk about Farnesol. You might be asking: “Dave, what exactly is Farnesol, and where do we get it?”

Great question. Farnesol is actually a component of vitamin K. It naturally shows up in all kinds of places: fruits like peaches and other stone fruits, berries, vegetables such as tomatoes and corn, and — the big one for me — herbs like lemongrass, thyme, and chamomile.

It even pops up in the perfume and beauty industry, tucked away in rose, musk, and citronella. The more I looked into it, the more I realized Farnesol isn’t some exotic lab chemical — it’s been around us all along.

The Five Herbs I’ve Been Exploring

Now, onto the herbs themselves. These are the five I’ve been paying the most attention to, each with its own fascinating mix of benefits:

Thyme

• Acne, blood pressure, cough relief

• Immune support, antibacterial, antifungal

• Mood and aroma effects, cooking staple

• Even some cancer-related research

(Quick side note: I have a story about my friend Felicia here — she swears by thyme tea, and after hearing her describe how it helped her persistent cough, I couldn’t ignore it anymore. But more on that another time.)

Chamomile

• Known for calming and sleep support

• Helpful for menstruation, blood sugar balance

• Osteoporosis and inflammation studies

• Relief for cold symptoms and skin irritation

• Potential anticancer properties

Lemongrass

• Antioxidant and antimicrobial

• Anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential

• Supports digestion, detox, and blood pressure

• Linked with cholesterol control and weight support

• Even used for PMS relief

Rosemary

• Packed with antioxidants

• Supports mood and mental clarity

• May enhance memory and concentration

• Offers neurological protection

• Promotes healthy skin

Basil

• Strong antioxidant power (flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins A & C)

• Anti-inflammatory (thanks to eugenol, linalool, citronellol)

• Immune system support (vitamin C, zinc, iron)

• Nutrient boost (K, manganese, calcium, magnesium)

• Digestive aid — reduces bloating and supports gut health

• Stress reduction benefits — calming and restorative

The Healing Touch of Basil

When I started looking at herbal teas, one herb that really stood out to me was basil. Now, most of us think of basil as something you sprinkle on pasta or pizza, but when you dig deeper, there’s a lot more going on with this humble plant.

• Anti-inflammatory support: Basil has natural oils like eugenol, linalool, and citronellol. These help calm inflammation in the body. Since chronic inflammation is linked to so many health problems — including cancer — having something as simple as basil tea in the mix can feel like one more tool to reduce that fire inside the body.

• Immune strength: Anyone who’s gone through medical treatments knows how hard they can hit your immune system. Basil comes with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, zinc, and iron — all things our bodies need to keep fighting off infections. For someone like me, living with a condition that already challenges my system, immune support feels essential.

• Nutrient boost: Basil is surprisingly nutrient-rich. It brings in vitamin K, manganese, calcium, and magnesium. These aren’t just numbers on a nutrition label — they matter for things like bone health, clotting, and overall resilience, which is especially important if your body is under stress from illness or treatment.

• Digestive help: One thing I’ve learned is that when your digestion is off, everything else feels worse. Basil has compounds like eugenol and cineole that can soothe the stomach, reduce bloating, and make digestion just a little easier. For people in treatment — or anyone struggling with appetite or absorption — this can make a real difference.

• Stress relief: Beyond the physical, there’s the emotional toll. Living with Parkinson’s has its stress, and I can only imagine how much heavier it feels for someone facing cancer. Basil contains compounds that actually have calming, stress-reducing effects. Sometimes even just sipping a warm cup of basil tea feels like a deep breath for the nervous system.

So when I talk about herbal teas, basil is more than just a flavoring herb. For me, it represents how nature can provide gentle, steady support — not a cure, but a partner in the process of living better with whatever challenges we face.

Everyday Herbs and the Hidden Power of Luteolin

You probably noticed that not all of the herbs I’ve been talking about were on my Farnesol list. That’s intentional. The truth is, along with these herbs, I’ve been diving into another organic compound that shows up in some of them — one that has sparked my curiosity in a big way.

I don’t want to overwhelm you with heavy science here, but I also don’t want to leave out the important details. So I’ll keep it simple, highlight the benefits, and leave you with enough info to do your own digging if you’re interested.

What surprises me most is that these powerful compounds aren’t hiding in some exotic rainforest. They’re in everyday herbs and foods — things sitting in our kitchens, on our spice racks, or in the produce section at the local grocery store. We’ve literally had them under our noses all along.

The compound I’m talking about is called Luteolin.

What is Luteolin?

Luteolin is a flavonoid — a natural plant compound — found in herbs, vegetables, fruits, and even teas. Don’t worry, I’m not going to take you back to chemistry class. Let’s just say luteolin has some hidden benefits that are worth knowing.

The one that caught my attention most is its antioxidant power.

Luteolin as a Powerful Antioxidant

• Helps fight Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) – unstable molecules that damage proteins, lipids, and DNA.

• Neutralizes ROS before they cause harm.

• Prevents new ROS from forming.

• Boosts natural defense enzymes like SOD and CAT, strengthening the body’s own antioxidant system.

  
  

Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial & Anticancer Benefits

• Reduces inflammation by lowering cytokine signals.

• Supports apoptosis (natural cell death cancer cells resist).

• Helps block metastasis (spread of cancer cells).

• Protects blood vessels by preventing tumors from forming new supplies.

• Fights harmful bacteria and pathogens, supporting immunity.

Heart & Whole-Body Health

• Linked to better heart health and blood pressure control.

• Used in traditional Chinese medicine for hypertension and anxiety.

• Modern research is now confirming these long-known benefits.

Where Can We Find Luteolin?

Here’s the exciting part: luteolin is not rare. It’s all around us.

• Vegetables: celery, carrots, pumpkin, chicory greens, green hot chili peppers, and artichokes.

• Fruits: apples, lemons.

• Herbs and teas: rosemary, chamomile, thyme, basil, oregano.

The beauty of luteolin is that it can even withstand cooking. So, whether you’re sautéing veggies or steeping tea, you’re still getting the benefit.

The Secondary Benefits of Herbs

By now, you’re probably asking the same question I did: what do we actually do with all of this information?

For me personally, the answer is simple—I’m going to keep looking for natural sources of luteolin and farnesol, and I’m finding small ways to bring them into my everyday diet. One of the easiest and most affordable ways? Herbal teas.

Everyday Herbs With Hidden Power

Many common herbs do more than just add flavor to food. For example:

• Lemongrass – calming, refreshing, and a good source of antioxidants.

• Chamomile – widely used for relaxation, but also has anti-inflammatory properties.

• Thyme & Rosemary – both rich in compounds linked to brain and immune health.

• Basil – another herb showing potential neuroprotective benefits.

A cup of tea made from these herbs costs very little—especially if you buy in bulk from organic farms, which often sell them by the pound for a fraction of what packaged teas cost.

Farnesol: A Compound Worth Noticing

Now, here’s where it gets even more interesting. Farnesol, like luteolin, has shown anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. But what really caught my attention is research suggesting it may help stop and even reverse some of the effects of Parkinson’s disease.

On its own, Farnesol can deactivate a protein called PARIS, which is linked to the progression of PD. When I first read that, my reaction was basically: “Pour me a cup of tea!”

Why Isn’t This Bigger News?

That said, something struck me—and maybe it strikes you too. Why do these studies just seem to… stop? Why aren’t we hearing more about Farnesol and luteolin? If Farnesol truly has the potential to reverse PD, isn’t that newsworthy?

Think back to the COVID-19 pandemic: researchers were working day and night, and treatments and vaccines were developed in record time. So why not here? It’s been 50 years since the last major breakthrough in PD treatment. Isn’t it time we combined resources and pushed this forward?

A Ray of Hope

The good news is, there’s at least some movement. Cure Parkinson’s has started an initiative looking into Farnesol. Whether or not it turns into a breakthrough, I can’t say—but just knowing there’s hope in this area is encouraging.

Final Words

At the end of the day, I don’t see herbs as a replacement for my Parkinson’s treatment. Levodopa and the medical advances we already have are lifesavers, and I’ll always be grateful for them. But exploring these plants—lemongrass, chamomile, thyme, rosemary, basil—has reminded me that hope doesn’t always come in the form of a pill bottle.

Sometimes it comes in a teacup.

For me, it’s about curiosity, balance, and keeping the door open to possibilities. Science may eventually prove that compounds like farnesol and luteolin can truly help people with Parkinson’s. Or maybe they’ll simply remain part of a healthy lifestyle that makes living with this disease a little more manageable. Either way, I’m glad I started asking these questions, and I’m even more grateful for the chance to share this journey with you.

So, here’s my takeaway: keep learning, keep experimenting safely, and don’t underestimate the simple things that surround us. Sometimes, the next step forward is already waiting in our kitchens.

Support This Work

Writing these posts and digging into the research is part of how I fight back against Parkinson’s—and hopefully give others a little hope along the way. If something here has encouraged you, taught you something new, or simply made you feel less alone, I’d be grateful for your support.

👉 Buy me a cup of tea on Ko-fi

Every contribution—big or small—keeps this site alive, fuels future research dives, and reminds me that this work truly matters. So, if you’d like to help, pour me a virtual cup of tea and let’s keep this conversation brewing.

A Note for Caregivers

If you’re reading this as a caregiver, I want to pause and say thank you. I know how much unseen work you do every single day. Exploring herbal teas or small diet changes may seem like “one more thing” on an already heavy list, but sometimes even simple rituals—like sharing a cup of tea together—can be a moment of comfort and connection. Don’t underestimate the value of those little shared pauses. They matter more than we think.

Important Medical Note

I’m not a doctor, and nothing here should be taken as medical advice. The research I’ve shared is still early, and while it’s promising, it hasn’t been proven in humans yet. Please don’t make changes to your treatment plan without first speaking to your neurologist or healthcare provider. Herbs and natural compounds can interact with medications, so always check before trying something new.

Sources

1.      Dawson, T. M., et al. (2021). PARIS farnesylation prevents neurodegeneration in models of Parkinson’s disease. Science Translational Medicine.

2.      Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021, July 28). Fruit compound may have potential to prevent and treat Parkinson’s disease.

3.      Nabavi, S. F., et al. (2015). Luteolin as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent: A brief review. Brain Research Bulletin, 119, 1–11.