Herbal Allies: 3 Recommended Herbs to Help Nurture Your Nervous System
How are you all holding up? If you are like me, your nervous system has been through the ringer over these last few weeks over things that are completely out of our control (which is a huge anxiety trigger for me).
Regulating our nervous system allows us to interact and process our environment in an appropriate way which is impactful to our health and well-being. So, I wanted to spotlight three herbs from the Lamiaceae (Mint) family known to provide support to our nervous system - of course, please speak with your medical professional to ensure safety prior to use of any of the herbs noted.
Skullcap (Sculletaria lateriflora): Skullcap is native to the U.S and Canada and is a popular nervine for supporting nerve disorders (sometimes in combination with other herbs such as Valerian and Passionflower) such as anxiety, insomnia, pain and restlessness due to its sedative effect. Medicinal parts are dried leaves, stems and flowering tops and can be prepared as a tea, tincture or capsule.
It is noted not to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding and is not recommended for children. Also, please note there are several drug/herb interactions including anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, etc. as Skullcap may enhance the effect of these drugs.
References:
1. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier: Skullcap (page 135)
2. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory by Thomas Easley: Scullcap (page 301)
3. The Healing Garden by Juliet Blankespoor: Skullcap (pages 367-369)
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon Balm is native to the Mediterranean and Middle East. It’s considered to be a calming herb, along with other medicinal uses including a digestive aid and immune remedy (topically its essential oil is antimicrobial). In addition, Lemon Balm is an aromatic culinary herb known for its citrus flavor.
Specific to its nervine actions, it acts as a mild sedative and has traditionally been used for nervousness, depression, anxiety and insomnia (it is even said to provide support during heartache). Medicinal parts include leaves and flowering tops and can be prepared as a tea, tincture, salve, capsule, essential oil and of course, culinary use. It’s also a huge bee attractor in the garden!
Lemon Balm is considered a thyroid inhibitor, so those with thyroid conditions should use under the guidance of their doctor.
References:
1. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier: Lemon Balm (page 113)
2. Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: Lemon Balm (pages 156-158)
3. The Healing Garden by Juliet Blankespoor: Lemon Balm (pages 319-321)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Last but not least, my favorite stress relieving herb – Lavender. It is native to France and Western Mediterranean. Its flowers house nervine properties leading to its use as a relaxant, antidepressant and mild sedative. I personally use satchels of dried lavender to help soothe my mind and body before sleep and to calm my stress levels. Traditionally, it had many uses including using it as a massage oil to help women in labor manage their pain but is also used as a digestive aid, antiseptic and insect deterrent.
Lavender has had great culinary success and can medicinally be used as a tea, tincture, salve, essential oil and herbal bath (lavender oil taken orally is toxic). Highly recommend!
References:
1. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier: Lavender (page 108)
2. Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide: Lavender (pages 149-152)
3. The Healing Garden by Juliet Blankespoor: Lavender (pages 310-314)
So, keep pushing through, breathe and stay sane - you got this!
