What are nervines and how do they affect the nervous system?

Nervines are a group of herbs that offer support to the nervous system, including the brain and nerves. nervines can help to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, promote sleep, and support healthy brain function. They work by nourishing the nervous system, which can help to restore balance and restfulness in the body.

There are several types of nervines, including:

• • Nervine tonics: These herbs are used to nourish and support the nervous system over time. They are often used to help with long-term stress and anxiety. Examples of nervine tonics include milky oats and skullcap.

• • Nervine relaxants: These herbs are used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. They can help to reduce muscle tension and promote sleep. Examples of nervine relaxants include chamomile and valerian.

• • Nervine stimulants: These herbs are used to stimulate the nervous system and promote alertness and focus. They can help to reduce fatigue and improve cognitive function. Examples of nervine stimulants include ginseng and rhodiola.

Nervines can be used in a variety of forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules. They can be used alone or in combination with other herbs to support different systems and structures of the body.

It’s important to note that while nervines have been used for centuries in traditional herbalism, there is limited scientific research to support their benefits. Therefore, many of the benefits of nervines are reported and not researched.

What are some examples of nervines and their reported benefits?

Here are some examples of nervines and their reported benefits:

• • Chamomile: Chamomile is a medicinal herb that can help to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a few small studies have supported the use of German chamomile for anxiety and insomnia.

• • Milky oats: Milky oats are prepared by gathering immature oats, putting them in water, and expressing the oats to make a tincture. Taking drops of milky oats each day may restore the nervous system, which may be especially helpful for those who find themselves constantly depleted of energy.

• • Skullcap: Skullcap is a dried form of the Scutellaria lateriflora weed. This weed acts to activate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that can reduce feelings of anxiety.

• • St. John’s wort: Some integrative medicine practitioners recommend St. John’s wort as a treatment for mild depression. However, St. John’s wort negatively interacts with many prescription medications, which is why you must be careful about taking it.

• • Valerian: Valerian is a root that people have used for hundreds of years for multiple reported effects. As a nervine, valerian can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. Some people also believe that valerian can enhance sleep.

What are some potential side effects of nervines?

The potential side effects of nervines depend on the individual herb. Here are some examples of potential side effects of commonly used nervines:

• • Valerian: Valerian can cause several potential side effects. These include upset stomach, problems sleeping, vivid dreams, dry mouth, and morning drowsiness.

• • St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort can cause serious side effects because it increases the amount of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain. If a person has a serotonin reaction in the brain, they may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, rapid heart rate, hallucinations, and higher body temperature. St. John’s wort may also interfere with the effects of certain prescription medications.

It’s important to talk to a doctor before taking nervine tonics or any other supplements.