6 Herbs to Reduce Sensory Overload
To begin, What is Sensory Overload?
Sensory overload is when your body or your nervous system is triggered, which may cause you to feel overwhelmed. When your senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell) are triggered, your body may feel the need to fight or flight. Sensory overload varies in many different ways. If you walk into a loud crowded room, your body may react with an overwhelming sensation, or maybe you may touch a certain fabric which causes you to feel uncomfortable. Your emotional reaction to these overloads can be anything from anxiety, stress, racing thoughts a tingling sensation. Even physically, you may start sweating, shaking, dizziness, tightness of chest, which varies from person to person.
These natural, soothing herbs have great nervine benefits. There are people who may even have neurodivergent sensory overloads such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Autism, Attention, Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety who can use these herbs as alternative. These Types of sensory overloads may affect how you sleep, as well as your quality of life. These herbs have both mental and physical benefits for the body which focus on calming the nervous system. They can also be considered nervine herbs, which simply help support your nervous system. Find out how these herbs work in their own way.
Valerian Root
A little goes a long way with this herb. Valerian root is great for anxiety and insomnia.
Click here to learn more about Valerian Root.
Skullcap
Skullcap is an underrated herb to use for the nervous system. Although gentle, it is a powerful nervine herb. This mild relaxant may assist in boosting mood, reducing convulsions, and have antispasmodic properties.
Passionflower
Not only does passionflower have stress-reducing properties, but it also has also been known to reduce seizures. Passionflower also reduces ADHD by assisting in calming the mind,
Chamomile
Chamomile is well known for its calming effects. You may be able to find it most grocery stores. It induces sleep but also increases dopamine and serotonin levels acting as a mood booster.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been popular in the media due to its calming effects. As a mom, this herb has become my BFF because of its other positive effects, stress reducer, cravings, random periods of sadness and more.
Gotu Kola
The best thing about gotu kola is it can probably found in your backyard or local area. It helps improve cognitive brain health, along with its mood boosting properties.
For more information about gotu kola, click here.
Who Should Avoid
Consult a medical professional if you are pregnant, and/or breastfeeding.
Avoid if you are on any kidney or liver medication, diabetic, have an autoimmune, thyroid, or stomach disorders.