∵ NERVINES: Herbs for Anxiety + Nervous System Support
I have lately taken to fortifying myself with a steady stream of herbal infusions in an attempt to support my nervous system against what promises to be a perfectly unhinged Uranus transit this April. I went through all kinds of strange nervous system experiences when Uranus conjunct my natal Mercury and later my natal Venus over the past few years. So this time around, as I await my Uranus conjunct Sun in Gemini transit, I have resolved to meet the coming celestial turbulence with a cup of chamomile in one hand and a milky oat top infusion in the other, braced for whatever cosmic high jinks may ensue.
I have never been adventurous with herbs and supplements. Years ago, I read that even “natural” substances can injure the liver if mishandled, which was enough to keep me away. But the intensity of the past few years sent me searching for something genuinely supportive and nourishing, and that is how I found nervines.
Herbal “nervines” are plants used to support the nervous system. Some nervines nourish or rebuild nerve tissue (trophorestoratives), while others calm anxiety, promote sleep, or buffer stress. The following herbs (taken as teas/infusions or tinctures) are grouped by their primary effects:
*Please note: I've added the sources so you can check out the information for yourself. Also, I've added a little blurb under the ones I've tried/currently using and will update if I experiment with the others.
⩔ TONIC/TROPHORESTORATIVE NERVINE ⎜ nourish + protect nerves
› Milky Oat Tops (Avena sativa): The immature oat tops (milky oats) are a famed nervine tonic. They contain neuroprotective polyphenols (avenanthramides) that defend neurons.[1] Traditionally made into a tincture or strong infusion, milky oats are used to “restore the nervous system” in chronic stress or exhaustion. [2][3]
› Oatstraw (Avena sativa): Dried oat straw is a nutritive nervine rich in minerals and vitamins. It “feeds” the nerve cells, increasing their strength and resistance to stress.[3] Herbalists use oatstraw infusion as a gentle daily tonic for nervous exhaustion or irritability.[3]
⚗ From My Experiment: I have read many comments suggesting that milky oat tops should be consumed fresh because of the milky latex inside them. However, that means purchasing a tincture from a reputable merchant who uses fresh oat tops, which is possible but expensive. I also disliked taking the tincture because of the sharp alcohol taste, though it did work. I would feel noticeably relaxed shortly afterward.
Oatstraw, which is simply the grassy part of the same plant, does not produce the same milky, creamy infusion, but it is still very calming and less expensive. Currently, I switch between the two, making an overnight infusion using 3 quarts of boiling water to 3/4 cup of oat tops or oatstraw.
Another comment I came across mentioned that a holistic practitioner would recommend clients eat a bowl of oatmeal every morning if they were unable to get their hands on either of these herbs. Something to experiment with.
› St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): Best known for mood support, St. John’s wort also has neuroprotective effects. Hypericum extracts protect neurons against toxic insults and oxidative stress.[4] Taken internally as tea or tincture, it is traditionally used for mild depression and nerve pain.[5] (Caution: St. John’s wort interacts with many medications.)
› Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Often called “brain tonic,” gotu kola has cognitive-enhancing and anxiolytic actions. Studies show Centella extracts improve memory and reduce anxiety in animals and humans. It’s used as an infusion for mental fatigue, concentration, and nerve support.[6]
⩔ CALMING/ANXIOLYTIC NERVINES ⎜relieve stress + anxiety
› Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): A gentle sedative and anxiolytic. Lemon balm extracts have “promising” calming effects on the brain, modulating GABA, serotonin, and other pathways. In practice, lemon balm tea or tincture eases nervous tension and insomnia with few side effects.[7]
› Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): An American nervine sedative. Its flavonoids (baicalin/baicalein) are known to bind the GABA_A receptor’s benzodiazepine site, producing anxiolytic relaxation without the grogginess of drugs.[8] Skullcap tea or tincture is used for anxiousness, irritability, and muscle tension from stress.
› Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): A relaxing anxiolytic. Clinical trials show passionflower extracts can reduce anxiety comparably to low-dose benzodiazepines.[9] Its flavonoids modulate GABA receptors as well. Passionflower tea (often combined with chamomile or valerian) or tincture is used to calm racing thoughts and promote mild sedation.
› Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): A mild sedative and nerve soother. Chamomile’s flavonoid apigenin binds the GABA_A benzodiazepine receptor. Preliminary studies suggest chamomile extract has mild anxiolytic and antidepressant activity.[10] A warm chamomile infusion is a classic night-time tea to relieve tension and aid sleep.
› Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender is a classic nervine relaxant used in traditional and modern herbalism to soothe the nervous system and ease tension. Its aromatic flowers contain volatile compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate that have a calming influence on the central nervous system, helping to reduce occasional stress, anxiety, and restlessness.[14]
⩔ SEDATIVE/HYPNOTIC NERVINES ⎜induce relaxation + sleep
› Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): A classic sleep-promoting nervine. Valerian root contains valerenic acid which modulates GABA_A receptors.[11] This action explains valerian’s strong anxiolytic/sedative effects seen in animal and human studies.[11] Valerian tea or tincture (often taken 30–60 min before bed) can reduce sleep latency and improve sleep quality.
› Hops (Humulus lupulus): The flowers of hops contain alpha acids (humulone, etc.) that positively modulate GABA_A receptors. Research confirms these compounds have sedative/hypnotic effects. Hops tea (or hops mixed with valerian) is used in folk medicine as a gentle soporific to support restful sleep.[12]
› Blue Vervain (Verbena officinalis): A traditional nervine relaxant. Often used for tension and insomnia; mild spasmolytic (relieves muscle spasms and tension) effects.
› California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): A mild sedative analgesic. Its alkaloids have gentle sedative and pain-relieving properties, making it a tea or tincture choice for anxiety with headache or neuralgic pain (used as a non-addictive alternative to opiates in folk practice).
⩔ ADAPTOGENIC/STRESS-RESILIENT HERBS ⎜modulate stress response + fatigue
› Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): An adaptogen that calms the nervous system. Studies show ashwagandha root extracts significantly reduce stress and anxiety in humans. Its effects are attributed to modulating the HPA (stress hormone) axis and boosting GABA/serotonin activity. Ashwagandha tincture or infusion is used for chronic stress, fatigue, and to improve overall mental resilience.
› Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum): An Ayurvedic adaptogen (“tulsi”) with anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects.
⚗ From My Experiment: I have not experimented much with ashwagandha due to its purported thyroid stimulating effects, which may be helpful if you need that support but not ideal if you lean toward hyperthyroidism.
Holy basil, on the other hand, also known as tulsi, is WONDERFUL. I drank a blend of mostly tulsi tea, chamomile, and rose during a very stressful season of life and found it to be deeply nourishing.
› Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): A cerebral tonic. Ginkgo extracts improve blood flow and may protect neurons. In some studies, ginkgo has reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. It’s often taken for memory and cognitive support, indirectly benefiting stressed nerves.[13]
At present, I drink a daily infusion of either milky oat tops or oatstraw as the foundation. From there, I rotate between holy basil, chamomile, rose (another honorable mention), lavender, and lemon balm teas, depending on the flavor of the day and the state of my nerves. For particularly unruly moments, I've used Gaia Herbs Calm A.S.A.P. for immediate relief, but thankfully I have not needed it since I began experimenting with the infusions.
Anyway, I am sure I will add more to the toolkit as Uranus in Gemini approaches. Until then, I will be EFT Tapping and drinking my herbal concoctions with with keen anticipation. We are in for a ride this year.
