Juicing For Health - Adrenal Fatigue Herbs
Adrenal Fatigue Herbs
There are many herbs which are beneficial for those suffering from the horrible disorder known as adrenal fatigue, so lets take a look at some of the favorites.
Unless you have been through severe prolonged adrenal fatigue you won't know how crippling dysfunctional adrenal glands really can be on your life and functioning normally. Just about every part of the body is effected by adrenal gland function so it is no wonder when they aren't functioning normally that multiple health problems result.
When i was at my worst getting out of bed was hard, but to be honest chronic fatigue is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many symptoms of adrenal gland dysfunction. Some of the other ailents associated with adrenal fatigue include allergies/multiple chemical sensitivity, anxiety/panic syndrome, arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, auto-immune disease, depression, orthostatic intolerance, low libido and hormonal imbalances, hypothyroidism, poor digestion especially of proteins due to lower levels of hydrochloric acid and insomnia.
Adaptogenic Herbs
Adaptogens are non-specific and non-toxic herbs which increase the bodies resistance to stress. Whether the stress is emotional or a physical ailment it doesn't matter, adaptogenic herbs work by trying to normalize body functions and to help the body achieve homeostasis.
Some examples of adaptogenic herbs include ginseng family(korean/asian/panax), ashwagandha(indian ginseng), schizandra berry, jiaogulan(poor mans ginseng), maca root(peruvian ginseng), astragalus, licorice root(american(stimulating)chinese(calming), suma root(brazilian ginseng) and medicinal mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps.
Ashwagandha also known as Indian Ginseng is an Ayurvedic adaptogen herb which is a favorite among adrenal fatigue sufferers. Personally out of all of the adaptogens i have tired i would rate Ashwagandha as one of the best out of them all. Ashwagandha has been shown to activate the GABA receptors in studies which is why it is beneficial to those with symptoms of anxiety/panic, nervous system and stress disorders. Ashwagandha is also specifically of benefit to those with low thyroid function, research has shown that ashwagandha increases the conversion of thyroid hormones T4 to T3.
Now even though all of these adrenal fatigue herbs are adaptogenic, some are more suited to certain individuals than others due to their specific benefits. An example of this is say Ashwagandha and its specific benefit of helping stimulate thyroid function through increased conversion of thyroid hormones T4 to T3, which is what makes it more beneficial to those with secondary hypothyroidism which can often occompany adrenal fatigue. It would take an article in itself to list the various specific benefits of the adaptogen herbs listed above.
Keep in mind that because allergies are partially caused by adrenal gland dysfunction that there is no guarentee that you might not be allergic to any of the above herbs, so i like to try them individually first and in small amounts to see how i react to them. It also introduces the herb to the body and minimizes chances of allergy or reaction. Korean ginseng in particular i like to start with doses lower than recommended especially with the authentic high quality aged root as it is potent stuff and can cause over-stimulation in some that suffer from anxiety, excess epinephrine(adrenaline) and in some individuals with weak adrenal glands(mainly those with severe adrenal fatigue).
Korean ginseng is one of a few adaptogenic herbs which actually does mildly stimulant the central nervous system(CNS), others include american licorice root(g.glabra) and r.rhosea. Licorice is a confusing one as there are 2 different species both with similar benefits expect the American species i.e G. Glabra is stimulating whilst the Chinese licorice root is calming to the nervous system. Chinese Licorice root is harder to source than the American root. The key to using these over stimulants such as caffeine is that they offer other benefits such as supporting the adrenal gland, balancing the nervous and endocrine system. Also bear in mind that you have a choice as there are many adaptogen herbs which are not stimulative to the CNS such as the above.
Other Adrenal Gland Supportive/Nourishing Herbs
Adaptogens arent the only herbs to support and nourish the adrenal glands, there are a few others which have shown to be helpful for adrenal fatigue.
Vitamin C rich herbs such as amla are useful for nourishing the adrenal glands stores which are essential for healthy function. Amla has shown in studies to be 12 times as strong as synthetic ascorbic acid. Amla Powder and other natural vitamin C sources generally have the supporting bioflavonoids which aid in the absorption and have benefits of their own such as strengthening the capilliares and improving circulation. Other rich vitamin C sources include camu camu, acerola cherry, rosehips and various fruits such as kiwis, berries, oranges and dark leafy greens. In my opinion natural wholefood and herbal sources are much more effective than synthetic vitamin C supplements.
Yucca root is another herb which is beneficial to adrenal gland function through its rich steroidal saponin content. The sterols which yucca root contains help build adrenal hormones.
Nettle leaf is a nutritive general tonic herb which is said to be supportive of the adrenal and thyroid gland. Nettle leaf also supports liver function and thus is beneficial for maintaining hormonal and endocrine balance.
Pollen's are generally rich in nutrition and are considered beneficial for supporting endocrine health. Pollen in particular is a great source of amino acids and B group vitamins(B5), both which are essential for nourishing the adrenal glands. Some examples of plant based pollens include Pine and Camellia Sinenses.
Seaweeds are also a good choice for nutritionally supporting the body and in turn the adrenal glands. Most seaweeds are very rich in minerals, B vitamins, amino acids and are a source of vitamin C. All nutrients which are needed for healthy adrenal function and in slightly higher amounts than normal people for those suffering from adrenal fatigue. What makes seaweeds stand out in general is that they are our best source of minerals and trace elements.
Glandulars, DHEA & Hormones
Although glandular supplements are not herbs or related in anyway they are worth a mention in this post as they are often recommended as quick fix for the adrenal glands. Glandulars should be used with caution as they can atrophy and weaken the glands further by making them lazy, the same applies to supplementing with hormones such as DHEA and Progesterone. Personally i find glandulars unpredictable and in myself found they couldn't produce a consistent effect even at times i had confirmed as low cortisol. Sometimes they would help energize me, improve orthostatic intolerance and other adrenal symptoms, whilst at other times they made me panicky and fatigued.
Will also mention that supplementing with hormones such as DHEA need real care as they can convert into the hormones testosterone and estrogen in the body. This would extra bad for someone suffering estrogen dominance or other hormonal imbalance disorders. Weak adrenal glands can cause hormonal imbalances due to lack of production of sex hormones. In some cases hormone and glandular therapy can be beneficial but i personally wouldn't try them until you have exhausted other more natural forms of restoring adrenal gland function.
Nutrition
This brings me to my next personal thoughts in that one of the best ways to ensure healthy adrenal gland function is by nourishing the body. I am of the opinion that you can support the adrenal glands through the use of herbs, but you may not get that far unless you replace the vitamins and minerals that the adrenal glands needs to function. Two of the most important nutrients for the adrenal glands happen to be Vitamin C and Vitamin B5. Good food sources of Vitamin C include berries, kiwis, bell peppers, broccoli, oranges, papaya and pineapple. Good sources of B complex vitamins include nutritional/brewers yeast, seaweeds, pollens and rice bran.
Another nutrient of concern is the mineral Zinc which plays a role in adrenal gland function and hormone production. Vegan and vegetarian diets in general tend to be higher in copper and lower in zinc than a diet which includes meat and seafood. Zinc is a rather common deficiency so care must be taken that you don't become low on this essential mineral. Good plant food sources of Zinc include pumpkin seeds, baked beans/legumes, peanut butter and seaweeds.
I found that a diet slightly higher in protein and fat to be beneficial for balancing my blood sugar which is a huge part of mimizing many symptoms and recovering from adrenal fatigue.
Indigo Herbs are a good retailer of herbal powders, if you wish to purchase these please use the link below as it helps keep our site running. Thanks.
When it comes to adrenal fatigue adaptogenic herbs can be of great benefit as they help support adrenal gland function as well as normalizing the endocrine system. They also provide a natural mild energy boost which is non-CNS stimulative and thus doesnt harm the adrenal glands.
Some examples of popular adaptogen herbs include the ginseng family(asian/panax/korean), ashwagandha, licorice root, schizandra berry, maca root, astragalus, suma root, siberian ginseng and medicinal mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps are the most commonly used adaptogenic herbs.
Recommended Herbal Retailers
Indigo Herbs are a good retailer of herbal powders and superfood products, if you wish to purchase these please use the link below as it helps keep our site running. Thanks.
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