Nervous System Herbs

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With all the tension and anxiety over both the virus and the outcome of the election, I thought I would share some information about some herbs that might help alleviate some of the discomfort we’re feeling. Skullcap, Lemon Balm, Hops, Oat seed/straw, and Chamomile, and of course, Motherwort are a few favorites that help me calm down when nervous tension has me upset or just that: nervous.

Nervous system herbs can be classified in three groupings:

• Tonics that feed, tone, rehabilitate, and strengthen the nervous system.
• Sedatives that relax the nervous system and help reduce pain, ease tension, and help with sleep. They also include those herbs that are anti-spasmodic which help with muscle cramping and spasms.
• Demulcents that heal and soothe irritated or inflamed nerve endings.

We’ll begin by taking a look at Oat Seed and Oat straw.

Oat seed/straw ~ Avena Sativa (demulcent)

David Hoffman in Holistic Herbal states:

“Rich in silicic acid; mucin; calcium. Actions: Nervine tonic, anti-depressant, nutritive, demulcent, vulnerary (wound healing). Indications: Oats is one of the best remedies for ‘feeding’ the nervous system, especially when under stress. It is considered a specific in cases of nervous debility and exhaustion when associated with depression. It may be used with most of the other nervines, both relaxant and stimulatory, to strengthen the whole of the nervous system. It is also used in general debility.”

David Hoffman, Holistic Herbal

If you grow your own oats it’s best to harvest the seed before it opens too much. When you squeeze the green seed, it should release a milky-like substance when it’s ready. Too late, and you are harvesting seed that’s not as potent. And be sure to dry the seed away from the light for longer than you think you should. Trust me. If you jar up oat seed that’s not completely dry, the smell will be horrendous. And yes, I know this from personal experience.

The straw can be cut just above the level of the soil and harvested after the seed is done forming, either with the seed or after the seed has been harvested. Oats are mucilaginous, both coating and soothing to nerve endings, plus the stalks contain silica and calcium. I add oat seed and/or straw to any tea I want that is meant to be soothing. In fact, it can be a basis for most of your tea blends. Oats are comfort food…period.

Lemon Balm ~ Melissa officinalis (sedative)

Lemon Balm is a lovely herb that is carminative (stimulates digestion, calms gas), anti-spasmodic, anti-depressive, diaphoretic (stimulates kidneys to promote sweating), and hypotensive (Hoffman). A member of the mint family, Lemon Balm leaves smell like lemon and its carminative properties relieve gas pains and spasms while its essential oils relieve nervous tension.

Lemon Balm has been a staple in my herb garden for years and if I let it flower and go to seed at the end of the season, I find it growing all over the place the following year.

Chamomile ~ Anthemus nobile, Matricaria chamomilla (sedative, tonic)

This delicate herb contains volatile oils, mucilage and is anti-spasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, and vulnerary (Hoffman).

Chamomile flowers are used in teas for anxiety, indigestion, and insomnia. Its delicate flowers contain azulene and are gathered throughout the summer and should be dried with care away from the light. Chamomile is also safe for children and can be helpful with colic.

Hops ~ Humulus lupulus (sedative)

Hops contain lupulin, bitters, resin, tannin, and volatile oils and are considered to be astringent and antiseptic, as well as a hypnotic and sedative (Hoffman). Not only used to make beer Hops also treats both insomnia and anxiety and its bitter aspect makes this fluffy flower (strobile) a wonderful addition to digestive teas as well as teas for nervous tension.

I typically tincture hops but I leave enough dried to add to tea blends throughout the year. The plants are prolific and love to climb on anything, including the surrounding plants. Dig any that are too far outside the fence and transplant them along the hops line and you’ll have hops year after year.

Skullcap ~ Scutellaria Lateriflora (sedative)

Matthew Wood indicates in The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants that skullcap is indicated for nervous fear, restlessness, irritability, and anticipation and is also useful for flatulence and menstrual pain. It may also be effective for fever and can be used as a restorative for a depleted nervous system (Loc. 6259-6269. Kindle).

I love to use this plant from the mint family for headaches and nervous tension. It can be used alone or in a tea blend and can also be tinctured for ease of use. In fact, I prefer many of the herbs I use in tincture form. That way, I can have a basic tea and then add a few drops of various tinctures to create the effect I need.

Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca Labiatae (sedative, tonic)

Motherwort contains alkaloids, volatile oils, bitter glycosides, and tannins (Hoffman) and is an amazing female reproductive herb, especially during the Crone years. Motherwort is also considered useful for cardiovascular and circulatory issues as well.

Culpepeper states that:

“Venus owns the herb, and it is under Leo. There is no better herb to take melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it, and make a merry, chearful blithe soul than this herb. It may be kept in a syrup or conserve; therefore the Latins called it Cardiaca. Besides it makes women joyful mothers of children, and settles their wombs as they should be, therefore we call it Motherwort. It is held to be of much use for the trembling of the heart, and faintings and swoon-ings; from whence it took the name Cardiaca.”

Culpeper, Nicholas. Culpeper’s Complete herbal. Kindle Edition. 

Yes, this is my go-to herb these days, either in tea or tincture form to help calm, well, everything. But because of its bitter taste, I add other soothing and tasty herbs to any tea blend I create such as oats/oatstraw, lemon balm, or spearmint.

Some examples of teas you can create:

Frankly, any of these herbs can be used alone or in a tea blend. And a quick note about parts: I use parts instead of exact measurements, but you can use exact measurements if you’re more comfortable doing so. I would use teaspoon amounts if you’re going to do that, otherwise, I use healthy pinches for my parts. I either use a French Press or quart mason jar if making a larger quantity, or I use a tea infuser that sits on top of the cup and hangs down inside. I then cover it for 15 minutes or so to infuse. If using a larger container, I let the tea infuse for 20 minutes.

You can play around with the herbs above to find your own blend, but here are some favorite tea blends to try:

Again, healthy pinches work well for me but you can use whatever you like. Pour boiling water over the herbs either into a cup, jar, or French Press, cover, and let it steep 15 to 20 minutes. I typically leave the herbs to steep for 20 minutes if using a larger container. After steeping the tea, strain (or press down the plunger on the French Press) and enjoy!

So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or nervous, get creative, and make a cup of tea!

Blessings!

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Disclaimer:

The information above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose any condition or prescribe any treatment. Please consult your medical/herbal professional for further advice regarding the use of herbs, particularly if you’re already taking prescribed medications to avoid any unnecessary or harmful interactions. Please seek treatment from a medical professional should symptoms occur that do not quickly resolve on their own. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, please consult your medical/herbal professional before using any herbs.

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References:

1. Culpeper, Nicholas. Culpeper’s Complete herbal. Kindle Edition.
2. David Hoffman – Holistic Herbal
3. Sage Mountain – herbalism coursework 
4. Matthew Wood. The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants. Kindle.