04/15/2026
Y’all I am unfortunately one of those annoying people who had to quit caffeine entirely. Our fourth baby really did me in, and my nervous system simply couldn’t handle stimulants any longer. (I’ll share my fave coffee alternative in a bit!)
So what are some ways an herbalist mom supports her nervous system?
A few things off the top of my head:
1. Self-discipline!!! Disciplining myself with things like an early bedtime, eating nourishing foods and keeping strict rules around screen time.
2. Low light after sunset. This one is huge for me. Lamps or candles only, no big lights on after sundown, and no TV or movies at night unless it’s a special occasion. Bright or blue toned lighting signals to our bodies that it’s NOT the time to make melatonin and wind down. Sleep is so precious as a mother and it’s just not worth it to me to lose out on it for any reason other than my children needing me.
3. Herbs of course. Tulsi (Holy Basil) is my most favorite daily tonic for STABILITY and resilience, but when it’s just a hard day and I’m on edge, I really appreciate my CALM blend. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) in particular’s effects on the nervous system are often described as a big, grounding “hug.”
4. Going outside and touching grassssss. Sometimes you gotta forget the laundry. Forget the dishes. Go for a walk, man. The kids need to, too.
5. My MOST favorite coffee alternative: Dandy Blend! I am so so thankful to have found this stuff. I’ve tried so many herbal “coffees” and I’m of the opinion that every single one of them sucks compared to this one 🤣 I still love the smell of coffee, but I do not miss the flavor or the ritual or the feeling of it AT ALL because that craving is totally satisfied - a hot cup with robust flavor but no acidity, no bitterness, and no nervous system stimulation. Definitely an energy boost, but not a sense or urgency or jittery feeling.
You can find all our family’s handcrafted herbals AND our free 30 Day Nervous System Reset at www.redcottageholistics.com 🌻
