Nervine — herbalism term · PlantSage glossary
Nervine defined
— Calms or tones the nervous system.
The definition
Plants that act on the nervous system — calming overactivity (nervine relaxants), strengthening depleted tone (nervine tonics), or stimulating function (nervine stimulants). The first two categories dominate in modern herbal practice for sleep, anxiety, and tension.
Mostly via GABAergic activity, parasympathetic activation, or modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters. Effects range from mild relaxation (chamomile) to pronounced sedation (valerian).
Example plants
Classic species in this category from the PlantSage archive.
Related wellness goals
Common conditions where nervine plants are indicated.
See also
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