Everything You Need To Know About Nervines

If you don’t know what a nervine is, don’t feel bad! Most people Nervines are types of herbs believed to nourish and support the central nervous system. With modern life being full of stressors, nervines can be a great resource for helping you through a tough time and maintaining emotional equilibrium.

Let’s begin with a succinct nervine definition: Nervines are a spectrum of herbs believed to nourish and support the central nervous system. Though in some ways similar to adaptogens, which address a variety of bodily functions and often affect hormones, nervines focus specifically on the central nervous system. And yet, don’t be surprised when you see some adaptogens (such as ashwagandha, and ginseng) listed also as nervines, due to their ability to support the central nervous system.

Before we discuss the benefits of nervines, it’s helpful to know the three major categories of this plant remedy: nervine relaxants, nervine stimulants, and nervine tonics. During times of stress, uncertainty, and change, nervine relaxants can help provide tension relief; depending on the herb or dosage, they can be mildly calming or relaxing. When you need a pick-me-up or need to be more energized, nervine stimulants can help boost your physical stamina and support greater mental focus and clarity. A nervine tonic stimulates overall well-being — invigorating, restoring, or refreshing you.

People often brew nervines in a tea form and drink them. Nervine tinctures, which are more concentrated extracts, may be consumed by the drop or multiple drops. Many herbal nervines are dried and available in capsule or pill form, and can be taken as supplements. Often, you may see combinations of these herbs available, especially in the form of teas. Examples of these herbal partnerships include lemon balm and passionflower; and kava kava root, chamomile, and skullcap. Such medleys can strengthen the overall beneficial effect, as well as enhance aromas and flavors.

Here is a brief description of some of the more popular nervines and nervine herbs, their type, and potential uses: 

• Chamomile – Relaxant. One of the oldest medicinal herbs known. Flavorful, comforting, and gentle, chamomile flowers are traditionally brewed into a soothing tea. Used to promote sleep, reduce inflammation, help with digestion, pain, and many other ailments.
• Green and Black Teas – Stimulants. There is an abundance of green and black teas available to bring excitement and stimulation to the nervous system! These stimulants can be especially helpful to alleviate sluggishness or lift depressive tendencies of body, mind or spirit. Green and black teas often are used as vehicles to carry other nervines (and adaptogens). 
• Gotu Kola – Stimulant. This rejuvenative member of the parsley family is revered in India and is used by yogis in some areas of the Himalayas to improve meditation. Gotu kola leaf and root are believed to help the body maintain healthy neurotransmitter function, while also promoting mental alertness and a sound memory.
• Lavender – Relaxant. Lavender’s calming essence brings aromatic delight and also can help relieve anxiety, induce relaxation, and support regular and restorative sleep. Its mood- restorative benefits can be appreciated when taken orally, as well as via aromatherapy and  topically, in lotions and creams. 
• Lemon Balm – Relaxant. As its name implies, lemon balm is a sweet, lemony-scented herb in the mint family. The cut leaves of this aromatic nervine support the nervous system to promote feelings of tranquility, lift a gloomy mood, and help alleviate occasional anxiety.
• Milk Thistle – Tonic.  Milk Thistle is the green top of the oat plant, harvested when the unripe seedpod is at the milky stage – plump with a white, mineral-rich liquid. Calming, without being sedating, its restorative properties help bring balance to the body and mind, easing restlessness.
• Passionflower – Relaxant. This vining plant has unique purple and white flowers and is also called purple passion flower and maypop. Some studies suggest it might help relieve insomnia and mild anxiety, as it appears to boost the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain. GABA lowers brain activity, which may help you relax, calm your nerves, and sleep better.
• St. John’s Wort – Tonic. Growing in nearly every region around the globe, the medicinal parts of this hardy herb can be found in the stem, petals and flowers. It’s best known as a treatment to balance the mood and for mild depression, yet may also offer some relief from menstrual cramps, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and itching.
• Skullcap – Relaxant. Skullcap can refer to two distinct herbs: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis). Though both forms of skullcap have been used in herbal medicines for hundreds of years, they treat very different conditions and are not interchangeable. American skullcap has been used as a mild relaxant and as a therapy for nervous tension, while Chinese skullcap has been used to treat maladies such as allergies, headaches, and inflammation. 

Most nervines aren’t thoroughly researched, so they often don’t have standardized recommendations for dosages and dose frequency. For this reason, it’s important to read individual recommendations based on the tea or tincture you purchase. Before taking any dietary supplements or herbs, consult with your health care provider; interactions and side-effects can occur, and most medical practitioners can advise you as to a specific nervine’s safety for your individual needs. Finally, always purchase supplements from a reputable source.