October is gonna be wild: consider Nervine herbs to keep you steady

The next several weeks show some tumult in the heavens. Eclipses usually happen in 2’s or 3’s, and we call the period of time around these lunations, “eclipse season.” Eclipses shake things up, and tend to add uncertainty, surprising twists, and intense energy into the world. I like to think of eclipse seasons as a time when the “chaos hose” is turned on. Depending on other astrological factors, this effect can be lesser or greater. In my opinion this eclipse season promises some extra drama.

We will have a solar eclipse on the 14th.

Some key aspects to note:

• The eclipse itself (Sun, Moon, and South Node) will occur in diplomatic Libra. This happens in the 9th house when set for Washington D.C. Expect the Chaos Hose to spray its drama in the arena of legal matters, as well as foreign affairs.

• Although there is strong energy in Libra, the eclipse also forms an out-of-sign conjunction with a highly dignified Mars in Scorpio. This adds a flavor of FIGHT to the air. Since Mercury is also in the mix, expect passive-aggressive verbal jabs. For those familiar with the American Midwest, the “Minnesota nice” stereotype comes to mind— some people can shred you to pieces without ever saying anything actually “mean.”

• The eclipse and Mars will all trine a drenched, retrograde, pissed-off Saturn. Imagine a cat whose fur has been rubbed the wrong way, and then thrown into a pool of water. That’s the type of energy we are working with here. Additionally, with the two malefics in a flowing trine aspect with each other, it makes mischief and mayhem manifest way too smoothly. The benefics are kinda dealing with their own problems, sorry, so finding a “silver lining” during this time may be tough.

• The eclipse’s dispositor, Venus, is “in fall” in Virgo. Any planet “in fall” has an exaggerated sense of dismay. It’s not that things aren’t bad… they are. But the psychological terror of it only makes them worse.

• Venus opposes that same pissed-off Saturn I mentioned earlier. The aspect of opposition indicates standoffs, tensions, impasses. It feels like there’s no way to find agreement or common ground, even though everyone claims they want to do just that.

The second eclipse this month occurs on the 28th

• Again we have a conjunction with Mars and Mercury, so the argumentative energy continues. People just can’t seem to stop insulting and berating each other. This time it’s in Scorpio and disposited by Mars, so there’s no more pretending to be nice. People feel they have permission to be nasty now.

• There is at least some attempt at seeing the bigger picture and finding the philosophical perspective, with the Moon conjoining Jupiter. However, Jupiter is weakened, and Mars is in an exact opposition. Mars’ fiery arrows will shoot down every high-minded platitude Jupiter tries to offer.

• There are more silver linings on this side of the season, though. We will see some lights at the end of the tunnel, with an exalted Moon applying to both benefics. Beware false hopes, however, and don’t be duped by slick con artists.

• The eclipse ruler Venus conjoins independence-loving Lilith, indicating struggles and protests over women’s rights.

Bottom line: this eclipse season is pretty wild. Brace yourself.

That’s easy to say… harder to do! In today’s uber-connected, fast-paced world, I believe humans are coping with unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. This is why I believe that everyone should be taking nervines daily.

What are nervines?

As the name implies, nervines are a category of herbs that support the nervous system. The category is very broad and includes a LOT of herbs, each of which has different talents and specialties. Nervines are not a complete solution or a cure, but they can help us cope a bit more easily. You probably know that beer contains a plant called Hops? Guess what… Hops is a nervine—a pretty strong one. That’s why beer can be so relaxing for some people. But of course, alcohol can be problematic… thankfully we have more healthful ways to get some nerve-supporting goodness into us!

This article will list just a few nervine herbs, which are strong enough to help, but gentle enough to consume daily. I recommend drinking a delicious cup of herbal tea containing at least one nervine every day! The herbs listed here will boost the strength and resilience of your nervous system. They should relax you without making you sleepy, so you can drink them at any time. (If you do fall asleep from any of these herbs, it is probably because you have not gotten enough sleep lately, and your body is so desperate for rest, that the slightest bit of relaxation will send you to snooze-ville! In normal circumstances and normal doses, none of these herbs are sedatives per se.)

Where to buy?

If you don’t know where to purchase these herbs, start by searching for shops in your local area that may sell herbs in bulk. If you have none in your area, check out the following online stores, if you are in the US. (I don’t believe these stores ship outside of the US, sorry. I’m sure there are some good ones in your country!)

• Mountain Rose Herbs

• SW Herb Store

• Starwest Botanicals

Whatever you do, for gods’ sake, please don’t get your herbs from Amazon or Ebay.

OK, let’s talk about a few nervines!

Lavender

Lavendula officinalis

Of course, most people know this plant for its delightful smell, and make no mistake, scent is an important part of how many herbs support us through times of stress! Science has proven what all of us already knew— pleasant smells have a calming physiological effect on the body. 

Thus, the scent in some nervines isn’t just a nice bonus; scent is integral to the medicinal effect! Even if you don’t consume the herb, just smelling it will go a long way.

That said, I do recommend consuming the herb if you can! Lavender is one of my absolute favorite flavors. It is rather intense, which some people find difficult, so I recommend very small doses— a small pinch per cup of water is plenty! You can increase the dose bit by bit as you get used to the flavor over time, if you like. You can also blend it with other flavors. The taste blends well with green or black tea, for example.

Be aware, the longer you steep lavender, the more bitter the flavor becomes. The bitterness has its own wonderful flavor profile (in my opinion), and it adds interesting medicinal properties (helping with digestion, for example), but if you don’t like it, be sure to remove the herbs from the water after 2-3 minutes. You will still get the nerve-supporting benefits with a lighter steep.

Chamomile

Chamomilla resutitai, or Matricaria chamollia, or Matricaria discoideia

Legendary for its relaxing powers, Chamomile has stubbornly maintained its shelf space in mainstream grocery stores everywhere, when most other medicinal herbs were pushed aside and forgotten in the march of modernity. Do not scoff at it simply because it is popular. Chamomile’s staying power may have to do with the fact that it is so incredibly helpful to almost everyone, from children to elders. There is a long tradition of mixing a bit of chamomile tea with baby’s milk, to help the child while teething. Parents can add chamomile to cookies to calm down children who are overstiumulated and fussy. For that matter, Chamomile can help anyone of any age who is feeling overstimulated and fussy! If you’re feeling like you need to throw a tantrum like a toddler, call on Chamomile.

It is mild and gentle, while still powerfully building up your inner core of peace. Astrologically it is ruled by the Sun, and it has similar properties: warming, cheering, uplifting, encouraging. We all need the Sun’s warmth and light in our lives!

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata, or Verbena officinalis

Not to be confused with Lemon Verbena (which is lovely in its own right, but a completely different species), Blue Vervain is another herb that you only need small doses of. It is earthy and bitter, so you may not find it very approachable right away. I personally find bitter flavors bracing and strengthening, but I understand not everyone agrees! Feel free to mix in nicer flavors, such as peppermint, chamomile, cinnamon, lavender, chai spices, or whatever you like. And there’s nothing wrong with mixing in a little honey or sugar as well, to “help the medicine go down.”

Blue Vervain has an excellent grounding property that is pretty unique, so I do recommend at least trying it. The ancients revered this herb, with Ancient Egyptians believing it sprang from the tears of Isis, and Ancient Romans using it to grace the altars of Jupiter. Its medicinal effects include a sense of pulling you back into your body and grounding you to the earth. It is helpful when anxiety makes you feel like you are dissociated or “stuck in your head.” It also supports the stomach, so if anxiety causes you to lose your appetite, get indigestion, or exacerbates a gastric ulcer, Blue Vervain is a good friend.

Linden

Tilia spp.

The graceful curves of this tree correspond with its emotional effects: Linden helps us respond to life’s challenges with grace and flexibility. Linden is moistening, and I associate it with the Water element, mystically. It helps us “go with the flow,” and adapt to whatever life throws at us, like water seeps easily around challenging corners. It has anti-inflammatory qualities, so if you feel “burnt out” or if fiery irritation is making you lose your temper, Linden can soothe and calm.

The taste is light and fragrant; it reminds me a bit of nutmeg, with a slight lemon aftertaste. It should be palatable to most people. If the taste is not “your cup of tea,” though, it is mild enough to be covered easily with other flavors! It leaves a film coating on your tongue; this is due to the moistening mucilage content. It is soothing when your throat and sinuses are dry.

Oatstraw

Avena sativa

Most of us think of the Oat plant for its grain, which many of us love in breakfast cereal. But the leaves and husks of this plant actually have medicinal qualities as well. Oatstraw has almost no flavor, so it should be easy to add to any tea blend you desire. Even though we don’t detect it on the tongue, its nerve-supporting properties are still powerful.

Oatstraw contains calcium and silica, and it actually promotes nerve growth, so it can be helpful when there is literal nerve damage. It is also helpful for adolescents whose growth spurts are making them feel like they are going insane, as their brains scramble to catch up with the rapid changes going on in their bodies. Any parent of a teenager should keep some Oatstraw on hand. Of course, Oatstraw is helpful for any age: it strengthens the nerves against the constant pressures of the daily world.

Fun fact: Oatstraw is well absorbed through the skin, so if you don’t feel like drinking tea today, maybe a bath is a better choice. You can put the herb into a porous bag and let it float in the warm water of your bath.

Have a cup of tea today!

The herbal category of nervines contains dozens, perhaps hundreds, of herbs. I have only listed a small handful here! Whichever one you decide to try (And there’s no harm in mixing them all together!) you will appreciate the way these herbs bolster your sense of well-being and keep you calm, as you adventure your way through eclipse season!

References

Boesveldt, Sanne, and Valentina Parma. “The Importance of the Olfactory System in Human Well-Being, through Nutrition and Social Behavior.” Cell and Tissue Research 383, no. 1 (January 2021): 559–67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-020-03367-7.

Pliny the Elder (1st c. CE). Natural History. Translated by John Bostock and Henry T Riley. Vol. V. London: Henry G. Bohn Press, 1855.

Sowndhararajan, Kandhasamy, and Songmun Kim. “Influence of Fragrances on Human Psychophysiological Activity: With Special Reference to Human Electroencephalographic Response.” Scientia Pharmaceutica 84, no. 4 (November 29, 2016): 724–51. https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm84040724.

Watts, Donald. Dictionary of Plant Lore. Amsterdam ; Boston: Elsevier/AP, 2007.