The nervous system is crucial to human health as it serves as the body's communication network, coordinating and regulating all physiological processes.
Comprising the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, it controls sensory perception, motor function, and the intricate balance of internal systems, brain and spinal cord, interpreting and signaling body organs, and vital for cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, and decision-making, as well as the control of voluntary and involuntary bodily functions.
It plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis, responding to stressors, and orchestrating complex physiological responses.
Dysfunction in the nervous system can lead to a myriad of health issues, ranging from neurological disorders to disruptions in motor control and sensory perception, underscoring its fundamental importance to overall human health and functioning.
Herbs can positively impact nervous system functioning through various mechanisms, contributing to overall health improvements. Many herbs possess neuroprotective properties, safeguarding nerve cells from damage and promoting their longevity.
Certain herbs exhibit adaptogenic qualities, helping the body adapt to stressors and balance the stress response, thereby reducing the detrimental effects of chronic stress on the nervous system. Some herbs also possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, which are implicated in neurodegenerative disorders.
Other powerful herbs can enhance neurotransmitter production and function, facilitating improved communication between nerve cells. These collective actions contribute to a more resilient and efficient nervous system, fostering enhanced cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall mental well-being.
As a result, the improved functioning of the nervous system through herbal interventions can positively influence various aspects of physical and mental health for individuals.
People often think of the nervous system as an electrical signal that translates the mental state of a person under stress from, for example, financial difficulties, health problems, job worries, relationship problems, etc. Therefore people believe that continuous or repeated activation of the stress response process to stressful situations cause the nervous system to malfunction as a result of emotional exhaustion.
However, the nervous system is far more than that. It consists of interlaced chemical interactions between our organs throughout our bodies, moderating the very complex system of the entire electrical communication that takes place every second inside our bodies.
The central electrical panel is indeed our brain, where everything is connected, processed and translated (hopefully correctly). The messages are then transmitted for it to be used for execution of remedy or adjustment to a condition or issuing a warning to suggest a cause for alarm.
Taking care of your nervous system has so many benefits. A healthy brain for instance makes much better decisions which make your life easier and less stressful, in a relationship, in your career, or in helping you achieve your financial goals. When not functioning well, your brain can create problems and translate even moderately challenging situations into something much bigger than it actually is.
Herbs (and also some spices) are essential in promoting a healthy nervous system in two critical way:
The calming functionality along with the enhancement of energy, together help nourish and protect the nerves while improving mental focus and reducing headaches.
Do you sometimes feel that you just can’t relax?
Do you occasionally have a hard time remembering things?
Does your brain feel tired sometimes and you just need to mentally shut down?
Do you sometimes have a hard time focusing?
Our circumstances, poor food choices and unhealthy daily practices are an unnecessary burden to your body including your brain and your entire nervous system.
Herbs can overcome excessive amounts of stress and lifestyle challenges to help you function at your best and can make a big difference in your mental resilience and rejuvenation.
Chamomile herb can calm you down and help you relax, ideally by brewing as a tea. For calming effect of the nervous system, among the chamomile herb, one is considered the best: the German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilia). German chamomile is used for a sore stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, and as a gentle sleep aid. It is also used as a mild laxative and is anti-inflammatory and bactericidal. It can be taken as an herbal tea. The instructions for herbal tea is quite simple: two teaspoons of dried flower per cup of tea, which should be steeped for 10 to 15 minutes while covered to avoid evaporation of the volatile oils.
Basil for Your Concentration and Relaxation:
Not only is basil tasty, it packs huge amounts of health benefits from relieving anxiety and headaches to its well-regarded, anti-inflammatory benefits similar to ibuprofen. Additionally basil also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, relieve spasms, and can help the circulatory system. It has lots of vitamin K, rich in vitamin A and C, as well as magnesium, iron, and potassium. While cinnamon basil has been used as an antidepressant, lemon basil as an aphrodisiac, and Thai basil as food flavoring – all offer quite an aromatic calming and relaxation effect.
Nutmeg as Brain Tonic:
Many studies have shown that nutmeg consists of chemicals that relieve anxiety and nervousness and taken a few hours before sleep, it can help with getting a deep and relaxing sleep. Additionally, nutmeg has substances that work as an antibacterial and muscle relaxant. However, nutmeg should be consumed in small amounts and pregnant women and small children should avoid consuming nutmeg.
Peppermint as a Nervous System Stimulant:
Peppermint brewed as a tea (hot or chilled) or just eating it with small amounts of chocolate helps you relax and is caffeine-free so you can avoid the black or green tea or coffee stimulants that do cause excessive wear on the adrenal glands.
Lavender Tea as Headache Relief:
Lavender flower tea can help alleviate pain from neck or forehead and result in relaxation in presence of pain and anxiety. You can also apply it to a hand towel (making sure that it is not too hot to burn your skin) and apply it to your forehead or your neck or injured muscles.