Nervine Tea for Nerve Wracking Times
How to make your own tea for nervous system health
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For me, connecting with the wisdom of my ancestors and the old ways of knowing how to work with the plants has been one of the doorways for me to connect with who I really am. It connects me to a sense of home, of roots, and of belonging in some way. Most surely my ancestors were plant people, if not plants themselves.
So in these moments where my system feels a little bit ‘over it’, I find reconnection and calm through the plants. Smelling them, touching them, walking among them, working with them.
And there are some plants that are actually incredible to help sooth a frazzled nervous system and help regenerate damaged nerves called nervines (calming or replenishing to the nervous system).
My favorite way to take these is in a tea, making a mixture of:
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Cooling to the body, calming to the mind, and soothing to the spirit. It quells disquietude, calms the ruminating mind, can promote natural relaxation and helps in coping with stress.
Oatstraw (Avena sativa)
Highly nutritive, containing minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamins, and a variety of other constituents which deeply nourish the entire body. Supports the body's healthy response to stress and the optimal function of both the nervous system and the hormonal system. *Most oatstraw is gluten free but double check with your supplier.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Helps instill a sense of gentle calm. Promotes emotional well-being and relaxation during times of occasional distress.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Helps to calm and rejuvenate the nervous system easing anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia, and headaches. It can even be helpful for those suffering with nervous heart palpitations. Helps restore those who are overwrought and exhausted. Can calm restlessness in children and help bring sleep to little ones who are so overtired that they are wired.
Monarda (Monarda fistulosa)
Relaxing nervine. Mood lifting and somewhat euphoric effect upon the senses. It also has the benefit of having both stimulating and relaxing, warming and cooling attributes. It can create a distinct feeling of heat in the body, but also significantly cools inflammation of any kind.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Calming and soothing. Promotes relaxation and supports digestive health. May improve the sleep quality and even help with depression.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Calming to the body and mind. Helps with anxiety, mood, and depression. Relieves stress, promotes good sleep.
Rose (Rosa damascena)
Mildly sedative, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-parasitic. Uplifts the heart. Unwinds the stuck-ness that is often rooted in old grief and trauma.
You can wildcraft or grow in your garden many of these herbs. But you can also find most of these herbs at your local apothecary or even at Natural Grocers. If I were to pick the top 3 or 4 to simplify, I’d probably choose Passionflower, Oatstraw, Lemon Balm and Chamomile.
My method for making teas (or for making anything for that matter) is to approximate measurements and use my sense of smell and intuition as a guide. As you go to mix together the following, I encourage you to do the same. Let your own body guide you as to when the amounts of each herb feel right to you!
Nervine Tea Recipe
makes approximately 50 8 oz cups of tea
Mix together the following dried herbs in a big bowl. Measurements are approximate. Go with your gut and your own intuition as to amounts of each.
1 cup Passionflower
1 cup Oatstraw
3/4 cup Lemon Balm
1/2 cup Skullcap
1/2 cup Chamomile
1/4 cup Monarda
1/8 cup Lavender
Rose Petals (few sprinkles)
Save herb mixture in a glass jar and keep in pantry, out of direct sunlight. This mixture will stay good for about 2-3 years in proper storage.
To brew, use about 1 Tbsp of the mixture in a tea ball or mesh tea bag. Pour about 8 oz boiling water over the herbs. Let steep for approximately 5 minutes. Rest, relax, rejuvenate and enjoy!