Nourish Your Nervous System

The long dark of winter is on our doorstep. With shorter days, many of us find this season challenging on both our spirit and mood. Coupled with the stress that winter holidays can bring, be it due to finances, obligations, or challenging family dynamics, this is not always the most wonderful time of year. 

Keeping our nervous systems healthy and nourished is one of the ways we can cope with the obstacles we may face in the winter. The family of herbs we use to help improve and strengthen the functioning of the nervous system are known as nervines. Within this category of herbs, we hear familiar terms like relaxant, sedative, or anti-depressant. Each of these subcategories helps to support the nervous system in its own unique way, with many herbs multi-tasking in their support mechanisms. 

In a broad sense we can see nervines function in two ways. Herbs such as rosemary, peppermint and oatstraw can be uplifting in their nature. These plant allies are perfect for people who tend to feel low in energy, lethargic and a general melancholic feeling. Oatstraw infusions or a cup of peppermint tea are simple ways to bring these herbs into your life. For those challenged with jittery or anxious feelings, you will turn to our more relaxing herbal friends such as lavender, valerian or catnip. 

May the world of nervine herbs help to support you this winter season. 

Correne Omland,  Clinical Herbalist & Energy Healer  

Spiraea Herbal Clinic + Apothecary   spiraeaherbs.ca   

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