There's no denying it. The world feels heavy right now. Between political upheaval, social unrest, and the constant weight of collective stress, many of us are walking around with nervous systems that are completely overwhelmed. You might be feeling rage, grief, exhaustion, or all of it at once.

And if you're an herbalist or healer trying to show up for your community during these times, you're probably also wondering how to hold space for others when you're barely holding it together yourself.

This episode is for anyone who's feeling the weight of these challenging times and needs real, grounded support. Brittany Williams or Eudemonia Herbs joins me as co-host to talk about what it actually looks like to stay regulated when the world around us feels so dysregulated. We share the herbs we've been reaching for ourselves, the practices keeping us grounded, and the honest conversations about what it takes to keep going.

Please Remember: Collective Stress Isn't New for Everyone

We start by acknowledging the reality many of us are living in right now. For some communities, especially BIPOC folks, this level of systemic stress isn't new. It's generational. It's ancestral. And this matters in a big way when we talk about nervous system support and community care.

We’re not talking about toxic positivity or pretending everything is fine. We’re talking about finding ways to resource ourselves so we can keep showing up, both for ourselves and for the people who need us.

Nervines: Herbs for Immediate Nervous System Support

When it comes to herbs for nervous system support, we break down the difference between nervines and adaptogens, and when to reach for each. These are the herbs we've been using ourselves to support our nervous systems through these challenging times.

Calming nervines offer immediate support when anxiety and overwhelm hit:

• Skullcap
• Passionflower
• Linden
• Chamomile
• Lemon balm

Sedating nervines for those nights when sleep feels impossible:

• Valerian
• Hops

Heart-centered herbs for when grief sits heavy in your chest:

• Rose
• Hawthorn

Nervine trophorestorative that nourishes and rebuilds an exhausted nervous system over time:

• Milky oats

Adaptogens: Building Long-Term Resilience

Adaptogens work differently than nervines. These are the herbs you turn to for long-term resilience, helping your body adapt to ongoing stress rather than just calming acute symptoms. We share how we've been working with these herbs for sustained support during prolonged periods of stress.

Adaptogenic herbs for sustained support:

• Ashwagandha
• Tulsi (Holy Basil)
• Reishi
• Schisandra
• Goji berry

We discuss how to use these herbs thoughtfully, the importance of quality sourcing, and why understanding herbal actions matters more than just following a recipe.

Beyond the Herbs: Foundational Practices That Matter

Of course it’s never just about the herbs, right? Which is why we spent some time talking about the foundational pieces that no amount of tincture can replace.

Things like eating real food, moving your body, getting outside, sleeping enough, and actually taking time to breathe. These aren't just nice ideas. They're non-negotiables if you want your nervous system to function in a world that constantly demands more than you have to give.

For Herbalists: Avoiding Burnout While Serving Community

If you're a fellow herbalist feeling all of this, you’re definitely going to want to tune in. Brittany and I get real about burnout, about the pressure to always have it together, and about the importance of having someone in your life who can call you out when you're ignoring your own warning signs.

We talk about the necessity of joy and laughter, even in hard times, and why community care has to include caring for yourself too.

You Don't Have to Have All the Answers

This episode isn't about fixing everything or having all the answers. It's about facing what's happening, offering practical support, and reminding you that you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed.

Whether you're just beginning to explore herbalism or you're a practitioner looking to deepen your understanding of nervous system support, this conversation will meet you where you are.

If you're ready to move beyond surface-level herbalism and learn how to think like an herbalist—to understand not just what herbs do but why they work and how to apply them in real-life situations—the Community Herbalist Certification and Mentorship program gives you that foundation and much more. It's where we go deep into herbal actions, body systems, clinical assessment, and how to show up for your community with confidence and deep skills.

Take a Breath

For now, take a breath. Listen to this episode (embeded above, or on your favorite podcast player) . And know that staying regulated in a dysregulated world isn't about being perfect. It's about being resourced, supported, and connected to the tools and community that help you keep going.