many ways, not least by balancing the function of the entire nervous
system; it also greatly helps elimination on all levels.
herbs
Herbs that specifi cally help the nervous system will also tone and aid the
whole body. Circulatory, respiratory, digestive, glandular, reproductive,
and skin problems could all benefi t from the nourishing treatment of the
nervous system — which explains why nerve herbs are found so often in
many other formulas. Nervous-system herbs have an array of effects
according to the type of action required. For instance, with depression,
one would use nerve stimulants, nerve foods, and nerve tonics, but not
nerve sedatives; whereas with insomnia, one might choose nerve sedatives,
nerve relaxants, and nerve tonics. Depending on any prescribed drugs
being taken, nerve stimulants may also be appropriate in the short term.
Adaptogenic herbs that help us to adapt to situations by supporting and
encouraging equilibrium, which may well also feed the adrenal glands, are
also important when looking at the whole body and its response to stress.
Nerve herbs are nutritionally rich in particular vitamins, minerals,
trace elements, and other components that help feed and connect the
body in a better way; examples are valerian root, pau d’arco inner bark,
cramp bark, nettle leaf, Irish moss, and wood betony leaf and fl ower, all of
which are extremely rich in calcium and magnesium, apart from their
other supportive chemistry. Plantain leaf and fl axseed are rich in choline,
which plays an important part in neurotransmitter pathways. Another
herb that helps these pathways is St. John’s wort fl ower, as a stimulant and
relaxant it helps to produce “happy chemistry” by producing serotonin in
the brain. Siberian ginseng root helps neurotransmission in the brain, and
this particular plant can be given to anybody quite safely, unlike St. John’s
wort, which has some contraindications that must be taken into account.
The following are some herb categories that can be combined as needed.
Nerve tonics strengthen and feed the nervous system, restoring the
tissues and cells to good condition. One such repair can be to the
myelin sheath covering nerve endings, which can become worn away
and produce breakdowns and stress. Once encouraged to regrow, the
whole network of the nervous system can be made to interact effi-
ciently. Nerve tonics that help are skullcap leaf, Schisandra berry,
vervain leaf, and wood betony leaf and flower. Skullcap and Schisan-
dra are perhaps the best choices and should be taken for at least four
to six months. Skullcap takes times to build up and then needs time
to consolidate and repair. Nevertheless, initial effects will be noticed
within a week or less. Skullcap is also a nerve sedative and will help
180 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition