Starting your herbal journey can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Some herbs are easy to use, versatile, and packed with benefits. Here are 10 beginner-friendly herbs that support your nervous system, digestion, and overall wellness.
1. Oat Straw (Avena sativa)
Oat straw is mild in flavor and perfect for teas without overpowering other herbs. It nourishes the nervous system and works beautifully with calming herbs like lemon balm and lavender. For long infusions, oat straw can help replenish nutrients and support overall wellness.
2. Milky Oat Tops (Avena sativa)
Different from oat straw, milky oat tops are more directly supportive of the nervous system. They help calm anxiety, reduce tension, and promote relaxation. Combine them with oat straw in teas for gentle nervous system support.
3. Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nettle is a mineral-rich powerhouse. It supports allergies, menstruation, urinary tract health, and overall wellness. Cold or lukewarm water infusions extract the most minerals, making nettle ideal for nutrient-dense teas.
4. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Alfalfa is deeply nutritive and gently supports liver function. It has a mild, palatable flavor that blends well with oat straw and nettle in restorative teas or long infusions.
5. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is widely known for aromatherapy, but it also works well in teas. It has calming effects on the nervous system, promotes relaxation, and can support mild stress relief and sleep. Use sparingly, as too much can create a soapy taste.
6. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm relaxes the nervous system while uplifting mood. It is thought to support GABA levels in the brain. Combining lemon balm with oat straw or chamomile creates a delicious, calming tea.
7. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
Burdock root supports gut health and liver function. Its prebiotic fiber, inulin, nourishes the microbiome. Powdered burdock root can be added to smoothies or blended drinks for maximum benefits.
8. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula is versatile and can be used both internally and externally. It supports the lymphatic system, soothes the gut lining, and calms irritated skin when applied topically.
9. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
Horsetail is mineral-rich and great for long infusions. It pairs well with oat straw, nettle, and alfalfa in nutrient-dense teas that help restore and replenish the body.
10. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Red clover is nutrient-dense and supports detoxification. It combines well with other herbs like oat straw, nettle, and alfalfa in long infusions designed to nourish and restore overall wellness.
How to Use These Herbs
These herbs can be enjoyed individually or combined in teas, tinctures, or smoothies. Nervous system-supportive herbs like oat straw, milky oat tops, lemon balm, and lavender are great in calming blends. Mineral-rich herbs like nettle, alfalfa, horsetail, and red clover are ideal for long infusions.
Herbal blends like Weightless Tea combine nervines and adaptogens for fast-acting support and long-term stress resilience. Drinking herbal teas consistently helps your body manage stress while supporting overall wellness.