The Nervous System
The nervous system can be thought of as the body’s electrical wiring and communications system. In addition to sensory neurons, it has specialized cells that transmit signals between various parts of the body. Controlling everything from the heartbeat to emotions, the system has two divisions: The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves outside of the brain and spine. The function of the peripheral nervous system is to connect everything in the body with the central nervous system.
Insomnia is defined as having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up early and being unable to get back to sleep. It can be caused by stress, life events, a changing work schedule, jet lag, and eating too much before bed. It is not unusual for insomnia to happen from time to time. Even though it often sorts itself out, the symptoms of low energy, fatigue, moodiness, and trouble concentrating can be difficult to deal with.
Chronic insomnia is defined as occurring at least three times a week for more than three weeks. It can last for months or years. Some of the causes for chronic insomnia include medications, a medical condition, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
Valerian and Lavender Tincture
1 cup dried valerian, chopped
¼ cup dried lavender, crumbled
2 cups 80 to 100 proof alcohol (vodka, gin, brandy, or rum)
Place the valerian, lavender, and alcohol in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Close and shake for 1 to 2 minutes. Shake every other day for 2 to 4 weeks, and then strain. Store in a dark glass bottle.
To use: Pre-warm a cup or mug with hot tap water, and then add 1 teaspoon of tincture and 1 cup of boiling water. Wait about 5 minutes for the alcohol in the tincture to evaporate. Drink an hour before going to bed. Take a smaller dose of ½ teaspoon the first time you try valerian.
Anise and Milk
1 teaspoon aniseeds, crushed
1 cup milk
Lightly toast the aniseeds in a dry frying pan before crushing, and then place them in a pre-warmed cup. Heat the milk to just below the boiling point and pour it over the seeds. Allow it to cool to a drinkable temperature before straining.
To use: Add a little honey to taste. Drink about half an hour before going to bed.
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Valerian is an excellent sleep aid and those who brave its bitter taste swear by it. Another effective method for taking valerian is by capsule. A standard dose is between 400 milligrams to 900 milligrams; however, try the smaller dose first. Valerian works well with lemon balm when dealing with insomnia.
Lavender is most widely known for its calming and soothing properties. A little sleep pillow or muslin bag stuffed with lavender can add a relaxing touch for bedtime. Put the pillow in the microwave just long enough to warm the lavender and release more of its scent. St. John’s wort tea improves the quality of sleep and is especially soothing with chamomile. Other herbs that aid restful sleep include angelica, basil, coriander, dill, mullein, oregano, peppermint, sage, and spearmint.
Mental fatigue is a sign that our brains are saying, “Whoa, slow down.” It usually results when we feel overwhelmed with too much to do, too many decisions to make, and too many demands on us. Some of the symptoms include irritability, impatience, physical fatigue without cause, and a lack of concentration.
Rosemary and Lemongrass Tea
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried lemongrass, crumbled
1 cup water, boiled
Pre-warm a cup or mug with hot tap water, and then add the rosemary, lemongrass, and boiled water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes before straining.
To use: Drink 2 to 4 cups a day.
Ginger and Nettle Decoction
2 tablespoons dried ginger, chopped
2 tablespoons dried nettle root, chopped
1 quart water
Place the ginger, nettle, and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir, cover, and reduce the heat to as low as possible. Simmer for 25 minutes, and then allow it to cool completely before straining. Store in the refrigerator.
To use: Warm and drink a cup at a time. Take 2 to 3 cups a day.
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Lemongrass, ginger, and nettle promote mental clarity and focus. Widely known as a tonic for the nerves, rosemary can help lift mental fog. Use ½ teaspoon of rosemary tincture in a cup of water or juice. A strong cup of peppermint tea is also helpful. Other herbs to use for mental fatigue include basil, coriander, feverfew, sage, and valerian. To aid recovery, be sure to take lunches and short breaks. Take a few minutes to simply look out the window and have a cup of tea. Also, get physical exercise every day.
Symptoms of motion sickness can include a queasy stomach, dizziness, vomiting, and cold sweat. It can occur with any type of transportation and is the same as seasickness and travel sickness. The current theory points to the vestibular system, which is a part of the nervous system located in the inner ear. The vestibular system deals with balance, movement, and spatial orientation. With motion sickness, conflicting sensory signals are sent to the brain saying that you are sitting still and that you are moving at the same time. The cause for this is unknown.
Mint Tea
2–4 teaspoons dried peppermint or spearmint, crumbled
2 cups water, boiled
Pre-warm a cup or mug with hot tap water, and then add the mint and boiled water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes before straining.
To use: Take the tea along with you in a thermos and drink ½ cup at a time or slowly sip during travel.
Ginger and Turmeric Syrup
2 tablespoons dried ginger, chopped
2 tablespoons dried turmeric, chopped
2 cups water
½ cup honey
Combine the ginger, turmeric, and water in a saucepan, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to as low as possible and simmer at least 30 minutes or until the volume is reduced by half. Strain out the herbs, return 1 cup of liquid to the saucepan, and add the honey. Warm on low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat, allow the mixture to cool slightly, and then pour into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator where it will keep for several weeks.
To use: Take 1 teaspoon as needed.
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Other herbs that ease motion sickness include basil, cayenne, chamomile, fennel, and oregano. During travel, it helps avoid reading or using electronic devices and to focus your gaze on a stationary object. Stay hydrated before and during travel and avoid heavy, greasy foods.
While neuropathic or nerve pain seems to occur for no obvious reason, it is usually caused by damaged nerves sending scrambled messages to the brain. Nerve damage can result from a physical injury, chemotherapy, or a disease such as diabetes, Lyme disease, and hepatitis B or C. Symptoms vary but can include numbness, tingling, burning, and electric sensations. It is important to consult your doctor and coordinate your at-home care.
St. John’s Wort and Lemon Balm Massage Ointment
For the infused oil:
2 teaspoons dried St. John’s wort, crumbled
1½ teaspoons dried lemon balm, crumbled
½ cup coconut oil
For the ointment:
4 tablespoons cocoa butter, grated
½ cup infused oil
Place the St. John’s wort, lemon balm, and coconut oil in a double boiler and cover. With the heat as low as possible, warm for 30 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly before straining. Combine the cocoa butter and infused oil in a glass jar. Boil a little water in a saucepan and remove it from the heat. Place the jar in the water and stir until the cocoa butter melts. Remove it from the water and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Small particles usually appear as it cools. Boil the water again, place the jar in the water, and stir until the particles disappear. Remove from the water, let the mixture cool slightly, and then place it in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 hours. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature before using or storing.
To use: Put a little on your fingertips and gently massage the affected areas.
Angelica and Coriander Infusion
3 tablespoons angelica seeds, crushed
2 tablespoons coriander seeds, crushed
1 quart water, boiled
Lightly toast the angelica and coriander seeds in a dry frying pan before crushing. Pre-warm a large glass jar with hot tap water, and then add the seeds and boiled water. Cover and steep for 45 to 50 minutes, and then strain. Store in the refrigerator.
To use: Warm a cup at a time and drink 2 to 3 cups a day.
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Lemon balm and St. John’s wort strengthen the nervous system and, in addition to topical use, they can be taken as a tea or an infusion. The Cayenne Rubbing Oil included under Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Chapter nine is also effective for easing nerve pain. Other herbs to use include chamomile, ginger, peppermint, turmeric, and valerian.
Nervous tension is the body’s reaction to emotional upsets, stress, and anxiety. While symptoms may vary, they can include muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, upset stomach, nausea, sweaty hands, hot or cold flushes, and restlessness.
Peppermint, Mullein, and Feverfew Tea
1 teaspoon dried peppermint, crumbled
½ teaspoon dried mullein, crumbled
½ teaspoon dried feverfew, crumbled
1 cup water, boiled
Pre-warm a cup or mug with hot tap water, and then add the peppermint, mullein, feverfew, and boiled water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes before straining.
To use: Drink 2 to 3 cups a day.
Lavender and Sage Bath Infusion
2 cups dried lavender, crumbled
1 cup dried sage, crumbled
4–5 quarts water
Place the lavender and sage in a muslin bag and set aside. Bring the water to a boil in a large stockpot, and then remove it from the heat. Place the bag of herbs in the water, cover, and steep for 2 hours.
To use: Warm the infusion to a comfortable temperature before adding it and the bag of herbs to your bathwater for a soothing soak in the tub.
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A tincture of hyssop is another way to deal with nervous tension. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon 2 to 3 times a day. Hyssop also serves as a tonic to support the nervous system. Use lavender to make an infused oil to massage tense muscles or the temples, which aids relaxation. Other herbs to use for nervous tension include angelica, basil, chamomile, coriander, dill, lemon balm, lemongrass, oregano, rosemary, St. John’s wort, and valerian.
In addition to physical exercise such as a brisk walk, take breaks and focus on deep, slow breathing. Also take time to relax. Make the process of preparing tea a time to unwind.
During one of the happiest times in our lives, the “baby blues” can be a surprise. It can include symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, crying, sadness, and trouble sleeping. Don’t feel embarrassed because it happens to many of us and it’s no wonder with all the physical and hormonal changes that take place in the body during and after pregnancy. If the symptoms are severe or last more than a couple weeks, speak with your doctor because you may have postpartum depression, which is more serious and should be treated professionally.
Chamomile and Anise Infusion
3 tablespoons dried chamomile, crumbled
2 tablespoons aniseeds, crushed
1 quart water, boiled
Lightly toast the aniseeds in a dry frying pan over low heat before crushing. Pre-warm a large glass jar with hot tap water, and then add the seeds, chamomile, and boiled water. Cover and steep for 30 minutes before straining. Store in the refrigerator.
To use: Warm a cup at a time. Drink up to 3 cups a day.
Dill and Caraway Tea
1 teaspoon dillseeds, crushed
1 teaspoon caraway seeds, crushed
1 cup water, boiled
Lightly toast the dill and caraway seeds in a dry frying pan over low heat before crushing. Pre-warm a cup or mug with hot tap water, and then add the seeds and boiled water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes before straining.
To use: Drink 1 to 2 cups a day.
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In addition to helping with postpartum blues, dill, anise, caraway, and fennel also support lactation by building a sufficient milk supply. If you are not nursing, lemon balm and St. John’s wort can help you through the blues.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that usually occurs in the winter; however, it can appear during the summer for some people. Symptoms include moodiness, low energy, problems sleeping, a change in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. The cause is unknown.
St. John’s Wort and Lemon Balm Tincture
6 tablespoons dried St. John’s wort, crumbled
6 tablespoons dried lemon balm, crumbled
2 cups 80 to 100 proof alcohol (vodka, gin, brandy, or rum)
Place the St. John’s wort, lemon balm, and alcohol in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Close and shake for 1 to 2 minutes, and then set aside. Shake the jar every other day for 2 to 4 weeks, and then strain. Store in a dark glass bottle.
To use: Take ½ to 1 teaspoon 2 times a day for a 3-week period. Stop taking it for 1 week, and then repeat if necessary.
Lemon Balm Tea
2 teaspoons dried lemon balm, crumbled
1 cup water, boiled
Pre-warm a cup or mug with hot tap water, and then add the lemon balm and boiled water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes before straining.
To use: Drink 2 to 3 cups a day.
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Restorative for the nervous system, St. John’s wort is not an instant cure and usually takes a couple weeks for its effect to become apparent. Lemon balm is calming and supports a healthy nervous system.
Stress and anxiety share many symptoms, such as muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, and headache. It can be difficult to tell them apart as both can result in a lack of focus, sleeplessness, excessive worry, irritability, and exhaustion.
Stress is a normal reaction and part of the nervous system’s fight-or-flight response, telling the body that it has to step up to the plate and do something. Sometimes the body stays on high alert, making us feel overwhelmed, which can lead to other problems.
Occasional anxiety is also normal. It can be a reaction to stress, or it can arise when the source of stress is not clear. Its hallmarks are excessive worry and stress that is out of proportion to an anticipated event or the potential outcome of an event or situation.
Basil, Lemon Balm, and Chamomile Infusion
2 tablespoons dried basil, crumbled
2 tablespoons dried lemon balm, crumbled
1 tablespoon dried chamomile, crumbled
1 quart water, boiled
Pre-warm a large jar with hot tap water, and then add the basil, lemon balm, chamomile, and boiled water. Cover and steep for 35 minutes before straining. Store in the refrigerator.
To use: Warm and drink a cup at a time. Take up to 3 or 4 cups a day.
Lavender and Rosemary Bath Salts
For the infused oil:
1½ tablespoons dried lavender, crumbled
1½ tablespoons dried rosemary, crumbled
¾ cup coconut oil
For the salts:
2 cups Epsom or sea salt
2 tablespoons baking soda (optional)
¾ cup infused oil
Place the lavender, rosemary, and coconut oil in a double boiler and cover. With the heat as low as possible, warm for 40 minutes. Allow the infused oil to cool completely. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. Slowly stir in the infused oil and mix thoroughly.
To use: Add half or all the bath salts under the running tap for a soothing soak.
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Chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and rosemary are known for combatting stress. Basil has mild sedative properties and is considered a tonic that supports the nervous system. Instead of an infusion, try a tincture. Use 1 teaspoon in a cup of water, tea, or fruit juice two to three times a day. Lemon balm works well with valerian when dealing with stress.
When taking a soothing bath, add a handful of rose petals to the water for an extra aromatic treat. Other herbs to use for stress and anxiety include angelica, anise, coriander, ginger, hyssop, lemongrass, spearmint, and St. John’s wort.
When feeling stressed, relaxation and breathing exercises or doing something creative can help. Physical activity and exercise are helpful for both stress and anxiety. Keeping a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and seeking professional help are especially important if anxiety persists.