Nervines: Herbs for Nervous System Health

July 22, 2024

Nervines are a class of herbs known for their ability to support and calm the nervous system. These natural remedies are particularly beneficial for alleviating anxiety, stress, and nerve pain. In this article, we will explore what nervine herbs are, provide a list of common nervine herbs, and discuss their benefits, especially for nerve pain relief.

What Is a Nervine?

A nervine is a type of herb that has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Nervines can be categorized into three main types:

Nervine Relaxants: These herbs help to relax the nervous system and are particularly useful for reducing anxiety, stress, and tension.
Nervine Stimulants: These herbs stimulate the nervous system, enhancing alertness and mental clarity.
Nervine Tonics: These herbs strengthen and restore the nervous system, promoting overall nerve health and resilience.

What Are Nervine Herbs?

Nervine herbs are plants that specifically target the nervous system, helping to balance, calm, and support its functions. These herbs are often used to treat conditions such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, and nerve pain. They work by nourishing and restoring the nervous system, helping it to function more effectively.

The word "nervine" refers to an herbal action, which is an effect that herbs have on organs and tissues of the body. To learn more about herbal actions, read our blog "Herbal Actions: A Complete Guide to Using Herbs Effectively."

Herbs for Nerve Pain

Nerve pain, also referred to as neuropathic pain, can be debilitating and challenging to treat. However, several nervine herbs have shown promise in providing relief from nerve pain.

Top 10 Nervine Herbs

Below, we will discuss some of the top herbs for supporting nervous system health and reducing nerve pain:

1. Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is well-known for its calming properties. It contains compounds like apigenin, which have anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing effects, making it useful for relieving nerve pain (1). Chamomile tea is perhaps the most popular way to consume this herb, helping to soothe both the mind and the body. In addition to its nerve pain relief properties, chamomile can also aid in digestion and promote better sleep, making it a versatile herb in herbal medicine.

2. Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a powerful nervine relaxant that may help to reduce anxiety and improve quality of sleep. Its active compounds, such as valerenic acid, have sedative and muscle-relaxing effects, making it beneficial for nerve pain relief (2 ). Valerian can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. Valerian has been used for centuries as a remedy for insomnia and anxiety. Its ability to relax the nervous system makes it a popular choice for those dealing with nerve pain and tension. Regular use of valerian may help improve overall nerve health and resilience.

We use valerian root in our Sleep Support Tonic

3. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a calming herb that helps reduce stress and anxiety. It contains rosmarinic acid, which has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it effective for alleviating nerve pain (3 ). Lemon balm is commonly consumed as a tea or used in essential oil form for topical application. Lemon balm is also commonly used in combination with other nervine herbs to enhance its calming effects. In addition to its benefits for the nervous system, lemon balm can also support digestive health and improve cognitive function.

4. Passionflower

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is another powerful nervine herb known for its sedative and calming effects. It contains compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids that help reduce anxiety and nerve pain (4 ). Passionflower is typically consumed as a tea or in tincture form. Passionflower is particularly effective for those experiencing insomnia and restlessness due to nerve pain. Its ability to promote deep, restful sleep can be highly beneficial for overall nerve health and recovery.

5. Skullcap

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a nervine tonic that helps support and restore the nervous system. It has antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective for relieving nerve pain and muscle tension (5 ). Skullcap can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. Skullcap is known for its ability to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness and calm the mind. It is also often used by those experiencing chronic nerve pain and muscle spasms. Regular use of skullcap may help improve nerve function and reduce the frequency of nerve pain episodes.

We use skullcap in our Brain Flow Tonic

6. Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is well-known for its soothing, calming and relaxing properties. It contains the compounds linalool and linalyl acetate, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, making it useful for nerve pain relief
(6). Lavender can be used in aromatherapy, may be applied topically in its essential oil form, used in food and beverages, or may be consumed as a tea. In addition to its benefits for nerve pain, lavender can also help alleviate headaches and promote restful sleep. It is a versatile herb that can be used in various forms to support overall well-being.

7. Oats

Oats (Avena sativa) are a gentle nervine tonic that helps nourish and strengthen the nervous system. They contain compounds called avenanthramides, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making them beneficial for nerve pain and overall nerve health (7 ). Oats can be consumed as a food, tea, or in tincture form. Oats are often used in herbal baths and compresses to soothe irritated skin and nerves. Consuming oats regularly can help improve nerve function and provide relief from chronic nerve pain.

8. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a well-known herb for treating depression and anxiety. It contains hypericin and hyperforin, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, making it effective for nerve pain relief (8 ). St. John’s Wort can be consumed in a variety of ways such as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. St. John’s Wort is particularly effective for treating nerve pain associated with depression and anxiety. Its ability to elevate mood and reduce inflammation makes it a valuable herb for those dealing with neuropathic pain. However, it is important to use St. John’s Wort with caution, as it can interact with certain medications.

9. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a well-knownn adaptogenic herb that helps reduce stress and anxiety. It contains withanolides, which have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, making it beneficial for nerve pain and overall nerve health (9 ). Ashwagandha can be consumed in a number of ways, such as a powder, capsule, or tincture. Regular use of ashwagandha may improve nerve function and enhance the body's ability to recover from nerve damage.

We use ashwagandha in our therapeutic-grade Ashwagandha Extract and in our Adrenal Support Tonic

10. California Poppy

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a gentle sedative and nervine relaxant. It contains alkaloids that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, making it effective for relieving nerve pain and promoting relaxation (10 ). California poppy can be consumed as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form. California poppy is often used to promote restful sleep and reduce anxiety. Its mild sedative effects make it a valuable herb for those experiencing nerve pain and tension. In addition to its benefits for the nervous system, California poppy may also help relieve pain and inflammation in the muscles and joints.

Natural Herbs for Nerve Pain

In addition to the nervine herbs listed above, several other natural herbs can help relieve nerve pain:

Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Ginger: Has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce nerve pain.
Cayenne Pepper: Contains capsaicin, which helps reduce pain by depleting substance P, a compound involved in pain transmission.
Willow Bark: Contains a natural compound called salicin, which has effective pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Top Herbs for Nerve Pain Relief

When it comes to managing nerve pain, combining nervine herbs with other natural remedies can provide comprehensive relief. Here are some top herbs for nerve pain relief:

Chamomile: Calms the nervous system and reduces inflammation.
Valerian: Promotes relaxation and relieves muscle tension.
Passionflower: Reduces anxiety and soothes nerve pain.
Skullcap: Supports and restores the nervous system.
Lavender: Provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Summary

Nervine herbs offer a natural and effective way to support and calm the nervous system, providing relief from anxiety, stress, and nerve pain. By understanding what nervine herbs are and how they work, you can harness their power to improve your nervous system health and overall well-being. Whether you choose to incorporate them into your diet, take them as supplements, or use them in topical applications, nervine herbs provide a holistic approach to maintaining a healthy and balanced nervous system.

References

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