Within my friend circle and on social media I am constantly hearing people complain about being stressed out and having their nerves fried. With the combination of unhealed trauma, stressful lives, and an unstable world, our bodies nervous systems can be affected negatively by stress.
What exactly is a Nervous System?
Let’s get science-y here, guys. Our nervous system is a network of neurons located in the` brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This network controls your memories, senses, movements and thoughts. It can be considered the body’s communication network because it transmits signals throughout the body.
One important signal that gets passed (through the nervous system) from one part of the brain (amygdala) to another part (hypothalamus) in times of stress is the one that signals your body to fight or flight (or freeze!).
If our bodies are continually subjected to stress, our nervous systems will be continually on high alert (in fight or flight mode). This contributes to the dysregulation of the nervous system.
Although we cannot always take away all the stressors of life, we can prepare our bodies (by way of the nervous system) to manage the stress with more ease.
Herbs and Stress
That’s where the magic of herbs comes in! These beautiful allies have the ability to help you counter an overstimulated nervous system caused by stress.
When working with herbs and the nervous system, some great plant allies are Nervine Herbs. Nervine Herbs are plants that bring our nervous system into balance. Perhaps the most common example of a nervine herb (and Grandma’s favorite cold stopper) is chamomile.
Another group of herbs that help manage stress in the nervous system are Adaptogens. These herbs (and sometimes mushrooms) restore balance in the nervous system and manage stress. There are more than 70 plants, herbs and mushrooms that can be considered adaptogens. One of the ways they work is by limiting how much cortisol is released in your body when you’re stressed – if you have less cortisol, it can mean that you have less reaction to the stress. The most famous adaptogen can be considered to be ginseng.
Alrighty then! Now that you know what type of herbs work the best to calm your nervous system, let’s talk about what herbs those are. Here are the 10 Best Herbs to Calm your Nervous System!
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is a revered plant native to India in the mint family. Although most commonly known for its distinctive smell, Tulsi is known by herbalists and plant lovers alike for its therapeutic powers when it comes to stress. This special plant helps balance stress hormones and manage symptoms of anxiety with its anti-stress phytochemical compounds. Holy basil sure does live up to its name!
Lavender
Just hearing the word lavender invokes pleasant memories of walking through my garden and smelling the lush lavender plants. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean, India and the Middle East and has been cherished for more than 2000 years! People of the Mediterranean and surrounding regions used lavender as a perfume, an incense ingredient, a bath additive, and even as an oil to embalm mummies! Besides a luxurious scent, studies show that when smelled, the scent of lavender is absorbed through the lungs and sent into the bloodstream. From here the scent reaches receptors in nerve cells and relaxes the brain. Lavender is more than just a pretty flower and scent – it’s medicine!
Ashwagandha
This powerhouse adaptogen is native to dry regions such as India, the Middle East and parts of Africa. Although all parts of the plant are used in making medicine, the most common part of the Ashwagandha plant used is the root. Ashwagandha helps calm the nervous system by reducing cortisol levels in your body. Additionally, the herb contains compounds called withanolides which are neuroprotective compounds. This means they prevent/slow the loss or damage of neurons in the nervous system. You will definitely want Ashwagandha on your list of supplements to take or medicines to make!
California Poppy
Many people who grew up in California have memories of witnessing beautiful bursts of California Poppies bloom during the Spring and Summer. What a joy it is to be in the presence of a blooming field of California Poppies and what a powerful medicine they are when it comes to calming your nervous system. This perennial native to the Pacific coast of North America is a nervine herb and contains chemicals that help you relax, as well as reduce anxiety, stress and tension. The California Poppy is a wonderful balancer and tonic for our nervous systems!
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is another rockstar member of the mint family (geez, how many siblings are there?) It is native to the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and Central Asia. This amazing herb has several bioactive compounds that work together to calm the nervous system. When ingested or applied topically, the chemical compounds of lemon balm interact with special receptors in the brain (GABA) that directly play a role in regulating mood and anxiety levels.
Chamomile
Granny’s favorite herb for making teas is also an excellent herb for calming the nervous system. Chamomile is native to Western Europe and Western Asia and is both a perennial and annual herb. Scientists believe that the chemical compounds in chamomile increase brain neurotransmitters activity, such as serotonin and dopamine. This causes a positive effect on one’s mood and anxiety, and it turn is an excellent calming herb for the nervous system.
Passionflower
Passionflower is an intricate herb that is native to North America (Southeastern region), Central America, and South America. This well-known plant is a nervine herb and is a vining plant – should we call it a nerVINE herb? Sorry guys, I had to tell that cheesy Dad joke! The chemical compounds of passionflower create a gentle sedative in one’s body. In turn this soothes the nervous system and allows for sleep and relaxation. Passionflower is truly the best of both worlds- calming and beautiful!
Valerian
Valerian is a perennial nervine herb native to Europe and Asia. Special chemical compounds in the valerian root, called valerenol and valerenic acid respectively, increase the amount of GABA (calming neurotransmitters) we have in the brain. This increase of GABA levels helps calm and regulate the nervous system. Additionally, valerian root helps maintain levels of serotonin (a very important neurotransmitter that helps regulate many functions of the body, including mood). Just remember, valerian is a very strong and powerful sedative/nervine herb so be careful when using this medicine!
Rue
This strongly scented perennial plant is native to Southern Europe. Rue is used to treat many ailments and is even used in folk healing here in Mexico (curanderismo). This powerhouse of a plant contains multiple important chemical compounds, most notably rutin and rutamarin. Rutamarin is known for boosting levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, while rutin is a compound known for its neuroprotective effects (meaning preventing/slowing the loss or damage of neurons in the nervous system). Dopamine, serotonin, and neuroprotective effects? Yes please!
Linden
Linden is a tree/bush with flowers and fruit that is native to most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Although perhaps most famous for its delicious tea and pollinator friendly blooms, linden is a wonderful plant ally for your nervous system. Linden has antioxidants (in particular flavonoids) that may help regulate the nervous system. Linden is a delightful herb option for calming the nervous system.
That’s a wrap on The 10 Best Herbs to Calm Your Nervous System! One way to calm your nervous system with herbs is to take them preventatively – perhaps you can drink a nervine herb tea daily a few months before a stressful event. Another method is to take these herbs in the moment of a stressful event. Whatever way you decide to connect with these wonderful plant allies, I hope it benefits you in the best way possible. Now, go calm down!
