What are Nervines?

Nervines are herbs that are used to strengthen and tone the nervous system, they also regulate and rehabilitate nerve cells.There are many herbs that are nervines. There are two kinds of nervines, stimulating nervines that make you more alert, and sedative nervines that have a calming effect and can induce relaxation and sleep. I'm going to talk about some of the most popular herbs for nerves.

1. Catnip, Napeta Cataria

Catnip is a mild nervine. It really stimulates the nervous system of cats, but it does not have the same effect with people. It is good for mild depression, headaches, insomnia, and nervousness. It is especially recommended for calming down overactive children and when combined with chamomile and mint it can make a good remedy. Here is a formula:

1oz. catnip
1oz. chamomile, both German or Roman are ok.
1oz. peppermint
Mix the herbs and store in an airtight container. When needed use 1-t in a cup of boiling water.
Always check with your health care provider when using with children as their needs are different than an adults needs.

2. Hops, Humulus lupulos

Hops has many uses besides the making of beer. It is useful for insomnia, nerve strain, nervousness, and restlessness associated with nervous tension headaches. As a sleep remedy it relaxes you without any known side effects. It can be used for children and a pillow can be made which is a safe, pleasant way to induce sleep in restless babies. There is a precaution about using hops for depression and some people are allergic to hops.

3. St. John's Wort, Humulus lupulus

The word "wort" is the old English word for plant and has nothing to do with warts. This popular herb is used a lot for mild to moderate depression. However, if you have severe clinical depression it is not so effective. Also, DO NOT take St. John's Wort if you are taking antidepressants since the two do not mix well. It is a mild sedative and small quantities have a tranquilizing effect on humans.

4. Valerian, Valeriana officinalis

Valerian is perhaps best known for helping insomnia. This herb has a tranquilizing effect on the nervous system, but is not habit forming. It is also good for stress, mental strain, nervous irritation, traumatic injuries with pain, and migraines. There are several studies that show that valerian taken orally reduces stress and social anxiety. It is important to use the stated dose and not take more as it can cause headaches and vomiting. It is better to take small quantities frequently than to increase the dose. Valerian does not taste or smell that appetizing so it may be better to take it in capsuel form rather than as a tea.

5. Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba

Ginko is thought to be one of the oldest plants on the planet and has been characterized as a living fossil. This herb has been used in China for thousands of years. Ginko plays a role as an anti-stress herb and is used for concentration, depression, loss of memory and is used in Germany for Alzheimer's disease and Attention Deficit Disorder. It seems to increase blood circulation in the brain and increases learning capacity.There is so much to say about Ginkgo that I could write a whole article on Ginko alone. If you are having surgery it is best to stop ginko intake two to four weeks before the surgery as it can cause excessive bleeding. Be sure to discuss the use of ginkgo with your health care provider as it does not mix with some drugs.

Remember before starting any herbal remedy to check with your health care provider. Your individual situation may call for a specific course of action and some drugs and herbs do not mix. Also, use caution if you are pregnant or nursing.

What remedies do you use for anxiety? Your comments are welcome.

Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net
Web Site: www.valerielull.com