There was a season in my life when my nervous system was completely overwhelmed.
I was in my mid-30s, homeschooling my children, working multiple jobs, growing most of our food, preserving what we harvested, and attending markets two to three times every week.
From the outside, it looked like a beautiful, grounded life.
But inside my body, I was running on fumes.
I felt constantly wired and exhausted at the same time.
My cycle was completely out of rhythm.
My mind raced constantly.
Even when I sat down, I couldn’t truly relax.
My support system was minimal, and like many mothers on a mission, I kept pushing forward because the list never stopped.
I was quite literally burning the candle at both ends.
That season of life deepened my appreciation for something fundamental about the human body.
Our Nervous System Is the Master Communicator
Our nervous system is the master communicator.
It is an intricate network of billions of neurons and trillions of synaptic signals, constantly sending messages between the brain, organs, endocrine system, and immune system.
Every heartbeat.
Every hormonal signal.
Every stress response.
All of it is coordinated through this vast communication network.
When the nervous system becomes depleted or overstimulated, those signals become dysregulated — and the effects ripple through nearly every system in the body.
Which is why herbalists have long understood something modern science is now confirming:
When we nourish the nervous system, the entire body begins to recalibrate.
Through food, lifestyle rhythms, herbs, and key nutrients, the body has an extraordinary ability to return to balance.
Below are the practices that helped restore my nervous system — and that I still rely on today.
Nervous System Hack #1
Food That Stabilizes Blood Sugar and Lowers Cortisol
One of the fastest ways to calm an overstimulated nervous system is through blood sugar regulation.
Frequent spikes in blood sugar—often caused by sugar and refined carbohydrates—force the body into a hormonal rollercoaster.
When blood sugar rises rapidly, insulin is released. When blood sugar drops quickly afterward, the adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenaline to stabilize glucose levels.
This constant cycle keeps the nervous system stuck in a stress response.
For many people, shifting toward high-density nutrition can dramatically stabilize the nervous system.
Emphasize Nutrient-Dense Proteins
Protein provides amino acids necessary for neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.
Examples include:
• grass-fed and grass-finished beef
• pasture-raised eggs, chicken, and pork
• wild-caught fish
• bone broth
These foods provide essential building blocks for brain chemistry and nervous system repair.
Prioritize Healthy Fats
The brain itself is largely composed of fat, and healthy fats provide steady fuel for nerve function.
Many people experience improved nervous system stability when emphasizing healthy fats while avoiding sugar and high carbohydrate diets.
Some individuals thrive on roughly 30% protein and 70% healthy fats, allowing the body to shift away from sugar metabolism and toward stable energy production.
Examples include:
• grass-fed butter, ghee, and tallow
• avocado
• olive oil
• coconut oil
Avoid industrial seed oils, as they are associated with increased inflammation and can interfere with healthy hormone signaling.
Healthy fats help prevent blood sugar crashes that trigger cortisol spikes.
*Personal Note:
For perspective, I personally aim for about 100g of protein daily and 110-120g of healthy fat daily. This way of eating has been a true game changer for helping regulate cortisol, support a balanced stress response, and keep my hormones steady.
I’m in my early 40s, about 5’1″ and 115 pounds, and I stay very physically active with a morning workout routine. Over time, I’ve found that prioritizing protein, healthy fats, and mineral-rich foods provides a steady foundation for nervous system resilience and overall energy throughout the day.
Increase Chlorophyll-Rich Plants
Deep green plants provide minerals and phytonutrients essential for nervous system health.
Examples include:
• spinach
• parsley
• nettle
• chlorella
• spirulina
Steamed green vegetables are particularly supportive, and there is quite a variety to choose from.
Lightly steaming greens makes them easier to digest, especially for individuals whose digestive systems may be depleted or inflamed from long periods of stress.
These plants provide magnesium, potassium, and trace minerals that help calm the nervous system and support detoxification.
*Mineral Recharge is another wonderful way to replenish minerals naturally. This formula is a traditional oxymel extraction of mineral-rich herbs, crafted to support optimal absorption by gently stimulating healthy gastric acid and digestive function.
By improving how the body absorbs and utilizes minerals, many customers report increased energy, greater resilience to stress, and overall vitality when using Mineral Recharge consistently.
If you have a hard time eating vegetables or you feel like you could definitely eat more, I highly recommend AG1 – it is the supreme “green” drink on the market, and it actually tastes good! It’s the formula I take with me when I am traveling and know I won’t have access to many high-quality nutrients. (They will send you a free gift for using my link, too.)
Hydration From Clean, Pure Water
Hydration is foundational for nervous system health.
Every electrical signal transmitted through nerves relies on proper electrolyte balance and cellular hydration.
Drinking clean, pure water throughout the day supports nerve conduction, detoxification, and hormone regulation.
Many people benefit from drinking approximately half their body weight in ounces of water daily, though needs vary depending on climate and activity.
Choosing high-quality filtered or spring water helps avoid contaminants that can stress the nervous system.
Nervous System Hack #2
Lifestyle Rhythms That Regulate the Stress Response
Lifestyle rhythms profoundly influence cortisol patterns and nervous system health.
Morning Sunlight (Before Checking Your Phone)
One of the most powerful nervous system regulators is morning sunlight.
Upon waking, resist the urge to immediately check your phone.
Instead:
• open the curtains
• step outside if possible
• allow natural light to reach your eyes for at least five minutes
This simple practice helps regulate circadian rhythms and cortisol patterns.
Healthy cortisol should rise naturally in the morning and fall in the evening.
Morning sunlight also stimulates serotonin production, which later converts into melatonin for healthy sleep cycles.
Gently moving the body during this time—stretching, walking, or simply breathing fresh air—can further support this hormonal reset.
Slower Mornings and Healthy Boundaries
Creating space in the morning can dramatically change how the nervous system experiences the day.
This is often where healthy boundaries begin.
Scheduling moments of slowness and rest is just as important as scheduling work.
When we intentionally create space for calm, the nervous system learns that safety is present.
Avoid Blue Light in the Evening
Artificial blue light from phones, computers, and televisions can significantly disrupt nervous system function.
Blue light exposure in the evening suppresses melatonin production and interferes with circadian rhythms.
This disruption can lead to:
• increased cortisol
• nervous system overstimulation
• hormonal imbalance
• poor sleep quality
Wearing blue light blocking glasses after sunset can help reduce this disruption.
It’s also beneficial to avoid screens entirely for at least one hour before bed, allowing the nervous system to naturally prepare for sleep.
Nervous System Hack #3
Herbs That Restore Nervous System Resilience
Herbal medicine has long provided profound support for the nervous system.
These are the three herbs I personally worked with daily while restoring my own nervous system, and they remain some of my most trusted allies today.
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi is one of the most revered medicinal mushrooms in traditional herbal systems.
Often called the “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi has been used for thousands of years to support resilience and longevity.
Modern research suggests Reishi helps:
• regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
• modulate the stress response
• reduce inflammation
• support deeper sleep
Reishi contains beta-glucans and triterpenes that influence immune signaling and stress adaptation.
Because it is an adaptogen, Reishi helps the body adapt to stress rather than forcing sedation.
A simple daily ritual is adding one scoop of dual-extracted fruiting body Reishi extract to tea or your favorite warm beverage.
Milky Oats (Avena sativa)
Milky oats are one of the most nourishing plants for the nervous system.
In Western herbalism, milky oats are considered a trophic nervine—an herb that feeds and restores depleted nerve tissue.
Milky oats are rich in:
• minerals
• silica
• trace nutrients that support nerve regeneration
This herb is particularly helpful for people experiencing:
• burnout
• nervous exhaustion
• emotional depletion
• long-term stress recovery
Milky oats work gently but profoundly to replenish what chronic stress has depleted.
Shop our pure Milky Oats extract here.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Skullcap is a classic nervine herb that helps settle an overstimulated mind.
It is particularly helpful for:
• overwhelm
• anxiety
• tension headaches
• racing thoughts
Skullcap works quickly to calm excessive neural firing and support the transition into relaxation.
It is one of the key herbs found in our Gentle Spirit formula, which was originally created during the time I was restoring my own nervous system.
Nervous System Hack #4
Nutrients That Support Brain and Nerve Function
Magnesium Glycinate
Magnesium glycinate is one of the most supportive forms of magnesium for calming the nervous system.
Taking 400–600 mg before bed can support relaxation and sleep quality.
Magnesium deficiency is extremely common today due to topsoil mineral depletion, which means many foods contain far less magnesium than they once did.
Low magnesium levels are associated with:
• anxiety
• muscle tension
• insomnia
• nervous system irritability
Electrolytes
Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium are essential for nerve signaling and hydration.
One simple way to support electrolyte balance is through Celtic Sea Salt.
Celtic Sea Salt is harvested from ancient sea beds and contains a wide spectrum of trace minerals.
Adding a small pinch to water can enhance electrolyte balance and support proper nerve conduction.
B Vitamins
B vitamins play a crucial role in nervous system function.
They are required for neurotransmitter production, mitochondrial energy production, and adrenal support.
During periods of chronic stress, the body rapidly uses B vitamins, increasing the need for adequate intake.
Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil provides essential omega-3 fatty acids along with vitamins A and D.
Omega-3 fats are critical for maintaining healthy neuronal membranes and reducing inflammation within the nervous system.
These fatty acids support brain function, hormone balance, and emotional resilience.
Liver Glandulars
Liver glandulars are among the most nutrient-dense traditional supplements available.
They provide a concentrated source of:
• B vitamins
• fat-soluble vitamins
• trace minerals
• amino acids
These nutrients support detoxification pathways, hormone balance, and metabolic resilience—all of which influence nervous system stability.
The best brand I have found with the purest glandulars is Ancestral Supplements.
You can use my code (wiseearthbotanicals) for 15% off all of their products!
The Foundation of Nervous System Care
Supporting the nervous system rarely comes from a single intervention.
Instead, it is built through daily nourishment and consistent rhythms.
Stable blood sugar.
Clean hydration.
Restorative lifestyle habits.
Herbs that replenish what stress has depleted.
This is the absolute foundation of nervous system care.
And it is a foundation I still stand by more than a decade later.
Shop the Calm & Nervous System Support Remedies Here
