Your nervous system is a complex system comprising many different specialized structures. It is responsible for relaying signals to and from your brain via your spinal cord, which travels from your brain down your back, eventually branching out in long, thin strands to innervate, or enliven, organs and tissues throughout your body. Natural herbs may help tone your nervous system, but you should always talk to your family doctor before using herbs.
Nervous System Disorders
Many disorders are associated with your nervous system. Examples of nervous system disorders include spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, Bell's palsy, brain tumors and aneurysms, epilepsy, seizures, traumatic head injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Nervous system disorders can affect your various senses, including your sense of sight, smell, taste and touch. In some cases, nervous system disorders are progressive.
Natural Herbs
In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician and expert herbalist Sharol Tilgner states that there are several herb classifications associated with your nervous system, including nervines, nerve tonics and nerve relaxants. Examples of nervines, or herbs that calm your nerves, include black cohosh, chamomile, damiana, motherwort, lavender, passionflower and skullcap. Nerve tonics, or herbs that support and nourish your nervous system, include oats and St. John's wort. Herbs that help relax your nerves include cramp bark, kava kava, pasque flower and valerian.
An Effective Herb
Passionflower is an effective natural herb in toning your nervous system. Certified nutritional consultant and nutrition researcher Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that passionflower is particularly helpful in treating neuritis, conditions associated with stress, insomnia, hyperactivity and anxiety. This herbal remedy possesses mild sedative action and may help regulate your blood pressure. Also known as maypop, passionflower is a relaxing nervine and antispasmodic. Various parts of the passionflower plant are used in herbal medicines.
Disclaimer
Many nervous system disorders are treatable, however, some nervous system disorders are progressive and irreversible. Most nervous system disorders, despite their varying levels of severity, may respond to appropriate treatment methods. Herbal remedies are an often helpful adjunct therapy in the treatment of nervous system disorders and may be a helpful inclusion in treatment plans for these conditions. If you are diagnosed with a nervous system disorder, ask your physician if herbs may be helpful for your condition.
References
- KidsHealth: Brain and Nervous System
- Rush University Medical Center: Nervous System Disorders
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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