Caedere - They Kill
Pesticides Harm in Many Ways and Aimlessly
One of the main arguments of those who still don't see it as a problem that nothing has been done about toxic fumes in airplane cabins, who doubt that even low-level exposure to engine oil fumes and insecticide spraying in the cabin can cause severe nervous system injuries, and who still believe that the latest medical interventions do not harm, is that the world's governments would never intentionally harm their citizens.
Do they not? Let’s see...
During the Cold War, the U.S. military not only exposed its civilian population to radioactive fallout from its nuclear bomb tests. Citizens of Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Corpus Christi, Texas, were also sprayed with toxic chemicals without their knowledge in the 1950s and 1960s. An article in the German ‚Spiegel TV Magazine’ reported in 1994:
"Hundreds of thousands of US citizens became involuntary test subjects. Aircraft were used to spray supposedly harmless chemicals over American cities with climatic conditions similar to those in Soviet cities. Minneapolis, for example, is almost as cold as Moscow in winter. That's why the army spray-bombed the city of millions with zinc-cadmium sulfide over three months."
According to Leonard A. Cole (†2022), who was an American dentist, political scientist, and expert on bioterrorism & terror medicine, and the author of 11 books, one of which is ‘Clouds of Secrecy: The Army's Germ Warfare Tests over Populated Areas’: "They wanted to find out how bacteria spread, how they survive, and how far they are carried by the wind. Zinc cadmium sulfide was used because it behaves similarly to the biological and chemical warfare agents that would be used in war.”
In Minneapolis in 1953, the „toxin soldiers“ sprayed zinc cadmium sulfide from trucks and rooftops. Cadmium, which damages the lungs and kidneys, can cause cancer. The tests with the fluorescent material were designed to better understand the dispersal of biological and chemical weapons. ( quote from a report from the headquarters of the U.S. Army's Special Biological Warfare Unit at Fort Detrick.)
Women who attended an elementary school in the sprayed areas as children claimed to have suffered injury from the toxic tests, including infertility, cancer, and miscarriages. A spokesman for the U.S. Army, however, claimed that cadmium exposure was below any dangerous level.
A sentence that has been over-used time and again, and is used to this day to make untested and/or sloppy research and court cases go away.
In 2004 US doctors supported human testing of poisons. Under certain conditions, an American expert commission allowed the effects of poisons to be tested directly on humans. Chemical companies such as Bayer wanted to use the tests to prove that pesticides are less dangerous than previously thought.
There was no doubt about the explosive nature of the issue: "Human testing of pesticides, air pollutants, and other toxins is highly controversial," said James F. Childress, professor of ethics at the University of Virginia, at the presentation of the report. Nevertheless, the National Academy of Sciences committee that he heads came out in favor of toxic experiments on humans, provided certain conditions were met.
Childress said that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must review such experiments from an ethical and scientific perspective. The EPA should form a committee to evaluate all studies in which toxic substances are deliberately administered to humans.
The EPA asked the National Academy to prepare a report on human toxicity experiments. This was prompted by a dispute over acceptable levels of pesticides in food. In 1996, the U.S. Congress passed the Food Quality and Protection Act, which tightened pesticide safety regulations.
In response, pesticide manufacturers such as Bayer and BASF complained that the new limits were not based on science.
To substantiate their concerns, some companies began clinical trials of pesticides and submitted the results to the EPA. A total of 19 unsolicited studies landed on the EPA's desk. The best-known study, on the pesticide azinphos-methyl, was conducted in Scotland in 1998 on behalf of Bayer AG. Eight men swallowed pesticide tablets - each participant received £1500 in compensation.
Such studies have been widely condemned as unethical and unscientific. Testing pesticides on human subjects violates international agreements, including the Nuremberg Code adopted after World War II, and federal rules.
Ironically, EPA changed its policy partly in response to a German pesticide manufacturer's pressure. Bayer submitted a human study of azinphos-methyl, a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide derived from World War II nerve gases. Bayer scientists were among those who conducted human experiments in the Nazi concentration camps when the company was a subsidiary of I.G. Farben, the infamous manufacturer of Nazi death camp gas. Bayer submitted the azinphos methyl test in an effort to reduce otherwise applicable safety requirements for the chemical.
The EPA made a tentative decision not to use the Bayer study because it was scientifically unnecessary to consider it, not because of legal and ethical questions it raised. However, more than 10 other human pesticide studies were awaiting EPA consideration. If EPA ultimately accepted the Bayer study or any of the other human studies before it, the floodgates could open for other human pesticide studies.
“Since the EPA's early years, the idea of testing pesticides on human subjects has been controversial. In 1975, when some EPA staff members suggested the agency should encourage human tests for certain pesticides, the studies were not completed due to ethical concerns. Nixon-Ford EPA Administrator Russell Train later said he was "shocked and appalled" by the proposal, and that "the thing should have been shut off at the very start without even dignifying it by a referral to an advisory board" (Washington Post, June 23, 1977). More than a decade later, 20 EPA scientists objected to a proposal to use human tests done by the Nazis in the 1940s to assess the health risks of certain chemicals. The first Bush administration's EPA head, Lee Thomas, prohibited the agency from considering the Nazi study data (Washington Post, March 24, 1988)”. (sic source)
“More recently, the Clinton-era EPA banned the use of human tests of pesticides in making regulatory decisions. In 1998, the EPA adopted an interim policy that human studies would not be used to establish regulatory levels (using "no observable adverse effect levels," or NOAELs) for pesticides. EPA stated in July 1998 that it was "concerned about the possibility of increased human testing as a way to potentially avoid some of the protections that the Food Quality Protection Act establishes" (New York Times, July 28, 1998; Pesticide & Toxic Chemical News, July 30, 1998; Chemical Week, August 2, 2000). EPA reiterated that policy in 2000 (Washington Post, June 28, 2000).” (sic source)
Bayer, the company pressuring EPA to reverse its policy on human testing, is the successor to I.G. Farben, the manufacturer of Zylkon B, the death camp gas. Bayer chemists also used death camp inmates to conduct human experiments on chemicals. Azinphos methyl is a Bayer-invented chemical cousin to organophosphate nerve gases developed during World War II.
The American Chemical Society summarized this troubling period of Bayer's history:
“As an I.G. Farben subsidiary during World War II, Bayer entered the darkest period in its history. Recently publicized evidence suggests that I.G. Farben furnished experimental Bayer drugs for tests on concentration camp prisoners. The company stationed scientists at the camps to oversee human research, and provided at least a portion of the funds that supported the horrific experiments of Joseph Mengele, the notorious Nazi "Angel of Death." I.G. Farben produced the Zyklon B gas used in countless executions, and the company reaped handsome profits from factories set up near the Auschwitz and Maidanek prison camps to benefit from ready access to slave labor”. (sic source)
During the Nuremberg trials of 1947, 13 I.G. Farben executives were convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity and received prison sentences of up to eight years. The American Tribunal, however, concluded that I.G. Farben's management had not wittingly participated in German hostilities. Nevertheless, in 1950, the Allied High Commission ordered the dissolution of I.G. Farben into 12 successor companies as part of a program to dismantle German industry. Bayer was reincorporated as Farbenfabriken Bayer Aktiengesellschaft in 1951. (source)
Controversy Over Human Testing
Many physicians, ethicists, and environmentalists believe intentional non-therapeutic dosing of humans with toxic pesticides is unethical, and the EPA should maintain its policy of refusing to consider such testing for regulatory purposes. They believe that:
intentional dosing of humans with pesticides is unacceptable, particularly when it is done to advance industry interests, not to benefit the test subjects or public health;
such human pesticide testing has been conducted in an effort to weaken standards that would otherwise be applicable if animal tests were relied upon;
such testing cannot be done on children because of their higher vulnerability to pesticides, so human testing completed to date is scientifically irrelevant for infants and children, the populations of primary statutory concern under the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA).
“Bayer's azinphos methyl study was scientifically invalid because: (sic source)
It tested only eight adult males, whereas a test of more than 2,500 people is needed to yield statistically valid results for certain effects [SAP-SAB Majority App. B; Minority Rep];
It did not yield results relevant to children or women or non-healthy adult males;”
There were at least 67 "adverse events," including symptoms often associated with organophosphate poisoning; all eight dosed subjects suffered from such "events" (including chronic headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, etc.). All "events" were attributed, without detailed medical explanation, to a "virus" or the "ward environment," even though most of these events occurred in the dosed group, and two of for placebo subjects suffered no such events.(sic)
Bayer apparently tested poor subjects who likely suffered from economic hardship and likely did not understand the risks, and therefore did not give truly informed consent.”
“The company Bayer conducted the azinphos methyl test on eight "volunteers.," but did not clearly document they gave their fully informed consent or that they freely volunteered. The company hospitalized them for a month, dosed them with a known poison, took repeated blood and urine tests, and paid them £1500, which suggests the participants were economically disadvantaged.”
“The company did not provide evidence that the subjects understood the consent form or "volunteer information" sheet. According to the Nuremberg Code, a subject "should be so situated as to be able to exercise free power of choice, without the intervention of any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress, over-reaching, or other ulterior form of constraint or coercion; and should have sufficient knowledge and comprehension of the elements of the subject matter involved as to enable him to make an understanding and enlightened decision." [Nuremberg Code).
“Consent must be "fully informed" and subjects must "freely volunteer." [FIFRA §12(a)(2)(P)][Common Rule §46.116] [Helsinki B 20-22] "Some research populations are vulnerable and need special protection. The needs of the economically… disadvantaged must be recognized." [Helsinki ¶A-8] The lack of clear documentation of fully informed and voluntary consent thus violates several principles of applicable codes and rules.” (©Original Source: https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/epa-reverses-ban-testing-pesticides-human-subjects )
None of the long-term effects associated with organophosphates is mentioned in any document Bayer gave to the subjects.
Testing pesticides on human subjects violates international agreements, including the Nuremberg Code adopted after World War II, and federal rules.
What pesticides are there?
Chemical spraying begins as a preventative measure and continues until after the crop is harvested. There are different pesticides depending on the target:
Insecticides against insects
Herbicides to control wild plants (commonly known as "weeds")
Fungicides against fungi
Avicides against birds
What are avicides?
Avicides are pesticides used to poison birds when they threaten crops, such as rice or vineyards. In the past, highly concentrated formulations of parathion in diesel oil were sprayed by airplanes over bird nesting colonies.
In Africa, the poisons are sometimes sprayed from airplanes over breeding colonies. In most countries, however, the use of avicides is severely restricted or banned.
In the United States, Canada, Australia, Africa, and New Zealand, however, the use of avicides is still common - although avicides cause considerable "collateral damage" by poisoning water and soil and killing animals that feed on the poisoned birds.
Pesticides harm in many ways and aimlessly
Pesticides do not know that they should only kill this or that plant or animal. Therefore, they also kill or damage other wild plants, animals, and organisms in the soil, air, or surrounding water. The pesticides do not stop at the farmers, the workers, and the people who live there.
Pesticides have significant effects and consequences on almost every aspect of life and the environment:
The effects of chronic inhalation and/or ingestion of chemicals with food are the subject of many studies. Possible effects include reproductive disorders, cancer, heart and respiratory diseases, obesity, diabetes, and especially neurological disorders. According to a 2023 international study, pesticides are linked to the occurrence of tremors (muscle tremors), such as Parkinson's disease.
According to an analysis by the European Environment Agency (EEA), pesticides pose a clear risk to human health. Nevertheless, the agricultural sector in Europe still relies on the use of large quantities of these substances to maintain crop yields.
Pesticide manufacturers such as the German chemical and pharmaceutical company Bayer already generate more than a third of their sales with active ingredients that have been classified as highly hazardous by the World Health Organization (WHO), among others. These are pesticides that are carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction, or mutagenic.
Whether and which health risks may be associated with multiple substances risks associated with multiple chemicals has not yet been fully clarified. However, harmful interactions cannot be ruled out if the organism is exposed to several chemical pesticide-active ingredients at the same time.
Effects of multiple substances on bees
There are already some indications that multiple residues of „plant protection products“ have a lethal effect on bees. In a Polish study carried out in 2017, the residues of 200 pesticides were found in honey bees.
Of the tested bees, only 1 percent were free of pesticides.
In 2010, the BfR (scientific agency of the Federal Republic of Germany) published a study entitled "Pesticides - Dangerous like the plague?" It states among other things:”… that the effect of substances with a similar effect (e.g. fungicides) can multiply when they occur in combination.”
However, it is very difficult to define what effect a mixture of different active substances can have on humans, as multiple chemicals have very different compositions due to the large number of substances used.
On a side note:
The top 3 producers and exporters of pesticides are:
BASF (Germany), is the world's largest chemical company, with sales of ca €87 billion in 2022.
Bayer, the German chemical and pharmaceutical company had a profit of ca €50 billion in 2022.
The Syngenta Group, with its administrative and headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, had sales of $28.2 billion in 2021.
All of these companies generate more than a third of their pesticide sales with active ingredients that are classified as highly hazardous, by the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Most of these pesticides have been banned in the EU for this reason.” (*source)
And so I come back to the beginning: The aviation industry also likes to claim that exposure (to organophosphates and 316 other substances in cabin air pollution) is far below any dangerous level, that fume events hardly ever occur, and that insecticide spraying is not harmful to human health at all.
Only a few measurements have been undertaken during documented fume events, ground-based exposure limits were not developed for application at altitude or for complex heated mixtures, and the focus has been on individual substances rather than the complex thermally degraded mixtures. (source).
Years ago they tested around 300 aircrew urine samples for one substance only, whereas tests of more than 2,500 crew members would be needed to yield statistically valid results for certain effects, and more than that when a complex mix of substances is involved. Not to mention inflight testing on several thousand flights on different aircraft models.
A "Report of the Informal Consultation on Aircraft Disinsection" sponsored by the World Health Organization (November 6-10, 1995) concluded that "aircraft disinsection, “..when properly conducted, poses no risk to human health"; however, it also noted that "some individuals may experience transient discomfort following aircraft disinsection by aerosol application". So, how does one know one could belong to “some individuals who may experience discomfort”? Asking for a friend…
Have you ever noticed the connection between words like homicide, herbicide, pesticide, fungicide, and many more descriptive words ending with cide? Their meanings are linked. The –cide ending originates from the Latin word caedere meaning ‘to kill’ thus they all have to do with death, destruction, extermination, and intentional killing.
History has shown that governments, their organizations, private interest groups, and lobbies seem to at least often knowingly harm their people regardless of the consequences - probably always appeased by: exposure is below any dangerous level.
History will continue to repeat itself until every one of these heinous crimes is finally exposed and justice is served.
Everything on the subject Cabin Air Quality, Fume Events, Aerotoxic Syndrome, and Disinsection at UNFILTERED, where we also have a Petition: please sign and share it! Read testimonies, current and past court cases, and much more.
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References/Sources:
Health consequences of exposure to aircraft contaminated air and fume events: a narrative review and medical protocol for the investigation of exposed aircrew and passengers https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-023-00987-8
EPA Reverses Ban on Testing Pesticides on Human Subjects https://www.nrdc.org/press-releases/epa-reverses-ban-testing-pesticides-human-subjects (Permalink https://perma.cc/W373-ZPTR)
Die Jagd nach dem Tricresylphosphat: TCP. Und die Folgen für Betroffene von Fume Events https://www.anstageslicht.de/tricresylphosphat-tcp-fume-event
Toxic Tales—Recent Histories of Pollution, Poisoning, and Pesticides https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5993852/
Toxicologic Assessment of the Army's Zinc Cadmium Sulfide Dispersion Tests https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/5739/chapter/3
The DDT Story https://www.panna.org/resources/ddt-story/
Pestizide: Giftcocktails in unseren Nahrungsmitteln, author: Sybille Müller https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/bibliothek/umwelt/pestizide-uebersicht/pestizide
Clouds of Secrecy: The Army's Germ Warfare Tests Over Populated Areas https://www.amazon.com/Clouds-Secrecy-Armys-Warfare-Populated/dp/0847675793
https://archive.org/details/cloudsofsecrecya00cole/page/n11/mode/2up
US-Mediziner befürworten Menschenversuche mit Giften https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/mensch/umstrittene-tests-us-mediziner-befuerworten-menschenversuche-mit-giften-a-287604.html
How do herbs for anxiety work? - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/herbs-for-anxiety
Different herbs can affect the body in different ways.
For example, some ashwagandha can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood. Long-term exposure to high circulating cortisol levels can increase a person’s risk of developing anxiety.
Other herbs can aid relaxation by altering signal processing in the brain. For example, valerian root extracts may modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain, which may promote relaxationTrusted Source and reduce anxious feelings. So, many claim that valerian root can also assist in treating sleep conditions such as insomnia.
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is among a group of herbs called “adaptogens.”
Adaptogens affect systems and hormones that regulate a person’s stress response. Ashwagandha has a long history of use in traditional Indian, or Ayurvedic, medication.
A small 2019 studyTrusted Source investigated the efficacy of ashwagandha for stress and anxiety.
The 8-week study involved 58 participants with perceived stress. Each participant randomly received one of three treatments: Ashwagandha extract at doses of either 250 milligrams (mg) per day, 600 mg per day, or a placebo.
The participants who took ashwagandha showed less cortisol than those in the placebo group. They also experienced improved sleep quality.
Participants who took 600 mg of ashwagandha reported significantly reduced stress levels. However, participants who took the lower dose of ashwagandha did not report a stress reduction.
In another small 2019 studyTrusted Source, 60 participants with mild anxiety received 240 mg of ashwagandha or a placebo for 60 days. Those taking the herb showed a significant reduction in some measures of anxiety but not in others.
People can take ashwagandha as a tablet or in liquid tincture form.
2. Chamomile
Chamomile is a flowering herb similar in appearance to a daisy. People can use two types of chamomile medicinally: Roman chamomile and German chamomile.
Some people use chamomile in the following forms to help relieve stress and anxiety:
tea
extract
tablet
skin cream
A small 2016 clinical trialTrusted Source investigated the efficacy and safety of chamomile as a long-term treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
All 93 participants received 1,500 mg of chamomile daily for 12 weeks. Some continued taking chamomile for 26 weeks, while the remainder switched to a placebo.
Researchers observed that those participants who continued taking chamomile were no less likely to experience a relapse of GAD symptoms than those switching to placebo. However, when relapse did occur, the symptoms were less severe.
Some people may experience allergic reactionsTrusted Source to chamomile. It may interact with certain drugs, including the blood thinner warfarin and the antirejection drug cyclosporine.
It is important for anyone taking any type of medication to check with their doctor before consuming chamomile teas or supplements.
3. Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is a plant native to Europe and Asia. For centuries, people have used the root to help treat sleep problems, anxiety, and depression.
To date, there have only been a few high quality studies on the effects of valerian. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source states that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether valerian can alleviate anxiety or depression.
Studies suggest that valerian is generally safe. However, the NCCIH notes that there is no information on the long-term use or safety of valerian in the following groups:
pregnant people
parents who are nursing
children under 3 years old
4. Lavender
Lavender is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family. Many people use lavender to help calm their nerves and alleviate anxiety.
People may use lavender to make teas or utilize it as an essential oil
Lavender essential oil (LEO) contains chemicals called terpenes. A 2017 review articleTrusted Source suggested that two of these terpenes, linalool and linalyl acetate, may have a calming effect on chemical receptors in the brain.
The review suggested LEO may be an effective short-term treatment for anxiety disorders. However, studies on the long-term effects of LEO are lacking.
5. Galphimia glauca
Galphimia glauca is a plant species native to Mexico. People traditionally used it as a tranquilizer to reduce anxiety.
According to a 2018 reviewTrusted Source, the evidence for G. glauca as a treatment for anxiety is promising. However, medical companies have not exploited its potential due to a lack of available plant material.
6. Passionflower
Passionflower or Passiflora is a family of plants with around 550 different species. Some studiesTrusted Source show that a particular species, P. incarnata, may be effective in treating restlessness, nervousness, and anxiety.
People can take P. incarnata in tablet form or as a liquid tincture.
7. Kava kava
Kava kava, or simply kava, is a shrub that is native to the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Its scientific name is Piper methysticum.
Kava may help reduce stress and anxious feelings. However, there are reported casesTrusted Source of products containing kava causing severe liver damage. People must always consult a medical professional before taking kava.
8. Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the active ingredients of the cannabis plant.
A study from 2019 suggested that CBD may have a calming effect on the central nervous system.
The researchers concluded that CBD might be beneficial for people with anxiety-related disorders. However, clinical trials are necessary to confirm these results.
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently approve the use of CBD, this natural chemical is widely available in the following forms:
tablet
liquid extract
vape liquid
topical cream
9. Other supplements that might help
Other supplements that may help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety include:
magnesiumTrusted Source
essential fatty acids
high dose sustained-release vitamin C
Safety considerations
Many herbs can interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Some can increase or reduce the effects of certain drugs, potentially causing serious health effects.
People taking medication must consult their doctor or pharmacist before starting herbal supplements.
They must also be aware that herbal remedies can take longer to start working than prescription medications.
If a person needs more advice about an herbal product, they can consult a qualified herbalist about brand, strength, and quantity.
Understanding Nervines & Adaptogens: Herbs for Stress & the Nervous System: https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/understanding-nervines-adaptogens
No matter how busy life gets, it's essential to make time for self care, and supporting our nervous systems is particularly important. Herbal nervines and adaptogens can be invaluable allies for coping with the normal day-to-day aggravations of life: work pressures, family responsibilities, financial worries, seasonal mood slumps, over-reliance on caffeine, and so on. Whether your nervous tension results in intermittent minor aches, occasional melancholy, or the odd sleepless night, herbs that can help us find relaxation and calm to enjoy normal and healthful cycles of activity and rest.
Stress is the body’s heightened physiological response to stimuli, both good and bad. The adrenal glands secrete stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that are associated with a range of effects on our minds and bodies, including a rapid rise in alertness, heart rate, and/or blood pressure. These hormones act together as a normal emergency response mechanism in response to a temporary stressful situation. However, frequent and sustained release of these hormones can result in a weakened immune response, an over-active and worried mind, and damage to our bodies' tissues and systems.
What Are Nervines?
Nervines are herbs that specifically help support the nervous system. Their varieties include tonics like organic skullcap and organic oat tops, mildly calming herbs like organic catnip and organic chamomile, and stronger relaxants like organic valerian root and organic hops. They are used to help relieve normal muscle tension, circular thoughts, wakeful nights, and the occasional worry we all experience from time to time. Some of these herbs provide multiple nervine actions. Skullcap is one such herb: it helps reduce muscle tension, calm worried thoughts, and also nourishes the nervous system. Others, such as oat tops, are not necessarily noticeably relaxing to the physical body, but help support healthy nerve function with regular use.
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens make up another group of herbs that helps us manage stress as we encounter it. Although this classification is often complicated with difficult-to-define boundaries, there are a few generally recognized qualities that characterize the category. Adaptogenic herbs help restore overall balance and strengthen the functioning of the body as a whole without impacting the balance of any individual organ or bodily system. Adaptogens facilitate these changes through a wide range of actions and plant energetics, rather than through one specific action. Adaptogens may help improve focus, support normal immune system functioning, or exercise some other broad-spectrum normalizing influence on unbalanced physiological processes.
By definition, the active properties of an adaptogenic herb must be safe, non-toxic, and non-habit-forming, even when taken over a long period of time. When taken daily as a tea or extract, these herbs can help improve your mental functioning and allow your body to adapt more easily to stressful situations by curtailing an overactive adrenal response. However, herbs should not be used to push us beyond our limits and cannot replace the benefits of good, restful sleep. These plant allies better support our wellness when taken to address a specific need or when used as gentle long-term tonics.
Common Nervines
Oat tops - Very gentle tonic herb that helps support the nervous system without a perceptibly calming action. Can help reduce fatigue and support nerve functioning over time. Great for anyone who is overworked or relies on caffeine to get through the day.
Skullcap - Wonderfully gentle and nourishing to the nervous system. Helps relieve occasional tension and stress, circular thoughts, and nervousness. Can be used throughout the day during stressful situations or at night before bed to calm worried thoughts.
Chamomile - A classic, relaxing nighttime tea, this nervine herb is also helpful for relieving mild daily mental stress.
Lavender - Calming herb that is often used in aromatherapy applications for its mild calming action. Lovely when used in the bath, massage oils, pillows, room sprays, or body fragrance to uplift the spirit.
Lemon balm - Sunshine in plant form, this herb helps with nervous exhaustion, gloom, and restlessness while also providing pure aromatic pleasure. Simply rubbing a leaf between your fingers and smelling its citrusy oils can elevate the mood.
Catnip - Gentle, calming herb for sleeplessness in children and the elderly.
California poppy - Used for its calming properties, this plant helps promote relaxation in those seeking rest.
Passionflower - This stunning plant is helpful for relieving general tension, occasional nervous restlessness, and supporting restful sleep.
Hops - With a distinctive flavor and action known well by beer drinkers everywhere, this plant supports relaxation (although the effect can be considered hypnotic) and helps calm a nervous stomach.
Valerian - When sleep seems impossible thanks to nervous energy at night, this potent herb can support relaxation for many busy-brained folks. For some people, however, valerian can have the opposite effect of relaxation, causing more anxiety and stimulation, so if this happens to you, we recommend seeking another herbal ally.
Common Adaptogens
Schisandra berries - Support normal concentration, coordination, and endurance. Chinese folklore says that schisandra calms the heart and quiets the spirit. These berries support normal central nervous system functioning without excitation.
Holy basil (or tulsi) - An important adaptogenic herb in India that helps restore vitality and promote overall health, softening our reaction to stress.
Eleuthero root - Improves normal mental clarity and emotional stamina during stressful situations, boosts physical endurance, helps with sleeplessness, and (according to Ayurvedic medicine) supports healthy immune system functioning.
American ginseng - (Panax quinquefolius) Boosts physical strength and stamina. Supports mental alertness and memory. Good for exhaustion and vitality. Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is thought to be better suited for people older than 30 or the very weak. Used as a tonic.
Rhodiola - Supports healthy immune system functioning.
Cordyceps- This immune system supportive mushroom has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
As always, it's important remember that your individual experience of a given plant may differ from the common ones listed above, so it's a good idea to introduce yourself to new herbs in small doses until you know how they may affect your unique body and mind. When used appropriately, these plant friends can greatly enrich your quality of life, so start exploring!