I hardly ever treat anyone without including some herbs for nourishing and supporting their nervous system. Any imbalance causes there to be stress in the system. From an Ayurvedic perspective, ‘stress’ can disturb the quality of vata that is responsible for smooth flow of information and regulation of our bio-rhythms, which can cascade impacting the other doshas, pitta  and kapha. This leads to chronic stress also being implicated in most degenerative diseases from heart disease to diabetes to cancer. Vata is the quality associated with change, movement and lightness. All stress involves some change, and severe stress usually involves some form of ‘shock’ to the system. To find balance means you have to digest the shock and adapt to the stress. Along with basic breathing exercises and massage, plants are of course valuable stress managers. Herbalists will usually make a tailor-made prescription to suit each individual’s needs. Some of Ayurveda’s renowned plants are:

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera’s potent nourishing and adaptogenic abilities to help us cope with stress makes it my favourite plant to prescribe for supporting resilience. I normally dose at 2-5g/day as a powder (capsule or in some almond milk) or 10-25% of a liquid tincture prescription. I use it whenever there is any sign of deficiency, coldness or weakness leading to tiredness or debility. This makes Ashwagandha the herb of choice when there is any chronic imbalance that results in depletion and convalescence. Its grounding and stabilising effects help in insomnia, palpitations and anxiety. Its nourishing properties help stabilise weight and enhance vitality. As one of Ayurveda’s premier rejuvenating rasayana plants, used to extend the quality and quantity of life, it gives deep and enduring energy to the immune, reproductive, structural and nervous systems. By helping to support thyroid, brain, pancreatic and heart function it brings strength to the organs responsible for the foundation of our health. At a cellular level Ashwagandha enhances our Heat shock protein response to stress – meaning we can tolerate more stress for longer with less harm – as well as enhancing glutathione recovery, so essential for consistent cellular rejuvenation.

Brahmi

Bacopa monnieri is a wonderful cooling herb for the nervous system and mind. Named after ‘Brahman’ or the ‘Universal Consciousness’, it is renowned for influencing the quality of consciousness and it balances all three dosha. Clinical studies have shown that Brahmi can help increase cognition, memory and concentration whilst also greatly improving anxiety. I normally dose it at 2-3g/day as a powder or 10-15% of a liquid tincture prescription. I use it whenever there is any signs of mental or emotional imbalance resulting in nervous anxiety or debility. I specifically think of using it whenever there is nervous depletion resulting from excess work or thinking leading to anxiety and brain fatigue. Its ability to bring mental clarity makes it useful when an emotional experience(s) is too difficult to digest and we can become stuck in a repetitive cycle of feelings potentially leading to depression. Its impact of the 5-HTP and serotonin pathways are valuable here . Its effects on improving cognition, enhancing learning and memory as well as regenerating brain cells indicate its use in Alzheimer’s, ADHD and autism, but also in any form of mental illness from depression to eating disorders. All of this helps bring vitality and energy back, which is also shown in its impacts on the thyroid. It is also a useful addition to formulas used to heal hot skin conditions from acne, eczema to psoriasis which if they aren’t caused by any nervous system imbalances can ceryainly cause them.

Gotu kola

Hydrocotyle asiatica’s greatest asset is its ability to penetrate deeply into the circulatory system and carry its consciousness enhancing properties into the brain. I give it at 3-10g/day as a powder (or capsules) or 10-25% of a liquid tincture prescription. Whenever a client needs relaxing in order to think clearly I will consider Gotu Kola. It relaxes the channels of circulation, allowing more blood to flow whether this is needed for nutrition or wound healing. Either way, it reduces the stress of ’trauma’ caused by a wound, shock, skin disease, inflammation or mental fog. As it balances all three dosha it removes the ‘shock’ of doshic imbalance. Commonly used in Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, spasmodic disorders, skin inflammations associated with stress and joint inflammations. It is also used to help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. By normalising the cell adhesion molecule function it enhances cellular communication and promotes cellular intelligence. Gotu Kola is true food for the mind.

Tulsi

Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. sanctum) or Holy Basil is one of my favourite nervines. Its light aromatic scent is wonderful for lifting the spirits and alleviating a tired mind, even mild depression. I include it in a mix as 2-6g powder per day or as herbal tea or at 5-15% of a liquid tincture prescription. It is packed with essential oils that help to open the lungs, and relax tension. It is very useful for headaches, allergic irritation, nervous digestion and when taken as a strong herbal infusion, the physical ache associated with ‘flu and colds. Its become considered as an adaptogen in some circles with its ursolic acid content showing potent cellular repair and cortisol regulating effects.

Vacha

Acorus calamus is used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine for ‘opening the mind’ and bringing clarity whenever there is sluggishness and mental fog. Its pungent and bitter flavour helps it penetrate its healing potential deep into the mind. This warming quality ‘cooks’  and scrapes accumulations that are obstructing clear thinking. Used at 1-3g/day (powder) or 5-7.5% of a liquid tincture prescription. It has a strong acrid taste and so should be used at a low dose. And not just because of the dose. It contains B-asarone at various levels depending on the country of origin due to its chromosomal make up so just use short term at a low dose. Its ability to aromatically awaken digestion and clear mucus from the body indicates it whenever there is ‘stuck’ behaviour leading to depression, speech impediments and emotional stagnation with a heavy kapha type or cold vata type person. Called vacha meaning ‘speech’ in Sanskrit, its traditional use speaks volumes for the insights our ancestors discovered about plants for such specific uses.