Herbal Basics: Nervines 101

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) – Skullcap is a remarkable herb that brings tranquility to both body and mind, helping to restore balance in our hectic lives. As a renowned nervine, it gently calms nervous tension and alleviates occasional stress, while its trophorestorative properties support and rejuvenate the nervous system over time. Imagine sipping on skullcap tea before bed, feeling the day's worries melt away, or during a menstrual cycle, allowing the body to soften and release. Consider it a go-to when muscles are stiff and you’re holding onto the day a little too tightly. Cherished by Native American tribes and celebrated in European herbal traditions, skullcap has a deep history of promoting relaxation and well-being. Thriving in lush, shady habitats, this herb is a key ingredient in our Stress Ease® Tension Relief tea blend, offering a soothing embrace when you need it most.* 

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Lavender is more than just a delightful fragrance—it's a powerhouse of benefits. Known for its ability to settle the nervous system and ease occasional stress, lavender also promotes relaxation in the digestive system. Thriving in sunny, well-drained soils, this resilient plant from the Mediterranean is a blessing for gardeners, especially in dry climates. Imagine winding down with a soothing cup of lavender tea, letting the calming properties wash over you. Whether you’re dealing with occasional stress or simply need to relax, lavender's aromatic and therapeutic qualities make it an ideal companion. Historically cherished by cultures around the world, from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Middle Ages, lavender has been used for purification, spiritual rituals, and to keep homes smelling fresh. Its delicate purple flowers, abundant in essential oils, are a key ingredient in our Chamomile and Lavender tea as well as Cup of Calm®, providing a soothing, calming experience.*  

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – Lemon Balm, often called the "Bringer of Gladness," supports digestion and helps calm frazzled nerves. This member of the mint family, with its broad leaves and pleasing lemony scent, is known for its bright and uplifting properties. Thriving in gardens and attracting bees with its sweet aroma, lemon balm is not only easy to grow but also a delightful addition to any herbal collection. This versatile herb, rich in essential oils like citral, citronellal, linalool, and geraniol, brings joy to the senses with its sweet citrus scent. Traditionally used to support digestion, lemon balm has a carminative action on the digestive tract, helping to disperse gas and ease discomfort. As a nervine, it gently calms the nervous system without being overly sedating, making it an ideal herbal tea to sip throughout the day to relieve tension or drive away occasional blues. Historically cherished and used in various herbal preparations, lemon balm continues to offer a soothing, herbaceous, and subtly citrus experience in our teas, promoting relaxation and well-being. Enjoy this herb in our Lemon Balm and Nighty Night® Extra teas.* 

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) – Chamomile, known for its tiny daisy-like flowers, is a staple in many households for comforting bellies and aiding relaxation. This humble herb is rich in azulene, an aromatic essential oil that calms the body and soothes occasional digestive troubles. With its dual affinity for the nervous and digestive systems, chamomile is perfect for alleviating stress-related stomach issues and promoting restful sleep. Its antispasmodic and carminative properties help ease cramps, gas, and overall digestion. Historically, chamomile has been celebrated for its versatility. The ancient Greeks, including the physician Dioscorides and naturalist Pliny the Elder, praised it for various uses, from soothing digestive complaints to supporting women's health. It was also planted as a cover crop to attract beneficial insects. Herbalists and physicians throughout history have recognized chamomile’s calming and digestive benefits, making it a timeless ally in herbal medicine. You can enjoy the soothing benefits of chamomile in our Chamomile and Lavender tea, Cup of Calm® tea, and Chamomile tea. * 

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – Valerian root, known as a time-tested herbal sedative, has been used for thousands of years to ease occasional sleepless nights and soothe the nervous system. Valerian root encourages the body toward a parasympathetic state, promoting relaxation and better sleep quality. Historically used by emperors, saints, and Hippocrates, valerian's name comes from the Latin ‘valere,’ meaning ‘to be well.’ Hippocrates identified and documented valerian root as a carminative, emmenagogue, and an herb to ease nausea.* In the modern day, herbalists, naturopaths, and plant people rely on valerian for its effect upon the nervous system. Native to Europe and Asia, valerian thrives in woodland ecosystems and is known for its strong, earthy aroma. You can find valerian in our Nighty Night® Extra tea and other herbal blends designed to support restful sleep.* 

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – Passionflower is celebrated for its ability to soothe the nerves, promote relaxation, and ease anxious minds for a restful sleep. This herb, a member of the Passifloraceae family, supports the nervous system through its beneficial compounds, including flavonoids and alkaloids, which work synergistically to create a gentle sedative effect. Historically, Native American tribes in the Southeast used passionflower as both food and medicine, while European settlers spread its medicinal use. Passionflower is a tendril-climbing vine with exotic, fragrant flowers and edible fruits, thriving in the Southeastern United States and Central America. You can enjoy the calming benefits of passionflower in our Cup of Calm® and Nighty Night® teas.* 

Linden (Tilia spp.) – Linden is cherished for its ability to support and soothe the nerves, aid digestion, and ease seasonal discomforts. Known for its light and citrusy taste, linden tea and honey have been enjoyed for thousands of years, with the bright yellow blooms used to calm and soothe. Since ancient times, this plant has been used as an antispasmodic to ease digestion, stress, and bodily tension, making it gentle enough for kids and a calming pre-bedtime ritual. Linden is a sacred tree in many cultures, connected to gods and goddesses of fertility and fate, and symbolically associated with truth and justice. Botanically, linden belongs to the Malvaceae family, identifiable by its heart-shaped leaves, sturdy trunk, and fragrant pale-yellow flowers. Easy to grow once established, linden thrives in moist climates with full sun to partial shade, adaptable to various soil types. Enjoy the soothing benefits of linden in our Cold Care P.M.® and Nighty Night® teas.* 

Hops (Humulus lupulus) – Hops, a natural sedative and sleep aid, has been cherished for centuries for its calming effects on the nervous system. Not just a key ingredient in beer making, hops is valuable in herbalism, known for its sedative properties that help soothe nerves and promote relaxation. The flower clusters, or strobiles, are commonly used in teas, tinctures, and supplements to support overall nervous system health. Hops first gained prominence in beer making in Germany during the Middle Ages for its bitter flavor and natural preservation qualities. Botanically, hops belongs to the hemp family and is related to cannabis. This stunning climbing plant can grow up to 25 feet tall and is native to Europe but thrives in temperate climates worldwide, especially on the West Coast of the U.S. Enjoy the calming benefits of hops in our Cold Care® P.M. and Nighty Night® Extra teas.*