People have used herbs as medicine for millennia. From Ancient Egypt to today, large segments of populations all over the globe rely on herbs to manage their health conditions instead of manufactured drugs. One such condition is adrenal fatigue, a cluster of symptoms brought on by chronic stress. We look at what symptoms are connected with adrenal fatigue, why, and the best herbs for adrenal fatigue symptoms.
The adrenals are tiny glands that sit atop the kidneys, and they are responsible for excreting stress hormones, including cortisol. When they encounter a stressor, they excrete cortisol to ready the body for “fight or flight”. This increases heart rate, blood flow to the muscles, and pauses things like digestion. When the stressor has passed, cortisol levels need to drop so that the “rest and digest” response can start, and functions that are not necessary in an emergency but are nonetheless essential can take place.
However, when stress is chronic, cortisol levels remain high, and these other important functions are not addressed. Eventually, the adrenals are unable to continue producing the high levels of cortisol demanded, and various dysfunctions develop in the body. This is Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS).
The NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response system is a model of how organs and systems work together to help the body deal with stress. In adrenal fatigue, the NEM system becomes dysregulated. This also describes why various, seemingly unrelated symptoms can develop due to chronic stress.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
The adrenal glands are an important part of the NEM system, and when overused due to stress, adrenal fatigue can occur.
If you suffer from symptoms associated with AFS or NEM dysregulation, please talk to your healthcare provider. Taking action as soon as possible decreases your risk of developing chronic health issues. Following suggested protocols may also speed up your recovery time.
Part of your health plan may include medicinal herbs that can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue. Below are some of the most useful.
These herbs can be divided into the following categories:
Adaptogenic herbs help the body maintain homeostasis and improve your ability to manage stress. These herbs can adapt to the needs of your body to help you heal. If you have too much cortisol in your body, for example, they may work at lowering your cortisol levels. If you have too little cortisol, they may work at increasing these levels. The adaptogenic herbs thus have a balancing effect.
Besides helping with fatigue, this adaptogenic herb supports the whole endocrine system. This could result from the herb’s modifying effect on cortisol production and its anti-inflammatory properties. The herb is often combined with other herbs for adrenal fatigue, such as in certain tea blends.
Also known as Tulsi, Holy Basil has balancing properties. In traditional medicine, its uses include helping digestive issues, anxiety, eye health, back pain, and immunity. Studies suggest this herb shows strong cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties as well as an ability to enhance the immune system function.
Ginkgo Biloba protects the adrenal glands, brain, and liver from free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, acting as another type of stressor on the body. This herb can help minimize the effects of oxidative stress.
Often referred to as golden root, Rhodiola may reduce cortisol levels while increasing energy. It may also help with depression, a common symptom of adrenal fatigue. Uses in traditional medicine include addressing issues such as low libido, poor cognitive health, anemia, and infertility. The herb, according to studies, may help enhance endurance, physical performance, cognitive health, and cardiovascular function while helping combat stress. It may also help slow down the aging process and fight cancer.
Also known as Siberian Ginseng or Panax Ginseng, the herbal is extensively used in Chinese Medicine. It is used to invigorate and balance energy while nourishing and strengthening the body. Benefits of this herb, according to studies, include enhancing the immune system, promoting bacterial balance in the gut, fighting inflammation, increasing endurance, and enhancing cognitive function. The herb may also have anti-cancer properties and promote cardiovascular health.
One of the few berries studied for its anti-stress and anti-fatigue properties, it is an adaptogenic herb popular in Chinese medicine. Schisandra berries may support immune function, the central nervous system, the stress response, cognitive health, thyroid health, and healthy blood circulation.
Also called Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 3000 years. Traditional uses include thyroid support, libido, and cognitive function. It is also used to address PMS issues and improve sleep, cognitive function, and adrenal health.
Research suggests it has over fifty different chemical constituents. Ashwagandha may affect the entire endocrine system via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is the driving force behind your NEM stress response. It could thus play a role in controlling cortisol production.
Maca root, considered both an adaptogen and vegetable superfood, contains numerous compounds that may help those suffering from adrenal fatigue. This may result from its ability to balance hormones. As an adaptogen, it may, over time, help balance your cortisol production.
These herbs for adrenal fatigue help reduce feelings of tension, restlessness, and anxiety in a safe and effective way.
Hops may help alleviate feelings of anxiety and help address stress-related symptoms like digestive issues. You can take hops either as a tea or tincture.
Well-known for its calming, relaxing properties, lavender is often used in aromatherapy and essential oil applications. It can also be added to a tea.
Magnolia bark capsules before bed can lower cortisol levels and help the body and mind relax.
Other excellent herbs to consider are ashwagandha, kava kava, and green teas.
These herbs for adrenal fatigue may help to address insomnia, night-waking, and other sleeping difficulties.
Chamomile promotes relaxation and sleep. Taken as a tea or a tincture, it helps soothe the mind and body and can help improve sleep. Try three cups of tea a day or 30 drops of tincture three times a day. You can also add a few chamomile essential oil drops to a warm nighttime bath.
Valerian is another well-known herb that helps relieve insomnia and anxiety. Capsules may be easier to ingest than the pungent tincture. You can take it before bed, and again if you wake up in the middle of the night. Waking at night is a common occurrence with AFS.
Another great healing herb for those who wake up frequently at night, passionflower is very safe and can be taken as a tincture up to four times daily.
It is important to talk to a healthcare professional if you suffer from any health conditions and want to take any new herbs or supplements. While many are generally considered safe, they may affect other underlying health issues or have contraindications with other medications. Those with AFS are also prone to sensitivities and unexpected reactions to new supplements.
Some of these herbs affect cortisol levels, which may be helpful in some stages of adrenal fatigue but not in others.
These herbs for adrenal fatigue are generally safest in the early stages of AFS. They may stimulate the adrenals to produce more hormones.
If taken during the latter stages, they could cause more harm than good. Your adrenals may not be able to handle additional stimulation. This could overstimulate your adrenals and cause adverse side effects or even an adrenal crash. Symptoms may worsen or you could see new symptoms developing.
This is why it’s key to see a doctor aware of AFS or a nutritional coach to determine what types of herbs and spices are safest to incorporate into your diet.
Along with the herbal remedies, these steps may help you deal with stressful situations or better cope with stress in general:
The symptoms of adrenal fatigue can be frustrating. The road to recovery starts by making changes and using supplements judiciously. Many herbal supplements for adrenal fatigue not only address adrenal health, but also address some of the symptoms associated with the condition.
If you would like to know more about herbs for adrenal fatigue, Dr. Lam's Adrenal Fatigue Recovery Program can help you! In the program, you will explore the different stages of adrenal fatigue, learn how to utilize supplements effectively, discover beneficial foods, and understand which exercises are most advantageous. This comprehensive course is designed to help you avoid the pitfalls that Dr. Lam encountered during his own recovery journey. You'll gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to aid in your healing process.
