Plant Allies for Nervous System Restoration
Passiflora caerulea in my garden
This time of crisis, as well as the time we live in, can bring a lot of stress to our bodies. One of the symptomatic manifestations of capitalist society and colonial trauma is that of stress. Stress is said to be the silent killer, directly associated with the six leading causes of death. Stress is the sweat of society’s backbone of insatiable growth and consumption, the debt of running on overextended time and resources. The goal-oriented acceleration which modernity has evolved with overrides natural cycles where rejuvenation should take place. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, a system that is biologically triggered when one is fighting or running for their life. In constant activation, chronic stress spurs inflammations and illnesses of many faces due to the compromise of the necessary restorative functions of the body that take place in the parasympathetic nervous system.
Release is the archway for the new. Many plants can aid in releasing these societal symptoms of stress, and calm and restore depleted nervous systems. Relieving stress, anxiety, insomnia, and mental fatigue are often all intertwined, and these plants can bring the body into the parasympathetic nervous system, the realm of restoration and renewal. The nervous system is the biochemical scaffolding of how we think the world, remember the world, sense the world, and imagine the world. A scaffolding that is in constant need of replenishment.
These plants, known as nervines, bring the body into the parasympathetic state, releasing stress and restoring depleted nervous systems. Take care, take care of our health, take care of the Earth that brings us health.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon Balm was introduced to the Americas around 1700, and is now considered naturalized in this region. Lemon balm calms the nervous system and soothes emotional pain. Lemon balm is an adaptogen which means she helps the body adapt, uplifting energy with the mood-boosting neurotransmitter GABA, calming physical manifestations of anxiety, reducing cortisol levels, supporting digestion and aiding hypothyroidism. Lemon Balm is also a natural antihistamine for allergy relief.
Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita)
Chamomile is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to many parts of the United States and grows around California. Studies have shown that Chamomile significantly alleviates anxiety and depression. The flowers relax the nervous system and promote restful sleep. The plant is also imbued with anti-inflammatory properties that soothe skin hyperpigmentation, irritations and wounds.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean. Lavender stimulates the senses and calms the nerves so we can better sense. A flower with antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties within its purple petals. Lavender is one of the most common plants of aromatherapy because of the tranquil effects the aroma has on the body . The stimulation of the olfactory sense affects the limbic system to regulate emotional well-being, just smelling lavender promotes better sleep. Lavender’s aroma is one that lasts through time - like how Egyptians used lavender in funerals to help the dead to heaven and when King Tut’s tomb was opened in 1922, the dried lavender flowers still held their scent after 3,000 years. Lavender even reaches a less considered sense- the vestibular sense, also known as our “balance sense”, aiding conditions like ear infections, dizziness and vertigo. Bringer of balance through replenishment.
Passionflower (Passiflora caerulea)
Passionflower is a fast-growing perennial vine, a nervine and a guardian to the gates of dreaming. Native to the tropical and semi-tropical regions of the Americas, Passionflower has long been regarded by the Aztecs and the Natives of this country in ritual, to promote relaxation, calm the mind and the nervous system to sleep deeper, and to dream deeper. Passionflower has been revered in folk practices as a plant for raising consciousness and potentiating the relationship with other plants.
