What are Nervine Herbs?
Herbal medicines which have an effect on the nervous system are a class known as Nervine tonics or nervine trophorestoratives, meaning they have a very specific action on mood, anxiety and sleep for which traditionally there were no synthetic treatments available.
These include Oat Straw (Avena Sativa), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), and Withania.
There are also many herbs which have a broader scope of non-specific support to the overall nervous system used to treat conditions such as neuralgia, nervous debility, stress, restlessness, panic attacks, insomnia, and headache and visceral spasm (due to the relaxing and spasmodic action on some of these herbs).
Herbs in this category include the above listed plus Californian poppy (Eschscholtzia californica), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), Kava (piper methysticum), Lime flowers (tillia spp., and Cramp bark (viburnum opulus).
The mechanism of how the constituents of these herbs affect the body has to do with the communication between the receptor sites on the synaptic membranes between nerve and nerve, nerve to muscles and tissues and so on.
Nervine herb activity affects the GABA , acetylcholine , and dopaminergic receptors, as well as some having analgesic qualities, and anxiolytic and antidepressant activities.
Because of the powerful effects of these herbs on the nervous system, therapeutic use of many of these need to be closely monitored and prescribed by a qualified practitioner in case there are any underlying conditions that need to be uncovered, and also any contraindications.
However, many are perfectly safe to consume in small and less concentrated amounts as a beautiful herbal infusion and when drunk regularly can still support the body when needed.
Little Wildling Co has a range of herbal tea blends designed by qualified herbalists to help you unwind, calm and relax you whilst ensuring the flavour is on point:
A heavenly blend of medicinal herbs to lull you into a relaxed state, especially made for those times when you are physically exhausted but too wired to sleep. Perfect as you settle into bed with a good book or relax in the bath before bed. Lavender and Passionflower have sedative and hypnotic effects to get you into a deeply relaxed state, while Valerian and Chamomile soothes restlessness and anxiety which can keep us awake at night.
INGREDIENTS: An oh so calming blend of Chamomile, Passionflower, Lavender, Hyssops, Valerian.
Packed full of calming nervines such as Skullcap - our nervous system restorer which can help in times of emotional distress and anxiety, while Licorice helps to soothe the adrenals and rebalance the stress response. Chamomile can calm the nerves that cause digestive upsets, and Siberian ginseng can support the physical and mental impacts of stress.
INGREDIENTS: Licorice, Marshmallow, Chamomile, Siberian Ginseng, Rosehip, Turmeric Root and Skullcap Leaf.
Don’t let the name throw you. This is a meticulously thought-out blend of Western and Ayuvedic herbs to soothe your adrenals and nervous system, reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and cerebral circulation. It’s a healthy replacement for your morning coffee which in stressful times can exacerbate the affects stress has on the body and can actually increase anxiety. Bacopa and Gingko biloba can help you focus, supporting our adrenals and healthy stress response with Licorice and Siberian ginseng, and keeping inflammation in check with Withania which also helps our bodies cope in stressful times.
Ingredients: Marshmallow, Withania (Ashwagandha), Gingko Biloba, Dandelion, Yerba Mate, Turmeric Root, Siberian Ginseng, Bacopa (Brahmi) and Licorice
Sources:
- K, Bone and S, Mills, “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy – Modern Herbal Medicine” 2nd Ed, 2013, Pg 274.