Nervine Herbs

Nervines: These calm and nourish the nervous system, promote mental clarity, and relieve spasms, pain and congestion. There are 2 types: warming helps with chronic issues, insomnia being a good example. Cooling helps with anger, hypertension, and migraines (Griffin, 1997, p. 10).

Ashwagandha
     Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Asian Ginseng
     Panax ginseng (C. A. Mey.)

Black Cohosh
      Actaea racemose (L)

Blue Cohosh
     Caulophyllum thalictrooides (L.) Michx.

Buchu
     Agathosma betulina (P.J. Bergius) Pillans

Celery
     Apium graveolens (L.)

Chamomile, Roman
     Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.

Chamomile, German
     Matricaria recutis (L.)

Devil’s Club
     Oplopanax horridus (Sm.) Miq.

Dill
     Anethum graveolens (L.)

Feverfew
     Tanacetum parthenium (L.)

Garlic
     Allium sativum (L.)

Gingko
     Gingko biloba (L.)

Gotu Kola
     Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.

Holy Basil
     Ocimum tenuiflorum (L.)

Hops
     Humulus lupulus (L.)

Kava
    Piper methysticum (G. Forst.)

Lavender
     Lavandula angustifolia (Mill.)

Lemon Balm
     Melissa officinalis (L.)

Mistletoe
      Viscum album (L.)

Motherwort
     Leonurus cardiaca (L.)

Mullein
     Verbascum thapus (L.)

Oat
     Avena sativa (L.)

Onion
      Allium cepa (L.)

Parsley
     Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss

Passionflower
     Passiflora incarnata (L.)

Peppermint
     Mentha x piperita (L.)

Pulsatilla
     Anemone pulsatilla (L.)

Rosemary
     Rosmarinus officinale (L.)

Rue
     Ruta graveolens (L.)

Sage
     Salvia officinalis (L.)

St. John’s Wort
     Hypericum perforatum (L.)

Tansy
     T. vulgare

Thyme
     Thymus vulgaris (L.)

Vervain
     Verbena officinalis (L.)

Willow
      Salix spp.

Yarrow
      Achillea millefolium (L.)

 
 

 
References
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.