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Page 40
| Tonics: Oatstraw, St. John's wort, skullcap |
| Relaxants: Skullcap, valerian, vervain |
| Stimulants: Cola, guarana |
| Nervine Tonics |
| Perhaps the most important contribution herbal medicine can make in the whole field of neurology is in strengthening and ''feeding'' the nervous system. In cases of shock, stress or nervous debility, the nervine tonics strengthen and restore the tissues directly. On the other hand they can contribute to the healing of damaged nervous tissue, whether this is due to a pathological process or physical trauma. This invaluable group of remedies is best exemplified by oats (also referred to as oatstraw), which has neither a relaxant nor stimulant effect. Ginkgo is an important tonic for the nervous system, but appears to work via its vasodilating action on the blood vessels of the brain. This will increase oxygen availability to brain cells. Other nervine tonics that have, in addition, a relaxing effect, include skullcap and St. John's wort. Of these relaxing nervine tonics, skullcap is often the most effective, particularly for problems related to stress. |
| Nervine Tonics with a Relaxing Effect |
| Chamomile |
| Hyssop |
| Lavender |
| Skullcap |
| St. John's wort |
| Vervain |
| Wood betony |
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