Nervines & Nervous System Support | Traditional Ways to Calm the Body and Mind
Ever find yourself realizing your shoulders are tense, your jaw is clenched, and your mind won't slow down?
In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie explore simple, traditional ways women have supported the nervous system for generations. From calming herbs known as nervines to humming, breathwork, grounding, and EFT tapping, they discuss practical tools that can be used throughout everyday life when stress begins to take over.
Meara shares her perspective as a nurse on why it's important not to dismiss physical symptoms as "just stress," while Maggie discusses breathwork, movement, and the small practices that help bring the body back into balance.
Whether you're navigating perimenopause, caregiving, a busy household, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers gentle reminders that sometimes the smallest practices can make the biggest difference.
In This Episode
- What nervines are and why they've been used traditionally for nervous system support
- EFT tapping and how it may help interrupt racing thoughts
- Grounding and spending time outdoors
- Humming and the connection between breath, vibration, and relaxation
- Simple breathing techniques for stressful moments
- Why many women become shallow breathers over time
- The importance of knowing your health baseline and working with your healthcare provider
- Essential oils traditionally used to create a calming environment
Resources Mentioned
- EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
- Grounding / Earthing
- Breathwork and Box Breathing
- Vagus Nerve Support
- Edgar Cayce A.R.E.
- Mountain Rose Herbs
If this episode encouraged you, share it with another woman who may need a reminder to slow down, take a breath, and reconnect with herself.
Research & Resources
🌿 EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
Research reviews have found EFT may help reduce anxiety, stress, and symptoms of burnout in some individuals.
Research reviews have found EFT may help reduce anxiety, stress, and symptoms of burnout in some individuals.
🌿 Breathwork & Slow Breathing
Research suggests slow, controlled breathing may help regulate the autonomic nervous system and support relaxation responses.
Research suggests slow, controlled breathing may help regulate the autonomic nervous system and support relaxation responses.
- NIH: Respiratory Vagal Stimulation & Slow Breathing
- Cleveland Clinic: Using Breathwork to Support the Vagus Nerve
🌿 Humming & Vagus Nerve Support
Humming naturally lengthens the exhale and may stimulate areas connected to the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system.
Humming naturally lengthens the exhale and may stimulate areas connected to the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system.
- Cleveland Clinic: Understanding the Vagus Nerve
- Cleveland Clinic: The Vagus Nerve & Stress Regulation
🌿 Grounding / Earthing
Research on grounding is still emerging, but some studies suggest potential benefits related to stress, inflammation, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
Research on grounding is still emerging, but some studies suggest potential benefits related to stress, inflammation, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
🌿 The Edgar Cayce Association for Research & Enlightenment (A.R.E.)
🌿 Organic Herbs & Essential Oils
Stay Rooted & Stay Wild!
Creators and Guests
Host
Maggie
Maggie | Co-creator and co-host of Womenfolk Revival. A natural mama and lifelong artist and unconventionalist, Maggie offers conversations that invite reflection, courage and a return to the wild that our Creator gave us to tend.
Host
Meara
Meara | Co-creator and co-host of Womenfolk Revival. A mother of seven, Grandmtother, and LPN with over a decade of clinical experience, Meara bridges medical care with a deep respect for the land. Through intentional rhythm and mindful tending, she invites a return to the quiet wisdom found in nature.