Feeling Wired & Tired? Try These Herbs…
5 herbs to calm your nervous system
Feeling wired and tired? Overwhelmed, stressed or anxious?
These are all signs that your nervous system could use some tender loving care.
The nervous system, comprising the brain, spinal cord and a vast network of nerves, is responsible for controlling and coordinating all body activities. When we experience stress, our bodies enter a “fight or flight” mode, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. While this response is essential for short-term survival, chronic stress can lead to a host of problems, including anxiety, depression, insomnia and a weakened immune system.
Taking care of your nervous system is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Herbal medicine is excellent for supporting the nervous system, promoting relaxation and restoring balance.
Here are five herbs known for their calming effects on the nervous system.
Nervous system herbs
Lemon Balm – Gentle Calmer
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a lemon-scented herb from the mint family. It’s been used since the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep and improve appetite. Lemon Balm contains rosmarinic acid, which increases the availability of GABA in the brain. GABA has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It can be particularly effective for anxiety and stress when combined with other calming herbs like Valerian (more about this below). Lemon Balm not only calms the nervous system but also boosts mood and cognitive function, making it beneficial for mental clarity and focus.
How to use it:
Lemon Balm can be taken as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. For tea, steep 1 – 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes. Capsules and tinctures should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Passionflower – Natural Sedative
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a climbing vine with a long history of use in traditional medicine for its sedative and calming properties. Passionflower works by increasing levels of GABA in the brain, which helps to lower brain activity, leading to a calming effect. This makes it particularly useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, palpitations and nervous restlessness. Its sedative properties help to improve sleep quality and duration, making it an excellent choice for those with sleep issues or disrupted sleep patterns.
How to use it:
Passionflower is available in teas, tinctures and capsules. For tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried passionflower in hot water for 10 – 15 minutes. Follow the recommended dosage on tinctures and capsules, usually around 250 – 500 mg taken before bedtime for sleep, or as needed for anxiety.
Oats – Gentle Nourisher
Oats (Avena sativa) are not only a nutritious food but also a powerful herb for calming the nervous system. Used traditionally as a tonic, oats are known for their gentle, nourishing properties. Oats work by providing essential nutrients that support the nervous system. They are rich in B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and silica, which help to soothe, strengthen and nourish nerve tissue. Oats exert a mild sedative effect, helping to calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety. For those struggling with insomnia or restless sleep, oats can also be highly beneficial for promoting restful sleep.
How to use it:
Oats can be consumed in various forms, including oat straw tea, tinctures or as part of your regular diet. For oat straw tea, steep 1 – 2 teaspoons of dried oat straw in hot water for 10 – 15 minutes. Oat tinctures can be taken as directed by the manufacturer, usually around 1 – 2 ml taken 2 – 3 times daily.
Skullcap: Nervous System Relaxer
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a perennial herb known for its calming and relaxing effects on the nervous system. It has been used for centuries to treat anxiety, stress and insomnia. Skullcap contains flavonoids and other compounds that act on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. It helps to modulate the activity of neurotransmitters like GABA, promoting relaxation and reducing nervous tension. Due to its sedative and relaxant properties, skullcap helps with sleep onset, quality and duration, and symptoms like muscle tension, restlessness and irritability.
How to use it:
Skullcap can be taken as a tea, tincture or in capsule form. For tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried skullcap in hot water for about 10 minutes. Capsules and tinctures should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically around 1 – 2 ml taken 2 – 3 times daily.
Valerian Root: Nature’s Tranquiliser
Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) is known as “nature’s tranquiliser” due to its potent calming effects. It contains compounds that increase the level of GABA in the brain, similar to the way anti-anxiety medications work. This makes it an excellent choice for soothing the nervous system and alleviating anxiety and stress, making it easier to handle daily pressures. Known for its sedative properties, Valerian Root helps improve sleep quality and duration, making it beneficial for those struggling with insomnia, promoting a sense of calm.
How to use it:
Valerian Root can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. For tea, steep 1 teaspoon of dried valerian root in hot water for about 10 – 15 minutes. Capsules and tinctures should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 300-600 mg taken 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime for sleep, or as needed for anxiety.
Relax and reset with herbs
Incorporating calming herbs into your routine can provide natural, effective relief from stress, anxiety and overwhelm. Herbs offer a holistic approach to soothing the nervous system, helping you feel more balanced and at peace. If you’re taking medication or have a chronic condition, always consult with a qualified herbalist before starting herbs. They can recommend the most appropriate herbs and dosage for your needs. With the right support, you can navigate the stresses of modern life with greater ease and tranquillity.
