JANUARY 2026: PLANT LORE STUDY GROUP: BOTANICAL NERVINES: HERBS FOR STRESS

The January Study group meets in Oakland, Tennessee on January 31, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Study Group materials cost $10.00 and include Calm & Steady Herbal Tea ingredients and Stress Support Care Package.

To attend the Plant Lore Study Group: email Ginger Winn at irish0072@aol.com and request to attend the group sessions.

Nervine herbs are a category of plants that support the nervous system, help alleviate occasional stress, and promote relaxation.

Why Nervine Herbs? Nervine herbs work in various ways to soothe the nerves, foster a sense of calm, and provide a subtle sense of inner peace and deep relaxation. By acting on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), nervines help manage the body's stress response and improve overall resilience to stressors.

Nervine herbs range from gentle tonics like skullcap and lemon balm, to mildly calming herbs like lavender and chamomile, to stronger relaxants like valerian root and hops. Nervines are often used to support the body in times of normal muscle tension, circular thoughts, occasional sleeplessness, and day-to-day worries. 

How to Take Nervine Herbs: nervines can offer short term relief and are an ideal choice for immediate support during stressful moments or when a quick sense of calm is needed. Unlike adaptogens, which work over time to build resilience and support overall well-being, nervines support in the moment relief to soothe frazzled nerves, ease the mind, or find restful sleep.

Nervines are usually dosed as an herbal tea, however; tinctures, and capsules provide a concentrated dose of the herb’s soothing properties. Nervines are like a gentle hug on the nervous system when you need it most.

Nervine Herbs:

·        California Poppy: rich in calming properties and helps promote relaxation.

·        Catnip: a gentle and calming herb for insomnia safe for kids and the elderly.

·        Chamomile: relieves mild daily mental stress.

·        Hops: supports relaxation and helps calm a nervous stomach.

·        Lavender: used in aromatherapy because of its mild calming action.

·        Lemon Balm: helps with nervous exhaustion, gloom, and restlessness.

·        Oat Tops: a very gentle tonic herb that supports the nervous system.

·        Passionflower: relieves tension, restlessness, and supports restful sleep.

·        Skullcap: a gentle herb that nourishes the nervous system.

·        Valerian: a potent herb that supports relaxation.

What is stress? stress is the natural reaction the body has when changes or challenges occur, and many different things can lead to it. Stressors are anything that can cause stress, and they can be positive, such as keeping the body alert, motivated, and ready to avoid danger, or negative. Stress responses help the body adjust to new situations, and stress becomes an issue when stressors continue without relief or relaxation. Examples of stressors include an illness or death of a loved one, marriage, separation, or divorce, financial issues, moving to a new house, going on vacation, having a baby, and retirement.

How does stress affect the body? The body’s autonomic nervous system controls heart rate, breathing, and vision changes, and it has a built-in stress response, known as the “fight-or-flight response”, that helps the body face stressful situations.

Types of Stress:

Acute: short-term stress that comes and goes quickly and can have a positive or negative effect on the body, such as studying for a big test, getting ready for a work presentation, having an argument with a friend or loved one, needing to get a lot completed in a short amount of time, and experiencing many small problems all at once like getting in a traffic jam, spilling coffee all over, and running late.

Episodic Acute: acute stress that is experienced on a regular basis. With this kind of stress, the time needed to return to a calm and relaxed state isn’t present.

Chronic: long-term stress that goes on for weeks or months and can result from marriage troubles, issues at work, or financial problems. Chronic stress can lead to many long-term health issues affecting the immune system, causing arthritis, fibromyalgia and psoriasis, the digestive system, causing weight gain or loss, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome, the cardiovascular system, causing high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and heart palpitations, and the reproductive system, causing infections, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and infertility.

Positive: a beneficial type of stress from challenging but manageable situations that motivate, energize, and enhances performance, leading to growth, better focus, and satisfaction, including the excitement of a new job, a first date, a competitive game, or learning something new, that activates the body for productive action and achievement, instead of panic.

Emotional, Mental, & Physical Impacts of Stress:

Physical symptoms: aches and pains, chest pain, racing heart, exhaustion, trouble sleeping, headaches, dizziness, shaking, high blood pressure, muscle tension, jaw clenching, stomach or digestive problems, sexual issues, and weakened immunity.

Psychological symptoms: anxiety, irritability, depression, panic attacks, and sadness.

Behavioral symptoms: coping tools that can be habit-forming and have an impact on overall health including alcohol or substance abuse, gambling, overeating, developing an eating disorder, compulsive sex, shopping, or internet browsing, and smoking.

Stress Rash: pink or discolored with raised bumps called hives, welts that develop and swell on the surface of the skin and itch, burn, and become painful. This rash is more common in females, and they affect people in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s most often.