5 Important Herbs for Nervous System Health

The nervous system is the most important system in our body as it controls regulates all bodily functions, including the body’s reaction to stress. Ongoing stress and anxiety can have a very detrimental effect on the nervous system, by causing it to become overworked. Such stress means that the nervous system keeps the body in a constant state of alertness, without allowing it to return to a relaxed state.

When the body’s stress response runs continually, the nervous system gradually starts to degenerate. As it slowly breaks down, it can produce all kinds of symptoms. These include fatigue, mental fog, hormone imbalances, inflammation, and depression.

Taking herbs is an excellent way to support your nervous system when it’s under stress. There are a number of important herbs for nervous system health. When looking at how they can help you, it’s important to keep in mind what type of herb they are and also their properties.

There are two main herb types:

1. Specifics — these herbs perform specific functions/target specific symptoms. They tend to act faster than tonic herbs.
2. Tonics — these herbs generally enhance the health and functioning of the body, or particular organs. They’re taken long-term for best results.

1. Skullcap — Nerve Tonic

Skullcap, a hardy perennial herb native to North America, is possibly the best overall tonic herb for the nervous system. It encourages proper electrical activity and functioning in the brain. This has given it a reputation for helping treat neurological problems such as tremors, seizures, nervous tension and anxiety. Skullcap also has antispasmodic properties that can relieve muscle tension.

Scientists are still researching the use of skullcap, particularly as a treatment for anxiety. This clinical trial showed that it significantly reduced anxiety in healthy volunteers, with a peak effect in one hour.

For best results, skullcap is usually mixed with other calming herbs.

We Recommend: Native Remedies Epi-Still. This supplement is a concentrated tincture that contains therapeutic dosages of skullcap and passionflower extract (a renowned calming herb, commonly used to treat anxiety. It’s designed to promote complete nervous system health and normal brain function.

2. St Johns Wort — Nerve Tonic

St Johns Wort, native to Europe, has traditionally been used as a nerve tonic, although these days it’s become a popular remedy for depression. If you’re suffering from nervous exhaustion caused by long-term stress, St John’s Wort will often help. It’s a persistent, gentle, nerve tonic that boosts the whole nervous system.

When combined with passionflower extract, scientists have found that St Johns Wort is an effective remedy for treating both anxiety and depression together.

We Recommend: Native Remedies MindSoothe. This supplement is a therapeutic blend of St Johns Wort and passionflower, in capsule form. It’s recommended to promote balanced moods with even emotions, and reduce feelings of being anxious and overwhelmed. It helps maintain a well-adjusted, positive temperament.

If you’re suffering from chronic insomnia, we also recommend Native Remedies Serenite LT. This supplement is a blend of St Johns Wort, and vitamins and minerals (calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6) that promote sleep . It supports maintenance of a healthy sleep cycle, long term.

3. Passionflower — Calmative/Antispasmodic

Passionflower is a renowned strong calming herb that’s is particularly beneficial in treating anxiety (see studies containing evidence of how passionflower for anxiety works).

Passionflower is helpful in relieving muscle tension and other symptoms of extreme anxiety. It’s especially good for nervous insomnia — the kind that keeps you lying in bed awake, worrying until the early hours. It’s also useful during times of extreme emotional upset.

We Recommend: Native Remedies PureCalm. This supplement is a fast acting tincture that contains therapeutic dosages of passionflower extract, combined with lemon balm and lavender. It’s an effective on-the-spot remedy for nervous system support, used to soothe the nerves, and lessen feelings of being edgy, flustered and bothered.

4. Valerian — Calmative/Hypnotic/Antispasmodic

Valerian is another strong calming herb that’s particularly beneficial for relaxing the nervous system and body, so that it can get to sleep.

We Recommend: Native Remedies Serenite Plus. This supplement contains both valerian and passionflower extract, as well as melatonin and 5HTP (which boost seratonin, a neurotransmitter that’s important in a healthy sleep cycle). It’s best for people who suffer from restlessness at night and have trouble winding down after a busy day.

5. Ginseng — General Tonic/Adaptogen

There two types of ginseng (Siberian and Panax/Chinese/Asian) and both are known as adaptogen herbs. This type of herb aids the body’s adaptability and enables it to avoid reaching a point of collapse or over-stress.

Siberian ginseng works wonders for people who are chronically stressed, as it balances out the body’s reactions and helps restore over-stressed adrenal glands. It’s very slow working though, and needs to be taken for several months to see results. Panax ginseng is faster acting and has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, reviving all the neurons. In Chinese medicine, it’s used as a tonic for the whole body in times of weakness, fatigue, and stress.

We Recommend: Native Remedies AdaptoZen. This supplement, in capsule form, contains therapeutic dosages of Panax ginseng and other herbs with adaptogen properties. It supports the body’s ability to withstand change.