Perhaps the most important contribution herbs can make to the whole field of neurology lies in their ability to strengthen and nourish the nervous system.

Putting the physical body at ease promotes ease in the psyche. A nervine is a plant remedy with some kind of beneficial effect upon the nervous system. Nervine relaxants are most important in times of stress and confusion, as they can alleviate many of the accompanying symptoms. They should be used in a broad holistic way, not simply to tranquilize.

Save this list of mild to strong relaxing herbs–who doesn’t need a little help staying calm now and again? You never know when you could use their wonderful gifts:

Mild: Black horehound, borage, Roman chamomile, hyssop, lavender, red clover, lemon balm, cramp bark, black haw.

Moderate: Mugwort, black cohosh, St. John’s wort, motherwort, lobelia, chamomile, pasqueflower, skullcap, linden, damiana, vervain.

Strong: California poppy, hops, wild lettuce, passionflower, Jamaica dogwood, valerian.