Become an Expert at Nourishing Your Nervous System
Tired of being sick and tired? Wellness begins with your nervous system.
The nervous system is complex and even though science can tell us its purpose and functions, we don’t have answers on consciousness, thought, and where original ideas come from.
Arguably the nervous system is the most important of all the systems in our body, because without it we would not be alive. To keep it simple, the nervous system's job is to send messages from the brain to the body and from the body to the brain.
Think of it as the command center for the body: it receives sensory input, processes and integrates that input, and then responds. This system is affected by the information coming in and it can modify the activities of other organs and body systems.
This is not an article on the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. Instead, it’s to help you understand that wellness begins with this body system.
We will discuss holistic and herbal interventions that we can include in our daily routines to keep this valuable system functioning at the highest level.
First, Balance Your Nervous System
For our nervous system to work at optimum levels AND for the herbal remedies to shine we must include healthy habits in our daily routines. This is done through nutrition, exercise, sleep, and connecting with the natural world.
Perhaps you are weary of hearing about nutrition and exercise, but they are necessary to our overall health and worth mentioning repeatedly. Once you truly accept that everything is connected you will be on the right path towards wellness.
Let’s not make it complicated ok? I firmly believe that simplicity is what we need in this overwhelming world.
Don’t Overthink Nutrition
It’s not difficult to go down the rabbit hole of nutrition. To keep it in perspective, what you ingest affects how you feel and function. For example, your nerves require nutrients to operate correctly, which boosts cognition and overall brain health.
Show some love to your nervous system by doing this:
Eat a variety of whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, whole grains, and unprocessed meats.
Drink water and herbal teas - avoid caffeine, soda, and alcohol.
Exercise doesn’t have to suck
Walking, hiking, gardening, or good old-fashioned physical work - whatever gets your body moving. Aerobic activity & resistance training reduce stress, stimulate brain cell growth, and improve mental abilities.
Don’t forget to exercise your brain! Do crosswords, play games, and learn something new now and then.
The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is when our bodies heal and rejuvenate and it’s especially crucial for nervous system restoration. One study found that sleep removes toxins from our brains that build up during the day. Aim for 7-9 hours per night for optimal nervous system functioning.
Get Outside and Away from the Constant Noise
To say our nervous systems are overstimulated is an understatement. When we aren’t on our phones, we watch television or work on our computers. Between podcasts, social media, video games, and our busy lives, our brains never get time to process these stimuli.
So get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and let yourself savor the quiet and enjoy the moment. The more you can do this, the better. Nature soothes the nervous system and grounds us back into reality.
Herbal Allies of the Nervous System
Herbs that support the nervous system are called nervines. When the nervous system is balanced, it will effortlessly bring harmony to the rest of the body. Nervines are further categorized into nerve tonics, nerve sedatives, and nerve stimulants.
It’s important to understand that nervine herbs strengthen our response to stress and deepen our mind, body, and spirit connection. They are a wonderful form of holistic medicine.
Nerve Tonics
These herbs are great for strengthening and balancing the nervous system. Even though they are mild in their actions, they are very effective and can be safely ingested over a long period. Most nerve tonics contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals that feed the nervous system.
Examples of nerve tonics:
Oatstraw (Avena sativa)
Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis & other related species)
Wood Betony (Betonica officinalis)
Nerve Sedatives
When your nervous system is ready for rest, these herbs are the ones to turn to. They reduce tension and stress and allow the nervous system to relax leading to higher quality sleep. Anti-spasmodic herbs are also in this category and they work directly on muscle tissue to relieve cramps and spasms.
Examples of nerve sedatives:
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) works great as an anti-spasmodic
California poppy in my garden.
Nervine Stimulants
Herbal stimulants uplift and energize when you need a little boost. One advantage is they don’t negatively affect the nervous system like caffeine. Instead, they increase circulation and provide nutrients to assist with rejuvenating the system when it’s frazzled and worn. These types of herbs often assist with improving memory and cognition.
Nervine stimulant examples:
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Want more examples of nervines? Download this free PDF.
The System as a Whole
The way to a healthier you is through the nervous system. There are other ways to nourish the nerves, but these recommendations are a great starting point. Herbs work best when approached holistically and when integrated with a healthy lifestyle.
So go ahead and drink a cup of valerian tea while watching the sunset or fill your thermos with a lemon balm and sage infusion for your day hike. Your nervous system will benefit from the extra care and attention.
