The nervous system is a bridge between the tangible physical realm and the intangible domains of our mental and spiritual worlds. Western medicine often breaks down body systems into pieces to be looked at separately while ignoring the fact that every system is intricately interwoven. It is nearly impossible to do that with the nervous system as our minds are housed within this portion of our biology.  

To be healthy we must care for our physical wellbeing while also caring for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Fortunately for us, herbal remedies are a wonderful way to do that. As complex living beings their biology and spirit interact with human biology and spirit in complicated ways that are different from pharmaceuticals. By working with the whole plant, we can treat the whole body in beautiful ways. We have broken down the following herbs into nootropics, neurotrophprestoratives, and nervines and we talk about specific constituents within these plants that lend themselves to these herbal actions. Each of these plants also has many other constituents that lend themselves to other herbal actions and special affinities.  

The complexity of herbs and their changeability when grown in different soils or climates can make them difficult to study, this same complexity makes them especially wonderful for supporting our most intricate system, the nervous system. The nervous system sends its signaling tendrils to every part of the body, intricately weaving together our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, emphasizing the profound interconnectedness of nervous system health and whole-body vitality. A psychological imbalance is often accompanied by physical imbalance and vice versa. How wonderful to have plants that support a calm mind while also soothing the physical discomfort that is leading to our agitation. We hope you can enjoy the poetic beauty found in the healing journey as we do.* 

Nootropics  

These herbs support brain function, mental performance & cognitive enhancement, including increased creativity and motivation.* 

Schisandra: Schisandra berry’s complex flavor profile encompasses all 5 flavors, giving it the common name in China of wu wei zi or 5 flavor herb. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this complex flavor indicates a completely balanced herb. “The skin and pulp are both sweet and sour; the seed is pungent and bitter; and the fruit overall is salty (Herbal Gram, Issue 106).” Hundreds of studies have confirmed its use as an adaptogen, central nervous system stimulant, and hepatoprotective herb. Schisandra supports healthy digestion, respiration, and urination, promotes healthy sleep patterns, and is a nervous system tonic. Find schisandra berry in Brain & Nervous Systems, Endocrine Daily, Happy Caps, Pituitary Support and Ultimate Immune formulas. *  

Gingko: Gingko is one of the oldest living tree species on the planet. The fresh leaves have a tart green flavor. According to a research paper published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry (2017), ginkgo supports increased blood circulation to the brain, optimal brain function, eyes, ears, and legs, reduction of occasional stress, better memory, attention, and speed of thinking in healthy adults and clear cognition especially in age related cognitive decline. Ginkgo is also a well-known backpacker's companion for support during changes in altitude. Ginkgo is formulated into Brain & Nervous Systems, Blood Circulation, Happy Caps and Pituitary Support. *  

 

Rosemary: Rosemary is for remembrance. This age-old herb for memory has the pungency attributed to so many circulatory stimulants while also containing rosmarinic acid and 24 different flavonoids, supporting a heathy inflammatory response and reduced oxidative stress in the brain and nervous system. The compound 1,8-cineole in rosemary supports healthy levels of acetylcholine in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for encoding new memories, reasoning, concentration, cognition, and the growth of new synapses (neuroplasticity). Rosemary is included in Blood Circulation and Happy Caps. *  

 

Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is one of the most sought-after herbal supplements today. It is best known as a calming adaptogen but studies and tradition both show that this root also has both nootropic and trophorestorative benefits. As a nootropic, ashwagandha supports healthy levels of GABA and serotonin in the brain. As a trophorestorative ashwagandha supports the repair of damage caused by cognitive decline due to aging. According to Ayurveda, ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body manage stress while strengthening physical and mental performance and enhancing overall well-being.* 

Neurotrophorestoratives 

These herbs support the growth, development, and repair of neurons in the brain, promoting overall brain health, neural connectivity and overall functioning.* 

Gotu kola: Gotu kola, not to be confused with kola nut, is a small prostrate plant in the celery family. It is a water-loving plant with a salty taste. Gotu kola is well known as a connective tissue tonic and is used both internally and externally to support the healing of wounds as it promotes collagen synthesis and modulates scar tissue. Sri Lankans, noting that elephants, renowned for their longevity, eat the plant, began eating a few leaves a day in hopes of increasing their lifespan. A TCM “miracle elixir of life." In Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola is best known as a mental rejuvenator or tonic used to reduce mental fatigue and increased mental clarity. Gotu kola is formulated into Brain & Nervous Systems, Happy Caps and Ultimate Immune. *  

 

Oat straw: Oat straw and oat tops are a lovely daily herbal supplement for nourishing a frayed nervous system. The starch and protein content supports the strength, fortitude and rejuvenation of tissues and neurons specifically in the bones, muscles, tendons & nerves. Oat has a sweet, grounding flavor that makes it enjoyable to take as a tea or tincture. Oats have long been known to bolster the weak or convalescent. This herb combines well with most other nervines, both relaxing and stimulating, for a harmonic flavor and feeling. Oat straw is rich in silica, meaning this herb supports tissue health both internally and externally (Hoffman 2003). Oat straw can be found in Happy Caps.*  

 

Skullcap: Skullcap is in the mint family (Lamiaceae, which you can identify from its square stem) and like many mint family members is wonderful for supporting the nervous system. Skullcap acquired the name mad dog weed in the 1700s, when it was falsely administered as a cure for rabies due to its calming, antispasmodic action. It has a long history of misuse in the treatment of petit mal seizures which may also have led to the confusion (Hoffmann 2003). Regardless, skullcap is wonderful as a nervous system tonic that gently assists in the relaxation of smooth muscle throughout the body. This less sedating alternative to hops and valerian can support the down regulation of the nervous system without brain fog. Skullcap can be found in Spasm Calm and Brain and Nervous Systems. *  

 

St. John’s wort: St John’s wort has a bright sunny yellow flower that contains an amazing bright red molecule called hypericin that contributes to both the therapeutic qualities of this herb as well as its ability to cause phototoxicity. Although not recommended to be taken with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) St John’s wort is a happy herb that seems to support the brain in similar ways. St John’s wort’s ability to attract and hold sunlight has led to the traditional belief that it brings light to the dark places within us. It is also useful for neurological discomforts, occasional worries/stress, and tension (Hoffmann 2003). St John’s wort is in our Spasm Calm formula. *  

Nervines  

These herbs support a calm and relaxed state and promote a healthy nervous system.* 

Passionflower: Passionflower leaves and flowers contain a wide range of polyphenols and other constituents thought collectively to have general sedating and relaxing properties, helping to support a good night’s sleep (Chevallier 1996). Larger doses can have the opposite effect in some individuals. Great alone or in combination with skullcap for supporting smooth muscle relaxation. Passionflower has an affinity for the heart as well and is useful for those who “need to have their hearts calmed and grounded so that they can be connected to others (Althea Northage Orr, 2012).” Passionflower is included in Spasm Calm. *  

 

Valerian: Valerian is popular enough that you have likely tried it while searching for a supplement to support sleep. To many the intense odor and flavor of valerian is unpleasant, but with great odor comes great purpose. Valerian is a sedative that is specifically seen to promote the REM phase of sleep, the phase in which the mind is said to reset itself. It is especially good for “worriers, particularly when they are plagued by a busy mind, linear thoughts or circles of thoughts and emotions playing over throughout the night (herbrally).” Valerian is available as a single herb Tincture and is also featured in Spasm Calm. * 

Other Therapeutics  

We hope you try some of our herbal preparations to support the nervous system and that these ten herbs get you thinking about supporting this most important of systems as much as you can.  

To learn more about these individual herbs and their affinity with the nervous system, and to discover other lifestyle therapeutics useful for supporting this system like sleep hygiene and flower essences join us for our free live webinar Nervous System Function & Therapeutics presented by our in-house Herbalist Colleen Bingham and Brand Manager Jenn Billingham on Wednesday, June 26th at 4pm EST.    

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*FDA warning: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.