Medicinal Action

Nervous System Health
Nervous system health encompasses the proper functioning of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, ensuring efficient communication between the body and the mind. A healthy nervous system supports cognitive function, emotional resilience, and physical coordination. Herbs like ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), oatstraw (Avena sativa), and bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) are often used to nourish, strengthen, and balance the nervous system. Maintaining nervous system health involves a combination of balanced nutrition, stress management, adequate sleep, and physical activity.

Products containing Nervous System Health
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Frayed Flame Tincture
A grounding formula for nervous system depletion — helping you soften, slow down, and come home to yourself.
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Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
Uses
Historical Use:
Nettle has a long tradition of use across Europe and Asia as a strengthening spring tonic, valued for its ability to “cleanse the blood” and restore vitality after the winter months. Fresh nettles were sometimes used for urtication — intentionally brushed on the skin — to stimulate circulation and relieve joint pain or stiffness.
Current Uses:
Nettle leaf is now widely recognized as a nutrient-rich herb, abundant in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. The leaf is taken as tea, infusion, or food to replenish nutrients, support general health, and gently build strength. Its anti-inflammatory actions make it a key ally for easing arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness. Many herbalists recommend nettle leaf for reducing seasonal allergies and supporting clear, healthy breathing, likely due to its influence on histamine pathways.
Nettle leaf is also used to encourage healthy kidney and urinary function and is considered mildly diuretic, supporting the removal of excess fluids. Externally and internally, nettle leaf has been used to support healthy skin and hair, helping reduce dandruff, strengthen hair, and soothe skin conditions such as eczema.
Nettle root is distinct in its action, most notably used to support urinary flow and prostate health in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is also considered mildly astringent and has been traditionally used to address excessive bleeding.
Nettle seed is prized as a nutritive tonic, rich in fatty acids and micronutrients. Contemporary herbalists use nettle seed as a rejuvenative herb, sometimes referred to as an adaptogen, to support energy, endurance, and overall vitality.
Learn More:
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Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Uses
Fever Reduction (Febrifuge):
Boneset is primarily known for its use in breaking fevers. Historically, it was used to promote sweating, helping the body cool down during high fevers caused by the flu, colds, or infections. Its diaphoretic action makes it highly effective for reducing body temperature naturally.
Treatment of Influenza and Cold Symptoms:
Traditionally, Boneset was a key herb in treating influenza and severe colds. It helps to alleviate body aches, chills, and congestion associated with these conditions. Native American tribes, particularly the Delaware and Iroquois, valued Boneset for its ability to relieve the “bone-breaking” pain that often accompanies these illnesses.
Digestive Support:
Boneset was also used as a mild laxative and digestive tonic. It helps relieve constipation and is thought to support the liver, promoting detoxification and improving overall digestive health.
Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief:
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Boneset has traditionally been used to relieve rheumatic pains and other joint discomforts. It is particularly beneficial for treating inflammatory conditions that affect the bones, joints, and muscles.
Immune Support:
Boneset has historically been used to boost the immune system, particularly during viral infections. It helps to strengthen the body’s defenses, speeding recovery and preventing the recurrence of illness.
Learn More:
Want to explore more about energetics, history and more? Visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb to deepen your understanding.
Hops Flower (Humulus lupulus)
Sedative and Relaxant: Traditionally, hops have been used for their calming effects on the nervous system. In European folk medicine, hops were used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. People often stuffed pillows with hops to induce sleep and ease nervous tension.
Digestive Aid: Hops have long been recognized for their bitter properties, which stimulate digestive secretions. They were commonly used to treat indigestion, loss of appetite, and digestive discomfort in traditional herbal medicine.
Antiseptic and Anti-inflammatory: Hops were also used for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditional healers applied hops externally to treat skin infections and inflammation and internally to reduce fevers and combat infections.
Current Uses:
Sleep Aid: In modern herbalism, hops are a popular remedy for insomnia and anxiety. They are often combined with other sedative herbs, such as valerian or passionflower, in supplements or teas to promote restful sleep.
Nervous System Support: Hops are frequently used to alleviate nervous tension, stress, and mild anxiety. They are incorporated into tinctures, capsules, or teas designed to calm the mind and relax the body.
Digestive Health: Due to their bitter compounds, hops continue to be used as a digestive stimulant, helping to enhance appetite and alleviate indigestion.
Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial: Hops possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and are still used in modern herbal medicine to treat skin conditions, infections, and inflammation both internally and externally.
Brewing: Hops are famously used in the brewing industry to flavor and preserve beer. Their bitter resins and aromatic oils give beer its distinctive flavor and help prevent bacterial growth during the fermentation process.
Learn More:
Want to explore more about Hops’ energetics and history? Visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb to deepen your understanding.
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Digestive Soother: Licorice Root has been used in ancient Egyptian and Greek medicine as a remedy for gastric ulcers, indigestion, and heartburn. Its mucilaginous properties soothe inflamed mucous membranes, making it beneficial for conditions like gastritis and acid reflux.
Respiratory Support: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Licorice Root is known as Gan Cao and has been used for centuries to treat coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats due to its ability to soothe inflamed tissues and expel mucus.
Hormonal Balance: In Ayurvedic medicine, Licorice Root has been employed to balance hormones and address menstrual irregularities. It’s particularly noted for its ability to help with adrenal fatigue and stress.
Current Uses:
Anti-inflammatory: Modern research highlights Licorice Root’s potent anti-inflammatory effects, making it valuable for conditions like arthritis, eczema, and other inflammatory disorders.
Adrenal Support: Today, Licorice is widely used for supporting adrenal health in cases of chronic stress. It helps regulate cortisol levels, acting as a natural remedy for adrenal fatigue.
Antiviral: Licorice Root is recognized for its antiviral properties, showing effectiveness against viruses like herpes simplex and hepatitis.
Gut Health: DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is commonly used to treat peptic ulcers, as it helps soothe and heal the stomach lining without the glycyrrhizin component that can elevate blood pressure.
Learn More:
Want to explore more about Licorice’s energetics and history? Visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb to deepen your understanding.