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Page 41
Nervine Relaxants
This group of nervines is most important in our times of stress and confusion, alleviating many of the accompanying symptoms. Nervine relaxants should always be used in a broad holistic way, not simply to tranquilize. Too much tranquilizing, even that achieved through herbal medication, can in time deplete and weigh heavily on the whole nervous system.
As can be seen from the list of herbs below, many of the nervine relaxants also have other properties and can be selected to aid in related problems. This is one of the great benefits of using herbal remedies to help in stress and anxiety problems. The physical symptoms that so often accompany the ill-ease of anxiety may be treated with herbs that work on the anxiety itself.
In addition to the nervine herbs that work directly on the nervous system, the antispasmodic herbs (which affect the peripheral nerves and the muscle tissue) can have an indirect relaxing effect on the whole system. When the physical body is at ease, ease in the psyche is promoted. Many of the nervine relaxants have this antispasmodic action. The hypnotic herbs, when given in lower dosages also have a relaxing action on the mind and body.
Each system of the body has plants that are particularly suited to it, some of which are nervines.
Circulatory system: Balm, linden and motherwort, while mildly sedative, are helpful to the cardiovascular system. However, most remedies that reduce over-

 
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