The Wisdom of Nervines Hello everyone!
I hope you have been enjoying the turning of the seasons. We have heard about the beginning of the Year of the Horse, which is said to bring the energy of moving forward. A few days ago, we also experienced a powerful lunar eclipse, which felt quite strong on my side. At the same time, we are sadly witnessing planetary conflicts that can leave us feeling tense and wondering about the wellbeing of our global community. You haven’t heard much from me this past season. I have been going through major transitions, which at times felt amplified by these wider planetary energies. After an intense Christmas season, I felt my nervous system needed to slow down and retreat into a self-care cocoon through the darkness of winter. Honouring this need, in alignment with the season, allowed me to reflect on how my surroundings have been affecting my inner cycles. While I know I can be a powerful force of manifestation, I am also realising how easily this strength can turn into my shadow, burning me out, and sometimes those around me as well. Our creative fires can spread quickly, especially when encouraged by the pace set by the systems we live within. So, in quiet alignment with my jasmine flowers, I have decided to say hello again and share some reflections from this inward time. On rest and cycles Retreating to rest is not the same as stopping growth. We are cyclical beings, and we need to tend to our quieter phases. It is in these darker spaces that we rebuild from the roots and learn to strengthen our boundaries. This is the ground where seeds and roots remain protected through the winter. Reflecting on this also made me question the way the Year of the Horse has been portrayed on social media. Aren’t horses also peaceful, observant and affectionate animals? Is the energy of the Horse only about relentless forward momentum? If we are to embrace this year, perhaps we can choose a more conscious, self-paced movement forward, rather than entering a purely yang race. Nervous system burnout We tend to reach nervous system burnout before we reach endocrine burnout, or what is often called “exhausted adrenals”. When we push past our body’s signals and look for quick fixes, such as consuming copious amounts of coffee or using herbs simply to get our “energy back”, we can end up further depleting ourselves. In the world of herbs, we have a distinguished group of medicinal plants that act on the nervous system, offering support when we struggle to relax or find ourselves in a constant state of overdrive. These are the nervines. These plant allies can either stimulate the nervous system or help relax and restore it. Stimulant nervines And guess what? Coffee (Coffea arabica) belongs to the stimulant nervine group. Within this group, we also find Cacao (Theobroma cacao) and Cola (Cola acuminata). These plants are often enjoyed as what we might call “pleasure plants”, cherished for their uplifting qualities, flavour, and cultural significance. Many of us have daily rituals around them. However, they are also stimulating plants. Their compounds can activate the nervous system and support the body’s stress response by stimulating the adrenal medulla, which releases the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine, more commonly known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. In small or occasional amounts, this stimulation can feel energising and enjoyable. But when consumed in excess, or when our nervous system is already under pressure, these plants may give us a temporary boost while gradually contributing to deeper depletion. You might be thinking: “But cacao is good for me!” And yes, it can absolutely be a beautiful plant ally. Cacao is widely loved in the world of wellbeing for its uplifting and heart-opening qualities. Like coffee, however, it is still a stimulating plant, and tends to serve us best when enjoyed with awareness and moderation. It is also worth remembering that these beloved plants come from specific ecosystems and communities around the world. Their growing popularity has increased pressure on certain landscapes and supply chains, reminding us of the importance of knowing where our plants come from and supporting ethical and regenerative cultivation whenever possible. Of course, our bodies are all different. As with all plants, some people may feel their stimulating effects more strongly than others, which is why listening to our own nervous system becomes so important. Relaxing nervines A relaxed and regulated nervous system benefits many areas of our wellbeing. It supports healthy digestion (and vice versa, the state of our gut can also influence how stressed we feel), enhances our ability to experience pleasure, supports the functioning of our immune system, and strengthens our capacity to care for ourselves and for others. So, how can we support our nervous system to relax? This is where nervine relaxants truly shine. These plants tend to be gentler in their action and can often be used during the day without making you sleepy, groggy, or depleted. Many of them also have digestive benefits and help calm an overstimulated nervous system. Within this beautiful group, we find some of my favourite herbs: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Damiana (Turnera diffusa) Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) Linden (Tilia europaea) and Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), among others. Each of these plants offers many qualities beyond relaxation. Some also belong to the group known as trophorestorative nervines, meaning that with longer-term use, they can help not only calm but also rebuild and nourish a depleted nervous system. One of my favourites for this purpose is Oatstraw (Avena sativa). Gentle yet deeply nourishing, it reminds us that restoration often happens slowly, through consistent care rather than sudden bursts of energy. Returning to a gentler pace Working with nervine plants is not only about calming stress in moments of overwhelm, but about learning to listen to our bodies more closely. They invite us to soften our pace, to breathe a little deeper, and to remember that rest is an essential part of vitality. Sometimes the most supportive thing we can do for our nervous system is surprisingly simple: drinking a warm cup of herbal tea, stepping outside for fresh air, feeling the sun on our skin, or allowing ourselves a few moments of stillness during the day. Small rituals like these gently signal to the body that it is safe to relax. As we move through this season and a year that invites movement and momentum, perhaps we can also remember the wisdom of pacing ourselves. Just as plants grow in cycles of expansion and rest, our energy, too, needs moments of restoration. So if you find yourself feeling a little overstimulated or depleted, I invite you to turn towards some of these gentle plant allies, brew yourself a warm infusion, and allow your nervous system the space it needs to settle and restore. Wishing you moments of calm, nourishment, and connection with the plants. With love, Monica It’s a joy to share this space with you, a place where we introduce our plant allies and explore how they weave into the rhythms of daily life. Within these pages, you’ll find gentle reflections, honest questions, and the quiet, grounding wisdom that plants so generously offer.
An Invitation to PauseEach season brings a different kind of invitation. Autumn, for example, often asks us to slow down, soften our edges, and listen more closely, not just to the world around us, but to our own internal landscape. This first sharing invites you into that space of noticing: a moment to pause, recalibrate, and reconnect. How often do we give ourselves permission to rest?  Questions for the JourneyEven when we’re doing what we love, following our purpose, or saying yes to new opportunities, it’s easy to slip into overdrive without realising it. In times of high energy and high demand, we might find ourselves juggling too much, skipping meals, losing sleep, or disconnecting from the cycles that keep us nourished. Passion can be a beautiful, creative force, but it can also quietly override our self-care if we’re not paying attention. So perhaps this is a good moment to check in:
Our bodies hold the answers, and the plants offer the support. Avena Sativa When Stress Creeps InIf you’re noticing the early signs of stress, tension, fatigue, and scattered focus, you’re not alone. The good news is that plant allies are always here, ready to guide us back into balance. One of my favourite companions is Oatstraw (Avena sativa). This sweet, nourishing plant offers exactly what an overworked nervous system longs for. Traditionally cherished as a deeply nutritive tonic, Oatstraw is rich in minerals, restorative to the nervous system and adrenals, and profoundly supportive in times of depletion. It works gently and steadily, and time is an important part of its medicine. When I’m supporting myself through stress, I like to imagine my body as a garden that needs tending. We move through seasons, and our environments shape how we grow. In the same way, when we work in partnership with plants, our relationships with them also unfold over time, just as seeds need time to germinate and find their place in the soil. Drinking Oatstraw feels like receiving a deep, steady hug. It warms the spirit, soothes without sedating, and brings a calm clarity. Personally, I find that a whole teapot often leads to spontaneous smiles. Oatstraw is beloved in Western herbalism for supporting:
 A Gentle Closing ThoughtThis journal isn’t about productivity. It’s a space to reflect, reconnect, and move through the seasons with the plants by your side. There’s no pressure to know everything, just curiosity and presence. Let the plants walk beside you. Let them remind you to pause, breathe, and return.  I’d love to hear from you…What’s your current relationship with the plants?
Do you have a favourite calming herb? How do you know when it’s time to pause? If you have made it until the end, thank you so much for your time and support. Please feel free to share your reflections in the comments below, or simply sit with the questions and sip your tea. |
AuthorI am an artist, herbalist, and educator exploring the intersection of plants, textiles, and ecological healing. ArchivesCategories |
RSS Feed