Your nervous system is your body’s control center. Your nerve impulses begin in the brain and travel down through neurons by releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters. There are gaps between your nerves called synapses through which these neurotransmitters travel before they can reach their target, i.e., organs, muscles, etc. They then send electrical signals across those membranes so you can control your body’s actions. This is the process that makes it possible for you to live, perform daily functions, think clearly, and maintain a healthy mind and body.
To sum it up, if your body was a vehicle, it is your brain that is in the driver’s seat.
So, it’s clear that taking care of your nervous system is pretty important. Being the main communication network within a human body means that something that affects it is also going to affect your overall health. Nerve damage could lead to severe pain, inability to perform mundane tasks or even chronic illness.
One of the ways you can ensure that your nervous system is up and running at full capacity is to make sure it is relaxed. Among the things that can help you do that are herbs!
That’s right, herbs have incredible health properties that you may never have thought of. They have been used as natural health remedies for decades, even before modern medicine. They are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that help fight chronic inflammation and prevent free radicals from wreaking havoc on your body.
Herbs can help in the alleviation of nerve pain, the healing and regeneration of damaged nerves, and the calming of your nervous system. Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of certain herbs when used as tools for relaxation over a longer period of time.
With that in mind, here are 10 herbs that can help calm your nervous system naturally.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea is widely known as a soothing tea – even you might have brewed yourself a pot to help you relax! Chamomile has been touted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for centuries. It is even used as an antipsychotic in alternative medicine!
Adding chamomile extract into your diet can help alleviate mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep issues, chronic nightmares, and more. Azulene, which is extracted from the chamomile flower has been found to be effective in treating nerve pain when used as an essential oil.
Valerian Root
GABA is a neurotransmitter that contains calming properties which promote rest and sleep. Valerian root is an herb that helps regulate such neurotransmitters, especially when the nervous system seems to be hyperactive. This is why people who struggle with anxiety and inconsistent sleep are recommended to consumer valerian root. They can do so by either taking supplements or having valerian root tea.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an herb that can take your chicken, beef, or fish dish to another level – but did you know that it has a number of health benefits?
Rosemary is rich in antioxidants, namely two very powerful ones called polyphenol and terpenes, which can help stop free radicals that cause inflammation of the body. They also promote better blood flow, which increases the flow of oxygen to the brain. As a result, your body is able to fight off certain conditions like diabetes-related neuropathy and nerve damage caused by high levels of glucose in the blood.
St. John’s Wort
This is another herb that has been used in ancient medicine as a treatment for conditions related to the nervous system. As of late, studies have proven that it can relieve acute thermal and chemical pain, as well as nerve injury and neuropathic pain caused by chemotherapy.
St. John’s Wort also helps repair the nerve sheath, making it ideal for long-term usage. You can consume this herb as a tincture, capsule, or drink it in a tea.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an herb that gets its name from two things: its citrusy smell, and the fact that has been known to alleviate disorders of the nervous system. Lemon balm helps balance levels of neurotransmitters in your brain, including GABA and serotonin. In laymen’s terms, consuming lemon balm will put you in a happier mood and make you sharper! You can take lemon balm as a supplement or drink lemon balm tea.
Passion Flower
Passionflower is the herb you’re looking for if you suffer from sleep-related issues, anxiety, or chronic pain. The herb helps regulate the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA – making it popular among those looking to get a good night’s rest. You can take passionflower supplements or use the dried kind to make tea – both are equally effective!
Basil
Everyone should have a nice bunch of basil in their kitchen – not just because it makes a delicious addition to your pasta dishes, but because it is rich in antioxidant flavonoids that are crucial to maintaining healthy blood vessels that provide your nerves with oxygen and nutrients!
Basil has been used as a natural remedy to help alleviate pain and inflammation for a long time. It contains eugenol, which inhibits enzymes that cause inflammatory reactions (similar to the effects of your everyday aspirin or ibuprofen). It is also a great source of powerful antioxidants such as beta carotene and Vitamin A.
Chinese Skullcap
Traditional Chinese medicine uses skullcap for several purposes. However, it is mainly prescribed for those suffering from nerve pain related to inflammation. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, the Chinese skullcap can also help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety by promoting blood flow to the brain. Skullcap can be taken as an herbal tea or as a tincture.
California Poppy
The state flower of California has been known for its natural stress relief properties due to its high content of alkaloids. These are known to help reduce anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. The herb also activates the GABA receptors to keep pain sensors subdued, which helps alleviate chronic inflammation. California poppy can be consumed as a tea or capsule. It will help promote better sleep and rest, resulting in a better mood. It’s no wonder the people of California have a reputation of being chill!
Ashwagandha
If you’re constantly stressed out, you might want to give Ashwagandha a try! This is an Ayurvedic herb that is also an adaptogen. It has many anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also a great tool in helping your body respond to stress. That is why Ashwagandha is known to protect against diseases of the mind such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. It helps boost memory, improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and make you feel calm. Ashwagandha supplements can be taken for promoting overall mental health.
