Calgon, Take Me Awaaaay! Botanical Nervines to Soothe Your Frazzled Nerves

It's Wednesday, or "Mercury Day," and Mercury rules (among other things) the nervous system. I briefly addressed the benefits of nervine herbs in Monday's post on PMS and dysmenorrhea, but the soothing effects of such herbs can be a godsend to anyone in times of physical, mental or emotional stress. (There are stimulating nervines, too, but this fast-paced world it's usually the relaxing ones to which we turn.) Nervines may strengthen, relax or even sedate the nervous system. Many of them are analgesic and antispasmodic to boot. Here are a few links to some great articles by some very qualified herbalists on nervines, their actions, and body system affinities.

 

• "Herbal Nervines" by Christopher Hobbs, author of A Field Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs

In his fantastic clear, conversational writing style, Hobbs provides us with a solid introduction to how the nervous system works, nervines, why we need them, how to choose them, and gives us some case histories as well.

• "Nervine" by David Hoffman, author of Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine

Hoffman's article maps out different nervines and their properties, secondary actions, and affinities for different body systems (i.e., reproductive, circulatory, digestive sytem, etc.). His book mentioned above is an indispensable resource for any herbalist or student of herbalism.

• "Planetary Formulas and Herbs for the Nervous System" by Michael Tierra, author of The Way of Herbs and The Way of Chinese Herbs

Tierra (Herb Dad) offers a very comprehensive and detailed look at nervines from the Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions. He provides the herb's energetic, properites, dosage information, specific indication, and, best of all -- a comparison of it to other nervines, which can really help you choose exactly the right herb for a given condition.