What is a Nervine?
A nervine is a plant remedy that has
a beneficial effect upon the nervous system in some way. This makes the word nervine another catch-all expression,
and to study them properly it helps to differentiate them into a number of categories. It may be superfluous to point
this out, but any successful treatment of nervous system problems with herbs must involve treating the whole body,
heart and mind, not simply the signs of agitation and worry. Of course, the agitation can be reduced greatly, but
the whole system must be strengthened in the face of the storm! The main subdivisions include:
Nervine Tonic : Oats, St. John's Wort, Scullcap
Nervine Relaxing : Scullcap, Valerian, Vervain
Nervine Stimulating : Cola, Guarana
Nervine Tonics
Perhaps the
most important contribution herbal medicine can make in the whole field of neurology is in strengthening and 'feeding'
the nervous system. In cases of shock, stress or nervous debility, the nervine tonics strengthen and restore the tissues
directly. On the other hand they can contribute to the healing of damaged nervous tissue, whether this is due to a
pathological processor physical trauma. This invaluable group of remedies is best exemplified by Oats. Ginkgo is an
important tonic for the nervous system, but appears to work via its vaso-dilating action on the blood vessels of the
brain. This will increase oxygen availability to brain cells. Other nervine tonics that have, in addition, a relaxing effect
include Scutellarialaterifolia, Verbena officinalis, Hypericum perforatum andStachys betonica.
Of these relaxing nervine tonics, Scutellariais often the most effective, particularly for problems related to
stress.
Nervine Tonics with No Relaxing or Stimulating Effects
Oats
|
Avena savita
|
Ginkgo
|
Ginkgo biloba
|
Nervine Tonics with a Relaxing Effect
Chamomile
|
Matricaria recutita |
St. John's Wort
|
Hypericum perforatum
|
Hyssop
|
Hyssopus officinalis
|
Vervain
|
Verbena officinalis
|
Lavender
|
Lavandula officinalis
|
Wood Betony
|
Stachys betonica
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Skullcap
|
Scutellaria laterifolia
|
Nervine Tonics & Their Secondary Actions
Analgesic : St. John's Wort, Wood Betony
Anti-Catarrhal : Chamomile, Wood Betony
Anti-inflammatory: Chamomile
Anti-Microbial: Chamomile
Anti-Spasmodic: Chamomile, Hyssop, Lavender, Scullcap
Astringents : St. John's Wort
Bitter: Chamomile, Wood Betony
Carminative : Chamomile, Hyssop, Lavender
Demulcent: Oat
Diaphoretic: Hyssop, Linden, Vervain
Diuretic : Linden
Emmenagogue :
Expectorant : Hyssop
Hepatic : Vervain
Hypnotic : Chamomile
Hypotensive : Linden, Scullcap
Tonic : St. John's Wort, Scullcap, Vervain
Vulnerary : Chamomile, St. John's Wort
Nervine Relaxants
This
group of nervines are most important in our times of stress and confusion, alleviating many of the accompanying
symptoms. They should always be used in a broad holistic way, not simply to tranquilize. Too much tranquilizing,
even that achieved through herbal medication, can in time deplete and weigh heavily on the whole nervous
system.
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Whilst working in conservation and lecturing in ecology and the eco-crisis for the University of Wales, David Hoffman became convinced that to heal the world, to embrace planetary wholeness and responsibility for it 
