The nervous system is the command and control center of the body. There are two major divisions of the nervous system, i.e., centraland peripheral nervous systems.
The central system comprises the brain and the spinal cord. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system includes sensory and motor nerves running from the muscles to the brain and from the brain to the muscles.
The main roles played by the nervous system are:
- Regulation of the internal environment of the body: maintaining the temperature of the body (thermoregulation)
- Control of movement(coordination of muscles)
- Reflexes (spinal cord reflexes such as stretch reflex, etc.)
- Memory and learning
- Mood and cognition
Diseases Of The Nervous System And Their Causes
The nervous system can waiver from its normal functioning and lead to nervous defects such as:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Palsy (Bell's and cerebral)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy
The main causes of this disruption are as follows:
- Imbalance in neurotransmitters
- Injury to the nervous system
- Inflammation
- Oxidative damage
You can boost your nervous system by enhancing mental health, cognition or increasing your resistance to stress.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Weak Nervous System
You might face the following symptoms when having a weakened or defective immune system:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Cognitive impairment
- Headache
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
Natural Remedies To Boost Nervous System
You don't need to worry at all. Even if you are in the 5th decade of your life or are blossoming through your teens, you can boost your nervous system, thanks to the available herbs for the nervous system.
To reset your nervous system back to normal or improve its performance, you can make the following herbs a part of your life.
1. Nervines
Nervines are special herbs that are identified to have immense benefits on the nervous system and have been frequently used to boost the nervous system's performance.
2. Valerian
Valerian root is famous for its use in treating nervous disorders such as insomnia and other sleeping issues.
The herb also finds use in calming down the hyper/overactive nervous system. Valerian improves your nervous system by regulating the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the body. It upregulates the levels of GABA that leads to a calming effect.
A study suggests the use of valerian for treating anxiety disorders. In a controlled trial, it was found that valerian extract positively alters brain function and connectivity.
Numerous studies advocate the use of the same herb to improve cognitive function. Thus, valerian proves to be an overall performer in enhancing the nervous system.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile herb is frequently used in the form of tea owing to the health benefits it imparts.
Matricaria chamomilla L. is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, which is frequently seen with nervous issues.
In a study on the long-term use of chamomile, it was found that the herb is safe to use in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Another study advocates its use in the short-term management of the very disorder.
The body's smooth muscles are regulated by the nervous system and are not in your voluntary control. Muscles of your gut are examples of smooth muscles that may get into error due to nervous disorders. The valerian root extract improves gut muscles' performance by altering the nervous responses, a study suggests.
Chamomile tea also has some antioxidative properties that improve nervous capabilities.
4. Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata belongs to the list of the best herbs for the nervous system. Extracts of the herb have numerous health benefits. The same herb is indicated as an add-on supplement for generalized anxiety disorder management with minimal side effects, a study suggests.
This nervine herb can improve symptoms of nervous restlessness. A study suggests the use of passionflower reduces nervous restlessness and increases resistance to stress. The collective effect of these effects is improved quality of life.
Passionflower use reduces the oxidative stress of the body too.
5. Bacopa
Bacopa Monnieri is a nootropic drug. Nootropics are drugs and supplements that improve cognition and brain performance. The herbal supplement has the vast potential to be used in enhancing nervous function. The most common impacts of bacopa are:
- Neuroprotection against oxidative stress
- Improvement in memory and learning
- Treatment of Alzheimer's disease
The neuroprotective role of bacopa was identified in a study that stated that the herb protects the nervous system by oxidative stress mitigation. It plays an important role in treating the adverse neurodegenerative effects of Alzheimer's disease, a study suggests.
The polyphenolic compounds present in the extract, i.e., bacosides, impart neuroprotective properties.
According to an analysis, bacopa reduces amyloid-beta aggregations in cases of Alzheimer's disease, which results in improved cognition.
6. Catnip
Nepeta cataria is famously known as catnip, but the herb isn't for cats. This herb is very useful in managing symptoms of nervousness and anxiety. Catnip can also aid in alleviating migraines and cure sleep disorders such as insomnia.
7. Kava
Kava or Piper methysticum is found in the islands of Fiji, Papua New Guinea. The nervous symptoms of stress and frustration can be reduced using kava. It is also suggested for treating anxiety disorders and benzodiazepine withdrawal.
According to a study, kava extracts are effective in managing nervous anxiety and restlessness. Another analysis found that kava has an anxiolytic effect by inhibiting MAO enzymes in the body that lead to neurodegeneration.
An observational study concluded that the herb kava effectively manages symptoms of nervous anxiety, tension, and restlessness.
8. Lavender
This is a sweet-smelling nervine herb. It can be consumed in the form of a supplement and as a part of aromatic therapy. According to a randomized trial, lavender is effective for reducing anxiety by inhalation of the oil.
Lavender also has appreciable antioxidant properties that lead to an improvement in brain health.
9. Lemon balm
The herb lemon balm has been used for a long time in Ayurvedic medicine for treating nervous system disorders. A study explains the anti-anxiety and calming effect of lemon balm.
The mechanism of lemon balm action is similar to valerian root, i.e., modulation of neurotransmitters such as GABA. Lemon balm and lavender are effective in reducing aggressive behavior in patients with dementia.
10. Skullcap
Skullcap herb is a potent supplement for improving sleep and managing other nervous system disorders. According to a study, skullcap extracts work by binding to GABA receptors and improving sleep disorders.
Another study highlighted the positive role played by the herb in managing symptoms of epilepsy. Therefore, skullcap is an efficacious herb for boosting and curing nervous system issues.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are the term given to herbs or food items that help build the body's strength against stress.
As stress is identified as a major contributor to the disruption of the normal nervous system working, adaptogens can empower your nervous system to resist stress and keep going in the best possible way.
The adaptogens are believed to have the following effects on the central nervous system:
- Neuroprotection
- Anti-fatigue
- Anti-depressant
- Anxiolytic
- Nootropic
Adaptogenic herbs also bring back the normal balance of the body. Some of the common adaptogens are discussed below:
1. American Ginseng
Panax quinuefolius or American ginseng has a positive impact on the nervous system. It increases the body's ability to fight stress. It also imparts neuroprotective effects and improves cognition and memory, a study suggests.
2. Rhodiola
Rhodiola Rosea extract is identified as an effective adaptogen. The herb is effective in diminishing depressive symptoms. The major effect is on stress induced by depression. Other symptoms alleviated by Rhodiola include fatigability and hypersomnia.
There are plenty of studies that recognize Rhodiola as a master of allin the list of nervous system herbs. It does wonders in reducing stress in the body, a study suggests.
Rhodiola imparts effective anti-inflammatory effects too that add up to its nervous capabilities. Another review recognizes the anti-stress and anti-aging properties of Rhodiola.
Moreover, Rhodiola is found to be an excellent supplement for improving memory and enhancing learning. The youngsters can hop on to get a Rhodiola supplement for themselves as a study demonstrates it to be an effective memory enhancer.
3. Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera is an effective adaptogen that has multiple beneficial effects on the human body. One of the evident positivities is an improvement in nervous system performance.
The adaptogenic herb reduces stress, a study suggests. Another study advocates the use of ashwagandha for its use as an anxiolytic supplement.
The chemical components found inside ashwagandha are responsible for reducing depression. As per studies, ashwagandha extracts are efficacious in treating depression amongst depression and schizophrenia patients.
A study carried out in 2018 states that the herb effectively cures Parkinson's disease and slows down the disease's progression.
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Cognition Improvement
Certain herbs and neurotransmitters can be taken as supplements to improve cognition and memory.
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1. Huperzine A
Huperzine supplement is a natural inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase that is found inside your body. By inhibiting the particular enzyme, this chemical substance stops the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
A study suggests that huperzine A prevents neuronal cell death and also helps in treating epilepsy.
Another study concludes that huperzine A improves memory and cognition in patients with dementia and Alzheimer's.
2. Green Tea Extract
The use of green tea extract is common all across the world for weight loss. However, the extract is extremely beneficial in boosting your cognition and improving brain health. In a cross-sectional study, green tea extract was inversely linked to cognitive impairment.
Furthermore, tea also improves cognition in Alzheimer's patients.
A study carried out in 2016 concluded that green tea reduced the oxidative stress of the body and helped improve cognition. Therefore green tea extract is a go-to addition for improving the performance of your nervous system.
3. GABA
GABA is a neurotransmitter that can be taken as a supplement. A study suggests that GABA supplementation greatly improves cognitive abilities and improves mood and behavior. It also alleviates epilepsy symptoms.
Anti-Oxidative Herbs
Several herbs help you increase your nervous system's productivity by reducing the negative oxidative stress from the body.
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1. Ginger root
A study carried out on birds found out that ginger extract improves antioxidant capacity and also reduces inflammation.
2. Papaya
Papaya extracts include polyphenols. The chemical compounds, i.e., polyphenols, are extremely efficacious in carrying out antioxidant effects on the body, a study suggests.
Another study carried out in 2016 stresses the efficacy of polyphenols (found in papaya and other fruits) in having an antioxidant effect.
3. Turmeric
In astudy on rats, it was found out that ethanolic turmeric extract is effective in imparting neuroprotective effects by preventing oxidative stress.
The cytoprotective benefits of curcumin-containing herbs such as turmeric and ginger protect the body by inhibiting the oxidative stress pathway, a study suggests.
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Conclusion
The nervous system is a complex system of the body that governs different activities.
Be it reflexes or memory-making, the brain and the spinal cord control all important tasks. Disruptions in the normal working of this system can lead to developing different ailments such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy.
Dementia and impaired cognition is a common feature of most of the nervous tissue disorders.
Certain drugs have promising effects in boosting the nervous system's performance, improving cognition, and limiting the progression of a disease.
Herbs are classified into nervines, adaptogens, cognition enhancers, and antioxidants.
The nerves (such as bacopa, valerian, catnip, etc.) directly impact the neurotransmitters' levels to improve nervous system performance, whereas the adaptogens such as ashwagandha increase the body's ability to bear stress.
Antioxidant herbs remove oxidative stress from the body, thus rejuvenating the nervous system.