February Edition: Nervous System Support

Hello community,

I am seeing many clients at the moment and speaking to friends, and the common theme I am hearing is that people are struggling to regulate their nervous systems. I include myself in this too. This month, I want to focus on nervous system regulation because when the nervous system feels supported, everything else becomes easier. Digestion improves. Sleep deepens. Energy feels steadier. Mood becomes more balanced. If you are a parent, you may notice that you can parent more calmly and patiently.

Supporting the nervous system does not require perfection. It is built through small, consistent choices that signal safety and steadiness to the body.

Herbal Medicine for Nervous System Support

Herbal medicine offers gentle, effective tools for supporting the nervous system, especially during periods of ongoing stress. If we can support the nervous system, everything else often starts to fall into place. A nervous-system-supporting tincture is often my starting point. All formulas are individualized, but many contain some or all of the following herbs:

Californian Poppy

Although related to the opium poppy, Californian poppy is not a narcotic. It gently supports relaxation and sleep, particularly when the mind feels busy or overactive. It is also considered a safe and useful herb for children experiencing nervous tension, anxiety, bedwetting, or difficulty sleeping.

Lemon Balm

Traditionally used to lift spirits and ease anxiety, restlessness, and irritability, lemon balm helps reduce nervousness and panic. It can gently calm a racing heart. It is also useful when anxiety shows up as digestive symptoms such as bloating, nausea, acidity, or indigestion. As a bonus, it is commonly used for cold sores and may help reduce future outbreaks.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has become very popular in mainstream herbal medicine, and for good reason. It helps the body cope with the demands of modern life, supporting energy when fatigued, easing the impact of stress and anxiety, and supporting sleep.

These herbs work best when used regularly, offering steady support rather than forcing quick change. One of the core principles of herbal medicine is a gentle approach that promotes long-term results, not a sledgehammer approach. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss a personalized formula for you.

Nutrition for a Calmer Nervous System

Warm, nourishing foods are especially supportive at this time of year. In Ayurvedic medicine, warmth supports our digestive fire, known as Agni, which governs how well we digest, absorb, and assimilate nutrients. When Agni is strong, we tend to feel more energised, clear-headed, and stable.

Think soups, stews, broths, and warm breakfasts. You can find a recipe for Creamy Beetroot Soup on my website.

Simple Grounding Practice

Grounding refers to practices that bring you back into your body and into the present moment. These practices help shift the nervous system out of stress mode and into “rest and digest”.

Growing up in New Zealand, I spent a lot of time barefoot and by the ocean, both wonderful grounding practices. Living in London, this is not quite as practical, especially in winter, so I lean on simple indoor practices instead.

Try this once or twice a day:

1. Sit comfortably with your feet on the floor.

2. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four.

3. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six.

4. Repeat for two to three minutes.

   
   

Other gentle grounding ideas include stepping outside for a few minutes of daylight, placing a hand on your chest and belly while breathing slowly, holding a warm mug of herbal tea, or taking a slow, mindful walk.

Book Club

Stop Letting Everything Affect You – Daniel Chidiac

A simple, uplifting read about learning to respond rather than react, letting go of what we cannot control, and cultivating more inner calm. This book is a lovely complement to this month’s theme of nervous system regulation.

“There comes a moment when you realise you can’t keep living like this, constantly drained, constantly affected by things that shouldn’t have this much power over you.”

— Daniel Chidiac, Stop Letting Everything Affect You

If you would like to book a consultation, order products, or ask a question you would like covered in a future newsletter, simply book through my website or send me an email.

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Wishing you a calm and steady February,

Renee