Natural Infusions to Improve Your Nervous System

Your nervous system is what runs the show in your body. It is responsible for delivering messages and controls what you think and how you move. When our nervous system is out of whack, you will notice right away. Stress, physical illness, and injury can affect the nervous system. Luckily, there are many ways to keep your nervous system in balance. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits is a good place to start. Getting an adequate amount of rest, taking time to exercise and not stressing out about the little things in life will all help to keep your nervous system in good spirits. Certain herbs and natural drink infusions can also give you that little extra ¨boost¨ that will keep your nervous system happy. Below are a few naturally infused drinks that will help manage stress and keep your nervous system working properly.

Plant tonics

Many naturally occurring tranquilisers are found in plants. Tonic plants help to manage stress by taming our nerves and taking us out of constant state of alert. Some refer to plant remedies as phytotherapy, a practice that uses the natural extract of plants as medicine to treat common ailments. Below is a list of a few common plants that can be used as phytotherapy to calm the nervous system.

Passion flower

Passion flower is a powerful herb that can be used to cure aggravating afflictions such as insomnia, anxiety and depression. Passion flower can also be used as a pacifying agent to help calm anxious nerves before big work meetings, or public speaking events. You can use the dried leafs from a passion flower plant to create your own tincture, or opt to purchase the liquid extract from a natural grocery store. In either case, to alleviate stress, you should consume about 25 drops of passion flower a day. Try adding it to your morning tea.

Hops

The first thing we might think of when we hear the word hops is beer. Hops is used in beer brewing as a flavouring and stabilising ingredient. It is derived from the Humulus lupulus plant and can be used in its natural state to promote relaxation in the body. Along with its sedative properties, hops can also aid in relieving menstrual cramps and early symptoms of menopause. Hops as a tincture is a bit harder to find, but most organic markets will carry it. Most of the times hops will be mixed in with other herbal sedatives such as valerian root or melatonin.

Nettle

Nettle, otherwise known as stinging nettle, is a plant that grows in North America and Europe. Nettle can be used as a natural tea infusion that promotes relaxation and clarity of mind. The plant is rich in calcium and magnesium which is important for calming anxious nerves. Nettle stabilises the blood sugar, supports healthy immune functioning and can be used to reduce chronic headaches. You can use as an infusion by placing 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried nettle leaf in your morning or night time tea or add a handful of leafs to your soup stock.

Chamomile

Chamomile is derived from a daisy-like plant and is used all over the world for its medicinal properties. It is one of the most common tea infusions used to treat insomnia and frazzled nerves. Its properties are also shown to boost the immune system, alleviate menstrual cramps and lift depressive states. Chamomile can be found almost anywhere in the world. It is best to use before bedtime as its properties promote a highly sedative state.

Lavender tea

Lavender is an excellent choice for a tea infusion that promotes relaxation while keeping your mind awake and alert. Its properties relieve tension in those who are prone to headaches. Studies show that lavender is particularly helpful in women. Try drinking a cup of infused lavender tea before you start your day or as a mid-afternoon chill-me-out remedy.

Kava

Kava has been used for years to cultivate calmness and tranquillity in the mind, body and soul. Its ingredients relieve overall tension in the body and some studies show that it can be more powerful than taking an anti-depressant. The good thing about kava is that while it promotes relaxation it doesn´t make you drowsy. Kava has had some controversy surrounding its effect on the liver, so make sure you check with your health care provider before going wild for kava.