The adrenal glands influence the body’s stress response, immune health, sleep patterns, and mood. The small but powerful adrenal glands produce hormones that naturally assist in maintaining functions ranging from blood pressure and cardiovascular activity to blood sugar levels and metabolism.
The adrenal glands are small glands on top of each kidney. They are responsible for producing stress hormones such as cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
The body is designed to handle conflict intermittently. But if the perceived threat is constant, staying on high alert 24/7 is quite destructive. Modern life is often experienced as nonstop stress. Everyday stressors, such as maintaining a job, home, healthy relationships, and good finances, can be major challenges.
When the adrenal glands are fatigued, you feel physically tired with low energy levels, a weakened immune system and an inability to adapt to stress.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
- fatigue
- difficulty getting to sleep
- difficulty waking up
- sugar cravings
- salt cravings
- unexplained weight loss
- lack of motivation
- brain fog
Adaptogenic herbs
Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help balance and restore the body. Some adaptogens act to stimulate the body and enhance mental performance. While others help calm the body and soothe the adrenals. Adaptogens also support your internal body clock and help promote more restful sleep.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a powerful antioxidant and anti-stressor, helping regulate your body’s stress hormone, so you feel calmer while soothing adrenal fatigue. This herb helps your body adapt to stress, by balancing your immune system, metabolism and hormonal systems.
Ashwagandha is calming and anti-inflammatory. It is useful for improving sleep, reducing anxiety, improving memory, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Dose: 3 to 6 grams of the dried herb in capsule form daily OR 2 to 4 mL (20-80 drops) of the tincture, in water, 3 times per day
Ashwagandha is not recommended during pregnancy because of the possibility that it can cause uterine contractions.
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a powerful brain tonic that helps with anxiety and depression, as well as improving memory and concentration. Rhodiola extract promotes a calm emotional state and supports strong mental performance, optimal immune function and hormonal balance.
It is a key adaptogen for reducing anxiety. It improves mental and physical stamina, improves sleep and reduces stress and irritability. This herb boosts the immune system, decreases the frequency of colds and infections and reduces inflammation. It is used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome as well as fibromyalgia.
Dose: 200-400 mg in capsules or tablets daily OR 40-60 drops of a tincture, in water 2-3 times daily. Use products standardized to 2-3% rosavin and 0.8-1% salidroside.
Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) decreases the amount of cortisol released during stress without the adverse side-effects of prescription medications. This herb calms your mind and spirit and promotes longevity. Holy basil increases physical and emotional endurance by increasing the resilience to all stressors.
Drink as a tea several times a day to benefit from its healing effects for treating anxiety and adrenal fatigue.
Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) also known as Siberian ginseng increases mental alertness and performance, enhances concentration, reduces stress and fatigue and enhances overall immunity. Siberian ginseng has the ability to calm anxiousness, improve sleeping, diminish lethargy, lessen irritability and induce a feeling of well-being.
Dose: 2-3 g of dried root in capsule form daily or 2-4 ml of tincture in water, 2-3 times daily.
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) is extremely mineral-rich and helps feed the adrenals the nutrients needed to work properly. It helps lower physical and mental stress. Schisandra berries enhance the body’s natural resistance and adaptation to stressful influences. It supports mental endurance and promotes overall metabolic efficiency.
Nervines and Relaxants
AThey help to relax your body so you feel calmer and less stressed.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a powerful anti-anxiety tonic. This herb has the ability to relieve the muscle pain that can sometimes accompany adrenal exhaustion. Skullcap is rich in the nutrients essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. This herb
Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia) has a calming effect that reduces stress. Use any time of day as a tea or tincture to calm anxiety. Lavender tea is an effective tonic for jittery nerves because it encourages a calmer state of mind. Just smelling lavender reduces stress.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) contains substances that act on the same parts of the brain and nervous system as anti-anxiety drugs, making it the perfect choice to enjoy tea throughout the day in times of stress. Chamomile tea and chamomile extract are very useful as a mild sedative to help calm nerves and reduce anxiety.
Energizers and Wellbeing Tonics
These are herbs and spices that boost other aspects of well-being and are important for women suffering symptoms of adrenal burnout.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is an anti-stress herb that increases energy, endurance, and vitality. The root acts as a mild tonic, helping prevent the breakdown of adrenal hormones including cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.
If you suffer from high blood pressure or kidney problems it is advised not to take licorice root in any amount.
Siberian ginseng root (Eleutherococcus senticosus) increases your body’s resistance to stress, making this root beneficial during times of increased physical and mental stress. Ginseng root also increases vitality and improves mental and physical performance. This root increases blood flow to the brain, improving memory, concentration, and mental stamina.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) lowers blood pressure, enhances immunity, improves endurance, increases vitality and relieves fatigue. When you are stressed out and anxious, astragalus is centering and calming. If you are depleted and fatigued, this plant has more uplifting, rejuvenating and energizing properties. The dried root is used in capsules and tinctures.
Improving adrenal health can help you live a more balanced life. In addition to herbal supplements, there are other ways you can help support your body, including adopting a healing mindset, practicing yoga, eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and taking time for yourself each day.
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