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Rekindle your relationship
with plants

Herbs for the Nerverous System During a P4ndem1c

3/21/2020

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Hi, Friends

These are wild times we are in together. 

Things are uncertain. 

Things are scary.

But as the famous saying goes: Don’t Panic! ​...
Today I wanted to share some ideas on how to support your nervous system during this collective stressful moment in time. I will go over nervous system herbs, mainly. There won't be detailed information on how to prepare them because mostly what you'll find right now will be packaged with instructions in the shops, but I will send a newsletter in the next day or two on how to prepare them if you do happen to find loose leaf. I do suggest preparing them stronger than your average beverage tea if you need a stronger effect. I also offer some suggestions on mindfulness and movement.

So without further teasing, let’s talk pandemic. 

Hey. We got this.

We have each other. Whether you are holing up with your family or virtually loving on your friends, we have each other. And right now, I’m seeing so many helpful people out there sending up their heart flags and waving them, giving helpful ideas for homeschooling, offering assistance to elderly and disabled neighbors, sharing ideas on how to spend time while at home, and generally trying to soothe others’ nerves with music and words. 

This novel coronavirus has many of us in a high state of stress. We have become more aware of our hygiene practices, more concerned to be in close proximity to people, and are sanitizing everything. We are worried about our livelihoods. We are concerned for our family and friends, our neighbors or ourselves who may be in a high-risk category. We may be working hard to keep a business afloat, our homes paid for, our family cared for and fed, and our kids educated, all while trying to maintain calm when our inner selves are frazzled and dizzy. People may be looking to us for answers or we may be looking outward for some. 

This roller coaster that our nervous systems are having to endure may be making it hard to sleep, relax, have rational thought, or concentrate. Perhaps we are lashing out at loved ones, smiling like a loon, or denying the dangers. All of these things are real and normal reactions to stress. Though, I do request that we all take a collective, calm, deep breath, and often, to avoid unnecessary strain for ourselves and others.

Speaking of calm, let’s get right to these nervous system tonics, shall we?

Listed below are some adaptogenic and nervine herbs that I have found to be helpful, not only in these really challenging times, but during our normal everyday lives. I want to make this simple and accessible to you all. Most of what I list can be found in grocery store pharmacies in the supplement section either in capsules or tincture form (alcohol, vinegar or glycerine extract - a good common brand is Herb Pharm) and the tea isles. Traditional Medicinals is a great nationally accessible brand, but loose leaf local options are also a good bet, as are bulk herb shops, though depending on where you are, they are not as available at the moment. I do hear that some herb shops are offering porch pickups of bulk herbs if you choose to go that route.

Remember, herbs are not like drugs, so don’t expect immediate results (except for perhaps scullcap and valerian). But, nevertheless, these plants can have great effects.


ADAPTOGENS are herbs that help the human body adapt to stress, support normal metabolic processes and restore balance. They increase the body’s resistance to physical, biological, emotional, and environmental stressors and promote normal physiologic function. They are rejuvenative. 
Some of my favorite adaptogens:
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
    • This is a warming root that helps to keep up stamina without being too stimulating. It is calming, enhancing endocrine function, helping to regulate the thyroid and adrenal glands. This is a good one to help anxiety, fatigue, brain fog and stress-induced insomnia
    • Take 30 drops of tincture 3x day, or 1/4 tsp root 4 oz decoction 3x day
    • Precautions: avoid if you are sensitive to nightshade family or have hemochromatosis and hyperthyroidism; may enhance effects of barbituates
  • Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) *mild adaptogen and immune stimulant
    • Enhances immune function and helps prevent colds, flus, bronchitis, pneumonia 
    • Take Add a handful to your bone broth blend; 40 drops of the tincture 3x day; decoct 2 tsp root in 12 oz water for 30 minutes and steep 30 minutes and drink throughout the day; chew the tongue depressors like a hayseed
    • Precautions: not to be used during acute infection, not to be used with immunosuppressive medications 
  • Lucium (Lycium chinensis) *possibly an adaptogen
    • Gogi berries! Tonic to help strengthen weak muscles and ligaments, and protect the liver 
    • Eat up to 1 oz of them alone or in trail mix per day
    • Precautions: avoid if sensitive to nightshade family or have digestive upset causing loos stools, gas and bloating
  • Tulsi or Holy Basil (Occimum sanctum)
    • This is a delicious aromatic leaf that I love to keep me motivated and steady. It has antioxidant, neuroprotective, stress reducing and radioprotective effects. It can prevent raised corticosterone and stress levels. There have been human in vivo studies that showed reduced asthma symptoms. It can enhance brain function and memory. Last but not least, it can help with depression.
    • Tea!!! Infuse covered for 20 + minutes and drink up to 4 cups per day


NERVINES are herbs that support the nervous system. They are mildly relaxing without being overly sedative. They can restore emotional balance, and nourish the nerves and the nervous system. They can help with anxiety, stress, irritability, and sleeplessness.
Some of my favorite nervines:
  • Chamomile (Matricaria recutita - German, Chamaemelum nobilis - Roman)
    • Excellent for children! Stress relief from anxiety, upset stomach, irritability, mood swings, headaches, insomnia, IBS, and gastrointestinal stress. It is a great sleep aid. 
    • blend with catnip and lemon balm for children and babies and mothers who breastfeed 
    • Precautions for folks with Aster family allergies
  • Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
    • My personal favorite for ‘capping the skull’. What does that mean? Think of frazzled nerve endings being given a soft, warm hug. It can be helpful for a range of nerve tremors including restless leg syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome, and Parkinson’s. Yet another herb wonderful for stress-induced headaches, anxiety, pre-social anxiety calming and panic.
  • Rose (Rosa canina, Rosa spp.)  
    • Such a soft, floral scent that softens the heart and mind too. Though it seems to be a mild, it is one to help with profound anxiety.
  • Linden (Tilia platyphyllos, T. cordata)
    • Fragrant blooms you have to peer in to see and bees in the trees are a hint you’ve found a linden. This unassuming pale yellowish flower helps reduce stress, irritability, anxiety and depression. This is a wonderful one to have before bed!
  • Milky oats (Avena sativa)
    • In fresh tincture form (meaning the sappy oat head was preserved in alcohol when fresh and milky)taken over time, it is a slow acting tonic food that calms frazzled nerves and relieves emotional instability. It is helpful for those who experience anger and overstress.
    • 80 drops 3x day
    • Precautions: Celiac
  • Kava kava (Piper methysticum)
    • As a mild tranquilizer, this helps to relax the mind and body. This is a great one right now for those who are prone to anxiety. In can induce mild euphoria and give feelings of peace and harmony.
    • 10-30 drops when needed, up to 100 drops for euphoria (only occasionally)
    • Precautions: Not for regular use. This is a ritual herb.
  • Motherwort (Leonarda cardiaca)
    • This one is said to ‘mother the mother’ for more reasons than its nervine effects. It may benefit those with stress-induced high blood pressure, or those who feel that there is never enough time in the day. It helps with anxiety, nervousness and stress. 
    • Precautions: Avoid during pregnancy
  • Hops (Humulus lupus)
    • This rich flavored flower is wonderful for anger, mental strain, and worry, insomnia and anxiety. Often helpful with nervous exhaustion, this one may help ease twitching. Best to be drunk as a tea, not a beer ;)
  • Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
    • Lovely smelling, mood improving and uplifting, this herb helps to enhance cognitive function and helps with stress headaches. It helps improve sleep quality and aids with seasonal affective disorder.  
    • blend with chamomile and catnip for children and babies and mothers who breastfeed 
    • Precautions: some people may be more uplifted than others
  • Valerian (Valeriana officinale)
    • This is one that is more of a sedating herb, and though it may smell like stinky feet to some, it is a powerful ally. Best taken before bedtime, this herb is very helpful in falling asleep and staying asleep.  
    • Precautions: May have opposite effect on sensitive individuals (rare but happens)
  • Catnip (Nepeta cataria) 
    • Another excellent herb for children!  Helpful with irritability and digestive stress.
    • blend with chamomile and lemon balm for children and babies and mothers who breastfeed 
  • Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
    • This one is more sedative in nature but not like a OTC or prescription strength. One of the best for insomnia and chatty mind and circular thinking. Another for anxiety and stress-induced headaches.
    • Precautions: May increase effects of sedatives
  • Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)
    • Especially aromatic, this classic flower is wonderful to calm nerves and help with depression. It is helpful in falling asleep, promotes a more restful sleep, and can prevent nighttime waking. It is beneficial for those with nervous exhaustion and anxiety.
    • Precautions: Avoid large amounts during pregnancy

For the herbs listed above with no preparation instructions, they are best made into tea, or a strong infusion. As for what is meant by 'infusions' and 'decoctions', I will send a newsletter out soon to walk you through that. I'm being persuaded to make Instagram videos also so keep and eye out and on Facebook.


BREATHE: Along with these plants, let us remember that we have calming mechanisms built into us naturally! Breathing techniques are a wonder for lowering stress, regulating the adrenals, and returning our entire system to homeostasis. There are meditation and mindfulness apps our there and available for free a lot the the time if you are into that kind of thing. Or you can find a teacher offering sessions online.

Or you can take some time with yourself. Ground your feet in a comfortable position. Maybe your eyes are closed, or focusing on a calm spot on the floor or wall (not a device!). Take some slow deep breaths in through your nose and our through your mouth, letting thoughts come and go, not focusing on them, but being okay with thoughts happening. Just remembering to bring focus back to your breath. Where is it going in your body? Is your throat open and feeling the air in it? Is you chest expanding? Your belly? Are you tight or tense? Try to soften. Let your shoulders relax down. Sit up tall but not tight to allow the breath to ease in and out of your lungs. Maybe find your hands resting over your heart while you do this. Try this throughout your day when you have some quiet minutes. You can even have someone read this to you in a calm, gentle voice while you practice your mindfulness.

For those of you who are familiar with, or want to try tapping, a resource from my dear friend, Leesa Scott, LMT, CST is linked below:
https://vimeo.com/260837213/8727461dad?fbclid=IwAR1n5zAUus-PbaRbLH2noDU1ofY2pk2kQ5lg-HeFNpxqqYrUQxaA8kZR0t4

MOVE: Also, let's not forget that movement is so crucial for not only our cardiovascular system, but for our lymphatic and nervous systems as well! Get some movement in every day, whether it be dancing, yoga, walking, jumping jacks, punching bags, wrestling with your kids, whatever! Release some tension through movement. 

Also, HYDRATE. Drink drink drink water! And teas! If you need help finding the right tea for you, refer to the list above and find one in the shops that has the herbs you want to try. Also, I have a few teas left in my apothecary that you can find in my web shop.


Friends, I hope this helps you out a bit and gives you some ideas on where to start to help you ease some worries as of late. Remember, this is absolutely not a substitution for any medications that you may be taking as prescribed by your healthcare provider. And I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. This is merely a guide for you to hopefully find some ease to get you through this collective crisis. 

Cheers, and well wishes to you all!

~ Sarah
Jeanne Wildherb Botanicals
Rekindling relationships between plants and people

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    Sarah is a community herbalist, raising children, teaching children and adults the ways of herbalism and nature, and handcrafting herbal products for the community.

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  • Home
  • Herbalism
    • Learn >
      • Workshops, Weed Walks, & Events
      • Student Resources
    • One-on-One
    • Resources & Books for Beginners
    • Restorative Justice
    • Recipes
  • About Me
    • Contact
  • Musings & Methods
  • Shop
    • Potions Kits
    • Herb of the Month
    • Herbal Teas
    • Bath & Body Care
    • Cocktail Bitters Kits