Nervous System Continued

Nerve Tonics: These herbs can be taken over a long period of time and are generally mild in action. They are known to be high in calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and protein. Herbs from this category are found in every nerve formula.
Examples: Oat Straw (Avena sativa), Scullcap (Scutellara later flora), Wood Betony (Betonica Officinalis), Chamonile (Anthemis nobilis and related species), Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis), and Hops (humulus lupulus).

Nerve Sedatives: These herbs relax the nervous system and help reduce pain and tension, and can help with sleeping. They are gentle but powerful in soothing and nourishing the peripheral nerves and muscle tissue. Also included in this category are anti-spasmodic herbs that help relieve muscle cramping and spasms.
Examples: California Poppy, Passion Flower, St. John's Wart, Catnip, Valerian, Lemon Balm, Hops, Lobelia, Scullcap and Cramp Bark.

Nervine Demulcents: This group of herbs aid in soothing and healing the irritated and inflamed nerve endings. They have a gel-like consistency that coats and protects the nerve endings.
Examples: Slippery Elm, Comfrey Root, Oats, Barley, Flax Seed and Marshmallow Root.

Nervine Stimulants: When you are stressed and worn out your nervous system does not need or want more stimulants which are found in caffeine-rich foods, chocolate, sugar or drugs, which we use as a pick-me-up in our culture. Mild herbs that gently feed nourishing energy into the system are needed. These Nervine Stimulants are essential to the nervous system by activating the nerve endings and increasing circulation, vitality and zest. They do not agitate it as with stimulating drugs, but awaken and revitalize the nervous system.
Examples: Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Ginko, Gota Kola, Spearmint, Wintergreen, Cayenne, Ginger, Bee Pollen, Siberian Ginseeng, Spirulina, Rosemary and Sage.

Herbs for the Nervous System

Herbs and other natural therapies can play a vital role in our health and well-being mentally, emotionally, physically and can even help us connect spiritually. Herbs are not only full of concentrated nutrients but also form a direct link with the cosmic consciousness and higher intelligence. Using modern technology we know that all living things have a life force of their own; that every life force has knowledge of it's own purpose. Plants have an inherent ability to channel life energy and to connect with the places in us that need healing. I believe that herbology, being the oldest system of medicine known to mankind, goes far beyond the physical. If we will but embrace what God, the great Creator, the universe, what ever name you want to call it, we can embrace what they used to think of as Magic. We will be able to witness the interaction between body, mind and spirit in healing. But to do so we will need to embrace what it means to return back to nature, or natural.

Nervins are herbs that benefit the Nervous system. Unlike prescriptions which deaden our nerve response, nervine herbs reconnect the nerve channels in the body by mending and soothing the frayed ends and aiding the flow of life force. Allopathic (Western) medicine gives you quick relief from acute pain and is needed at times, but herbs can help to ease and soothe the pain through toning and nourishing the affected area. There is a great overlap among the herbs and what purposes they can be used for, but grouping the herbs helps to give some definition of how and what they do. Most nervines work by feeding and toning the nervous system. Some may stimulate and energize the system by gently increasing energy. Other nervines may aid in sleep and relaxation by gently calming and soothing. It's important to realize that they work in harmony with our body, never dulling or forcing changes.