5 Calming Herbs For Gut Health + The Nervous System

These days, “gut health” seems to be everywhere—from wellness podcasts to supermarket shelves. But for those of us in the herbal world, supporting the digestive system is far from a trend. It’s foundational.

As an herbalist, I often think of the gut as more than just a physical system—it’s a sensory one, deeply connected to how we feel. The enteric nervous system, sometimes called the “second brain,” lives in the gut and is in constant communication with the brain above.¹ This relationship is known as the gut-brain axis, and it helps explain why emotional stress can so quickly lead to digestive discomfort.² Butterflies before a presentation? Tightness in your stomach after a tough conversation? These are everyday examples of how stress and digestion are intricately linked.

That’s where herbs can shine, particularly those that support both the nervous system and digestion. In herbalism, we often reach for plants known as nervines, which help restore balance and ease tension.³ When these nervines also have carminative or antispasmodic properties—meaning they support digestion by soothing tension and mild cramping while relieving bloating and discomfort,⁴ they become powerful allies for whole-body wellness.

In this article, I’ll share five of my favorite herbs that do just that—calm the mind while easing digestive woes. But first, let’s talk a little more about nervines.

What Are Nervines?

Nervines are herbs that support the nervous system in gentle, natural ways.³ They may help promote a sense of calm, support relaxation, and ease the symptoms that come with occasional stress, like mental tension, muscle tightness, or a racing mind.

Nervines come in many forms. Some are mildly calming, others deeply relaxing, and a few even have uplifting effects. They’re often used to support restful sleep, help with occasional anxious thoughts, or ease the tension that can settle in both the mind and body.⁵

Some nervines are also incredibly useful for supporting digestive wellness.⁶ That’s because the nervous system and digestive system are closely linked, and when one is out of balance, the other often is too.⁷ We can take advantage of this connection by choosing herbs that work on both systems at once.⁸

5 Herbs That Soothe the Belly and Calm the Mind

Here are five herbs I often recommend when stress and digestion are both in need of a little love:

1. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint is a digestive powerhouse. It’s cooling, invigorating, and rich in essential oils⁹ that can help relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract¹⁰, easing occasional gas, bloating, and nausea.  Peppermint does offer mild nervine benefits due to its stimulating effect on the nervous system.¹¹ It’s especially helpful after a heavy meal or when tension seems to settle in the gut.¹²

2. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile is a classic for good reason. Most people associate it with relaxation, and they’re not wrong. This small but mighty flower is one of the most widely used nervine herbs around.¹³ It’s gentle enough for children¹⁴ and supportive enough for adults, especially those with a “nervous stomach.”¹⁵

In herbalism, chamomile is known to calm the digestive system, ease tension, and support healthy sleep.¹⁶ It’s particularly useful for those who carry their stress in the belly, experiencing things like butterflies, tightness, or digestive upset during emotional times. I always think of the scene in Peter Rabbit when Peter’s mother gives him chamomile tea after a particularly stressful day—it’s a timeless remedy.¹⁷

3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is often associated with its beautiful scent, but it’s much more than just a pretty aroma. Lavender has a long history of use in traditional herbal systems to support the nervous system and reduce occasional stress-related symptoms.¹⁸ In recent years, its effects have even been studied for their ability to support mood and emotional balance.¹⁹

Lavender’s essential oils also have carminative properties, helping to soothe the digestive tract and ease occasional gas and bloating.²⁰ It’s a deeply relaxing herb that can support both the mind and the gut in moments of overwhelm.²¹

4. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a joy to grow and even more of a joy to use. A member of the mint family, its bright, lemony aroma has an almost immediate calming effect.²² It’s one of my go-to herbs for supporting mood, promoting relaxation,²³ and gently uplifting the spirit.²⁴

Traditionally, lemon balm has also been used to soothe the digestive system and ease nervous tension that manifests in the belly. It’s helpful for occasional anxiety, restlessness, and that “tied-in-knots” stomach feeling we’ve all experienced at one point or another.²⁵

Fun fact: its Latin name Melissa means “honeybee” in Greek—this plant is beloved by pollinators and herbalists alike.²⁶

5. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Skullcap is one of the most deeply calming herbs in the Western materia medica.²⁷ Another member of the mint family, it’s often used to support the nervous system during times of heightened tension or when the body feels stuck in a “fight or flight” mode.²⁸

What makes skullcap so special is its ability to relax both the mind and the body. It’s used by herbalists to help with occasional anxious thoughts, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.²⁹ It also supports the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” part of our physiology, making it an excellent herb for regulating the gut-brain axis³⁰ and bringing the body back into a state of ease.

Benefits Of Herbal Tea

One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to take nervine herbs is in tea form. The ritual of making tea—boiling water, steeping herbs, taking a moment to pause—can be healing in and of itself.³¹ And when the herbs in your cup are chosen to support both your digestion and your mind, it becomes a deeply nourishing daily practice.

If you’re just beginning to explore herbal support, start with what’s familiar. Herbs like peppermint and chamomile are commonly found in pantries or local markets and are wonderful places to begin. Feeling frazzled and bloated after a long day? A blend of chamomile and lavender might be just the thing³². Looking for something to lift the spirits while settling the belly? Lemon balm and skullcap create a fragrant, soothing combination.

You don’t need a complicated routine—just a few intentional moments and the right herbal allies can make a meaningful difference.

Final Thoughts

Herbalism is both an art and a science. While we’re just beginning to understand the full complexity of the gut-brain connection, herbalists have long known that soothing the belly often soothes the mind—and vice versa. The herbs I’ve shared here are time-tested and deeply supportive for the interconnected systems that carry us through our days.

I encourage you to approach these herbs with curiosity, intention, and care. A cup of tea may seem simple, but in that simplicity is a powerful reminder: we can support our bodies not by overriding them, but by listening—and responding—with gentleness. 

As always, it’s important to consult with your healthcare practitioner before adding new herbs to your routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medications.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your wellness routine.

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