09/14/2026
Let's look at two categories of herbs that we reach for to support nervous system health, nervines and adaptogens.
Nervines generally offer more immediate symptomatic relief. Depending on the herb, they may help reduce muscle tension, quiet an overactive mind, support sleep, ease digestive tension or nourish a nervous system that feels exhausted.
Adaptogens differ from nervines in that they take longer to see results but the active constituents go where they're needed to restore function. They work over time to support the body's ability to adapt to physical and emotional stress.
I wanted to share some of my favorites from both classes!
🌿 Milky oats — nourishing support for a depleted, overworked nervous system
🌿 Passionflower — calming support, with research pointing in part to GABA-related activity
🌿 Linden — a gentle nervine I especially love when stress feels connected to the heart
🌿 Lemon balm — calming + antispasmodic; a beautiful choice when stress shows up in the gut
And on the adaptogenic side:
🌿 Schisandra — supports stress resilience, endurance and healthy liver function
🌿 Ashwagandha — one of our better-studied adaptogens for perceived stress and stress-response regulation
🌿 Reishi — restorative support with immunomodulating activity; traditionally used to support resilience and vitality
🌿 Maca — traditionally used for stamina and vitality, with emerging evidence around mood, sexual function and some menopausal symptoms
The important thing to remember is that just because herbs fall into one category over another, does not mean that all nervines or adaptogens work the same way. Each plant has its own actions, constituents, indications, and safety considerations - and learning those differences is where herbal medicine gets really useful.
That's exactly what we'll explore inside the Wild Rock Herbals Nervous System Reset, beginning Oct. 1st!
Three weeks, four live workshops, Q&As, free resources, a supportive community, and practical herbal education to help you understand your body and the plants you can use to support it!
Come learn with us! 🌿
Comment CALM for more information about our Nervous System Reset.