Nervine is a medical term used to describe something that has an effect on the nervous system. Nervine herbs impact the nervous system in a variety of ways including nervous stimulants, relaxants and general tonics. Herbs can be used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Medicinal herbs are unique in that they have the ability to feed and strengthen the nervous system providing long-term benefits. Because of these strengthening abilities, herbs can simultaneously treat a variety of nervous conditions such as anxiety combined with depression. Nervine herbs are generally considered milder than pharmaceutical drugs and do not share the same extreme side effects. Some of the better known nervine herbs include st. john's wort, skullcap, and valerian.
St. John's Wort
This herb has a sedative and pain relieving effect. It can be used to treat anxiety, tension, irritability and mild depression. In addition to be taken internally, it can be applied to the skin. Externally it acts as an anti-inflammatory herb on injuries, bruises, varicose veins, and burns.
Skullcap
This nervine herb can be used as a mild sedative and anti-spasmodic. It is perfect for those who tend to worry, over-react, or feel stressed over everyday situations. This herb is also recommended for those who suffer from seizures, hysteria, and epilepsy, and nervous twitching. For those who suffer from muscle tension due to stress, skullcap also works well for reducing muscular aches and pains.
Valerian
Valerian is a particularly good nervine herb for those with poor circulation. It has a warming and stimulating effect on blood flow. It can be used to treat a variety of nervous conditions including irritability, smoking addiction, nervousness, tension, stress related heart problems and it is well-known for inducing sleep for those who suffer from insomnia. Valerian is usually taken in the form of tea or capsule.
 | While herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years, not all herbs are safe for everyone. As with any medication you're taking, herbs have the potential to interact with each other as well as with prescription and over-the-counter medications. |
 | Having knowledge of the benefits of medicinal herbs and their properties can prove very useful in helping you through a difficult situation, either by resolving the problem or providing relief until you are able to see your healthcare provider. |
 | No one is truly sure that the origins of medicinal herbs are or when humans started using plants as medicine, but some prehistoric sites show that Neanderthals used healing herbs more than 60,000 years ago. |
There are many different kinds of tea that are used therapeutically. I've been researching these different kids of tea for some time now. I'm always interested in new and natural ways to treat certain symptoms and disorders. |
A climbing shrub from the asclepiadaceae or milkweed family, Gymnema sylvestre is a traditional Ayurvedic herb whose Sanskrit name gurmar means sugar destroyer. |
