Guest Author - Evelyn Roether

From time to time we all get to feeling a bit bogged down by the minutia of life's demands and challenges. Well, good news! There are some herbs that not only reduce stress and anxiety, but also actually strengthen the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizers that often mask symptoms, certain herbs are known for their ability to relax nervous tension by toning and reviving the central nervous system. These are called "herbal nervines": herbs that help the nerves. There are several categories of nervines:

NERVE TONICS are generally very gentle and soothing. They tend to be high in protein, B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium and they actually feed the nervous system. Their properties are very quieting and will relax that sense of frayed nerves. Examples of nerve tonic herbs are skullcap, oatstraw, hops and lemon balm.

NERVE SEDATIVES are more powerful than tonics and are good for bringing passivity to the forefront of your being. Some herbal sedatives just make you feel relaxed (i.e.: catnip, lobelia), while others will tend to induce sleep (i.e.: valerian, passionflower, California poppy).

NERVINE DEMULCENTS are healing agents by nature of their mucilaginous consistency. Taken internally, these herbs coat inflamed mucous membranes and sooth agitations. These herbs don’t act specifically on the nervous system, but are beneficial nonetheless. Examples of nervine demulcents are marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, barley and flaxseed.

NERVE STIMULANTS get neurochemical transmitters charged up in a healthy, invigorating way. They increase circulation and energy without the ”buzz” of more familiar stimulants such as caffeine and sugar. Herbs such as ginger, rosemary, sage spearmint and peppermint put the zig back in your zag and get you moving back into an alert and refreshed state of mind.

These herbal nervines are tools in your toolbox. Unlike most pharmaceutical drugs that might serve the same purpose, herbs have some nutritive value, so they feed your body as well as your mind.

Herbs can be utilized in many other ways, whereby their centering properties can be experienced without ingestion. For example, old books on herbal healing recommend taking a small pillow filled with rose leaves, mint, cloves and rosemary to bed with you to “keep away evil spirits”. Rose petals and scented geranium leaf also provide aroma-therapeutic relief to the stressed-out brain.

But, don’t forget the simplest of remedies to alleviate frazzled nerves: good old R and R. Take a nice hot bath. Get a massage. Meditate. Stick your nose into a fragrant flower. Then, do your homework and learn more about these time-proven herbs for peace in the mind.

DISCLAIMER: The author of this article is not an herbalist practitioner or a doctor. Please consult a medical professional before using any medicinal herbs.