In the last year we have witnessed some extraordinary changes in our culture and collective health. It may have folks feeling hectic and quite chaotic at times. It’s essential to make time for self-care. Nourishing the nervous system is a rather important role in taking care of ourselves. First, let’s look inside the body to see what is going on when we feel “stressed out.”
Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to life’s experiences. Everyone experiences stress from time to time. Your body responds to stress by releasing hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline. Which can help you cope with a temporary stressful situation. When stress hormones are released it can have a range of effects on our minds and bodies, including a rapid rise in alertness, heart rate, and/or blood pressure. Temporarily, this is a good thing. However, frequent and sustained release of these hormones can affect your overall well-being. Without the opportunity to relax, the body doesn’t have time for maintenance. Inflammation, poor mood, decreased metabolism, weakened digestion, and a fatigued immune system can be the result.
When life seems overwhelming and you need some extra support to help calm your mind, manage your stress levels, and support a sunnier outlook. We can turn to herbs to help find healthy balance. Herbal nervines and adaptogens are very useful to help us cope with the normal day-to-day aggravations: work pressure, responsibilities, mood slumps, and so on. Herbs can help us find relaxation and peace of mind.
What Are Nervines?
Nervines are a type of herb that support the nervous system. Essentially strengthening and “feeding” the nervous system. These herbs can be very useful in relieving normal muscle tension, ruminating thoughts, restless sleep and the worried mind. Nervines can help : keep the nervous system from being too revved up, encourage a person to wind down in the evening, and provide more restful sleep.
Common Nervines
- Oat tops – Oats may help reduce fatigue and support the nervous system over time. This herb is a nice suggestion for those who are overworked or relies on caffeine to get through the day.
- Chamomile – This nervine herb is also helpful for relieving mild daily mental stress.
- Lemon Balm – This herb helps with nervous exhaustion, gloom, and restlessness.
- Passionflower – Passionflower relieves general tension, occasional nervous restlessness, and supports restful sleep.
- Skullcap – Skullcap helps relieve occasional tension and stress, circular thoughts, and nervousness.
Chamomile
Passion Flower
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a type of herb that works to increase or “adapt” the body’s ability to resist stressors and restore the body to its normal physiological function. By supporting mood, energy levels, and overall immune function, adaptogens help you find balance. Adaptogens can help: increase blood flow to the Central Nervous System, modulate brain waves, support neuroplasticity, prevent cell damage, eliminate toxins, and quiet the mind + body.
Common Adaptogens
- Holy basil / tulsi – This herb helps restore vitality and promote overall health, allowing us a gentler response to stress.
- Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha protects the body against stress + anxiety, and supports brain function.
- Astragalus – Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system and guard against stress.
- Reishi – A type of mushroom, reishi is good for calming nerves, regulating hormones, and decreasing stress.
- Cordyceps – This immune system supportive mushroom has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Astragalus
It’s important to remember that your individual experience may differ from the ones listed above. Always start with small doses until you know how you tolerate the herbs. Yes, these herbs can help but for optimal vitality while nourishing the nervous system – it’s also important to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, eat organic whole foods, move the body, meditate, and spend time in nature.
Silver Stream Herbs has a new offering packed with adaptogenic herbs to help nourish the body, mind, and spirit through balancing and protecting against stress in the body. The Inner Balance Elixir features some of the herbs mentioned above: tulsi, ashwagandha, and astragalus.
Learn More About the Inner Balance Elixir: https://silverstreamherbs.com/collections/elixirs/products/inner-balance-elixir
