If your nervous system has been feeling a little fried lately, you’re not alone. Between the news, the pace of life, and everything happening in the world, it can feel nearly impossible to stay grounded and calm.

I’ve been finding comfort in my adaptogens and nervines. They’re the herbs that don’t just mask stress, but truly help the body recover, rebuild, and adapt—just what I’ve needed to navigate these times. So, I want to talk about what they are, why they matter, and which ones have carried me (and my family) through uncertain times, just in case you’re needing that level of support too.

What Are Adaptogens & Nervines?

Think of adaptogens as your body’s stress support team—herbs that help you adapt to physical, emotional, and mental stress. They support your adrenal glands, balance energy, and strengthen your overall resilience.

Nervines, on the other hand, are herbs that directly nourish and calm the nervous system. Some soothe frazzled nerves, others gently uplift or restore over time.

Together, they’re the essential herbal team for those moments when you feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just plain exhausted.

Linden: A Hug in Plant Form

When I think of Linden (Tilia spp.), I picture the big, heart-shaped leaves and sweet blossoms of this tree wrapping me in a gentle embrace.

Linden is one of my favorite nervines because it supports both the nervous and cardiovascular systems—making it perfect for those days when stress lives right in your chest. It helps calm anxiety, soothe emotional tension, and soften that “tight around the heart” feeling that comes from worry or overwhelm.

I like to sip Linden as a tea in the evenings, sometimes with a little Lemon Balm for extra comfort. It’s like liquid love for your nerves.

Milky Oats: Nourishment for Frazzled Nerves

If you’ve ever felt like your nerves are shot—like you just can’t handle one more thing—Milky Oats (Avena sativa) might be exactly what you need.

Milky Oats are what we call a trophorestorative, meaning they restore and rebuild fried and frazzled nerves. They’re especially helpful for burnout, long-term stress, or recovery after emotional exhaustion.
 

To make a tincture, I harvest the green oat tops when they’re in their “milky” stage—when a white, latex-like sap appears if you squeeze them. That’s the magic!

I use fresh Milky Oats tinctured in a high-proof organic alcohol, but you can also find freeze-dried capsules from companies like Eclectic Herb, which retain much of that same nourishing goodness.

Tulsi (Holy Basil): The Sacred Adaptogen

Ah, Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)—the tastiest dose of peace and calm.

Tulsi is a sacred plant in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its ability to uplift the spirit while calming the mind. Many consider it an adaptogen, meaning it helps regulate stress hormones and balance the body’s response to chronic tension.

I love it because it doesn’t just steady the nerves—it brightens the mood. Whether I’m blending Tulsi in tea or using it as a tincture, it always brings a lightness and clarity to my day.
 

And fun fact: it also helps buffer the body against the negative effects of cortisol (our main stress hormone). So if you feel wired and tired at the same time, Tulsi is your friend.

Ashwagandha: Strength and Stability

When stress feels like it’s draining the life right out of you, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a solid, steadying friend.

This root is another powerful adaptogen, and one of the best herbs for supporting both the nervous and immune systems. Ashwagandha helps the body find balance—easing anxiety, improving sleep, and supporting the immune system during stressful periods.

It’s an herb I take consistently over time rather than for quick relief. I especially love it in the winter months when my energy dips and my mind starts spinning with all the to-dos.

The Herbs I Turned to Most of the Summer

I spent a bit of time in this episode recapping my summer, because it’s been a while since I’ve done an episode, and I wanted to catch up. Be sure to tune into the episode to hear the stories behind these herbs. They’re the herbal allies I always keep close by:

-Yarrow – for wound care and circulation support
- Cottonwood Buds – for pain relief and healing salves
- Plantain – a go-to for skin soothing and drawing out infection
- Echinacea – for immune support when colds start circulating

These are the herbs that show up again and again in my home apothecary—not just for physical healing, but for the peace of mind that comes from being prepared.

Herbs Teach Us How to Adapt

The beauty of herbal medicine is that it teaches us to flow with the seasons and the chaos of life—not fight against them.

Linden reminds us to soften.
Tulsi reminds us to find joy.
Milky Oats rebuild what’s been worn thin.
Ashwagandha keeps us strong when life feels heavy.

These plants don’t just calm our bodies—they help us remember who we are when the world feels uncertain.

Ready to Bring Herbal Calm Into Your Home?

If this episode has you feeling inspired to stock your shelves with these herbal allies and start making your own potent, effective remedies, I’d love to guide you inside Medicine Makin’ Mommas.

It’s where I teach plant lovers how to confidently craft herbal remedies that work—from tinctures to teas to salves—all while understanding the why behind the plants you use.

Join Medicine Makin’ Mommas here.

And if you’re ready to take it a step further and step into your role as a community healer, check out the Community Herbalist Certification Program here. You’ll learn to think like an herbalist, understand the body systems, and build a foundation for helping others—naturally.

Thanks so much for tuning in, and if this is valuable for you, please share it with someone you love and care about!