Nervines: Herbs for a Tired Nervous System
If you’ve ever felt overstimulated, on edge, or like your mind will not quiet down even when your body is exhausted, this post is written just for you. Nervines are one of my favorite categories of herbs to recommend because so many of the women I work with feel this way and are looking for support that actually fits how their nervous system is operating right now.
We live in a world that constantly asks for more. More energy. More focus. More pushing through. Nervines help your body remember how to slow down. They do not sedate or shut you down. They allow and encourage your body to feel calm, safe, and able to reset without force.
What Are Nervines?
Nervines are herbs that work with the nervous system to support regulation. Some bring immediate calm. Others restore a depleted system over time. I often recommend them when sleep is disrupted, the mind will not stop racing, or someone feels emotionally fried and physically tense.
There are a few main types:
Calming nervines help ease tension and bring the body down from a heightened state
Tonic nervines gently rebuild and support stress recovery over the long term
Deeper restoratives support systems that feel drained or overstimulated for too long
These herbs often show up when someone has been under prolonged stress, struggling with cycles of anxiety, or describing themselves as sensitive, reactive, or burnt out.
When I Recommend Nervines
I typically reach for nervine support when a client describes:
Restlessness at night or trouble falling asleep
Emotional reactivity that feels hard to control
Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or jaw
A constant feeling of being overstimulated, even from good things
Feeling exhausted but unable to turn off
Nervines I Use Often in Practice
Lemon Balm
Supportive for digestion, irritability, and emotional tension. Brightens mood without being overstimulating. A good choice when nervousness shows up in the gut.
Passionflower
Known for calming mental loops. I use this when the mind will not quiet down or stress makes it hard to sleep.
Skullcap
Helpful when the body feels physically tense or the emotional response feels bigger than expected. Good for those who feel edgy or overstimulated.
Chamomile
Gentle but effective. Often used for children but also great for adults who are sensitive to stronger herbs. Supports mood, digestion, and a sense of ease.
I rarely recommend nervines in isolation. They often work best when paired with drainage remedies, energy support, or customized homeopathic tools. This kind of layering creates a deeper shift in the way the nervous system responds to daily life.
What You Might Notice
Most clients I work with describe small but meaningful changes. They are not as reactive. They sleep more deeply. They are less snappy with people they care about. Their shoulders feel less tense. Their thoughts are easier to manage. That sense of overwhelm slowly lifts.
My favorite story is a client who shared that, “It was like my body finally took a deep breath I didn’t even know I had been holding.”
That is the goal. Not to force calm. To make space for it.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Choosing the right nervine can be the turning point between feeling stuck and finally feeling supported. If you want to know what your nervous system is asking for, I would be happy to help.
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Medical Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
