Adaptogenic Herbs For Adrenal Fatigue

Choosing The Right Adaptogen For You

Ok, so now that weve covered how to properly use adaptogens, lets look at different adaptogens and how they support the body. There are quite a few adaptogenic herbs, and then there are classes of herbs called nervines and nootropics that complement the effect of adaptogens. If youre looking for an awesome, more in depth reference all about adaptogenic herbs, then Id highly recommend this book by David Winston, Registered Herbalist.

Some of the most popular adaptogens and the ones I have personal experience with are the ones Ive included below. Please realize that its always helpful to work with a natural health practitioner so they can tailor the herbs and dosage to your specific body. Ive given the general usage info for these herbs, but do what you feel comfortable with. Im not a doctor and medical advice is beyond my scope of expertise!

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How Adaptogenic Herbs Power Your A

When you take adaptogenic herbs, youre partaking in a treatment once reserved for Chinese royalty and Olympic champions. Herbs that have been growing and healing people in some of the worlds harshest environments since 6000 BC.

Indian Ayurvedic, then Chinese and Greek practitioners, prescribed hundreds of plants for dozens of imbalances before the term adaptogen was coined in 1940 by a Soviet scientist who documented how these non-toxic plants adapt their function to the needs of the body.

And that includes the needs of adrenal fatigue sufferers.

When a gland is either overactive or underactive, adaptogenic herbs can help either downregulate or upregulate it back into balance. The ability of these intelligent plants to move bi-directionally with your bodys needs without any toxic side effects has been studied for decades across the globe, as well as at RLC Labs.

These botanical medicine healers are unique in that they increase resistance to stress, without disturbing normal biological functions.

Whether youre seeking adrenal fatigue supplements or just trying to figure out how to stop feeling tired all the time, adaptogens are your most natural, non-invasive option.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands are true multitaskers of the human body. They influence your stress response, immune health, sleep patterns, and even your mood.These small but powerful glands produce hormones that naturally assist in maintaining functions ranging from blood pressure and cardiovascular activity to blood sugar levels and metabolism. Because the adrenal glands are absolutely vital to well-being, we like to refer to them as the unsung heroes of the endocrine system.When your adrenal glands are operating at 100%, youll feel a sense of mental clarity that can help you maintain alertness throughout the day.When your adrenal glands are fatigued, however, you’ll feel physically run down with low energy levels, a weakened immune system, and an inability to adapt to stress.Optimizing adrenal gland function is essential to combating stress and living a more balanced life. Adaptogenic herbs like those found in Gaia Herbs Everyday Adaptogen help by supporting the adrenal glands and promoting stress relief and equilibrium of mind, body, and spirit.*

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Start Recovering From Adrenal Fatigue

Natural recovery from adrenal fatigue is very possible, and herbs can play a large role in treatment.

Using an herbal blend to support your adrenals, managing stress, supplementing if needed, and eating a healthy diet are all key parts of recovery.

Taking these steps can get you back to feeling like yourself!

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be substituted for medical advice. Please consult your health care provider, herbalist, midwife, or naturopathic physician before taking herbs, supplements, etc. Here’s the link to our full disclaimer.

Can Adaptogens Be Used To Treat Adrenal Dysfunction

There are many different adaptogens available that can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. Studies have identified several adaptogens that help manage stress and may significantly improve adrenal fatigue.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea is a specific strain of rhodiola that provides multiple adrenal-related benefits. Excess cortisol, a major component of adrenal fatigue, can cause widespread disruption throughout the body. Rhodiola rosea limits the release and production of cortisol when the body experiences stress. For those suffering from chronic stress, this can help prevent an adrenal crash and a worsening of their condition. Studies also suggest that patients who supplement with rhodiola rosea often exhibit improved energy levels and greater concentration.

Maca

Maca is a root that contains a high volume of protein, fiber, calcium, magnesium, and beneficial amino acids. Maca encourages hormone production during periods of deficiency and limits production in times of excess. Extended use of maca is associated with better hypothalamic and pituitary function, which further supports adrenal balance. Other benefits of eating and supplementing with maca include restored libido, fertility, mood, and improved symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

Ashwagandha

Ginseng

Eleuthero

Licorice Root

Find these adaptogens, and other adrenal-supporting ingredients, in our doctor-formulated supplement, Adrenal Repair.

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Adaptogens And Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenals, the glands of stress, mobilize various stress responses to each stress, including physical, biochemical, hormonal, thermal, internal, external, emotional and mental. Stress rather than pathological damage is the primary cause of adrenal fatigue. Excessive stress may be caused by a single strong stimulatory event or by the accumulation of chronic or repeated stress. When the capacity of the adrenals to secrete enough hormones that can make the necessary physiological, and biochemical compensations for that level of stress cannot meet the requirements of continually excessive pressure, adrenal fatigue occurs. The adrenal gland continues to work under adrenal fatigue but cannot maintain normal homeostasis. On the one hand, if the adrenals can deal well with this circumstance and cortisol levels remain adequately elevated to handle the various stresses, over time, the signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome, such as muscle wastage, hyperglycemia, and suppresses immune or inflammatory responses , begin to appear. On the other hand, if the adrenals are not able to meet the demands, adrenal fatigue appears, usually developing more quickly than metabolic syndrome, and which can become so severe as to disable them .

Natural Supplements And Herbs For Adrenal Support

Chronic stress and fatigue are important signs your adrenals are overworked and in need of repair. If you’ve ever attempted to fix your symptoms with caffeine and sugar or even sleeping pills, you already know theres a big problem with that approach any momentary relief you get is followed by feeling even worse. Theres got to be a better way, and there is!

According to a growing body of research, key vitamins, minerals and herbs and other plant-based compounds offer powerful help to restore underlying adrenal function and protect the body from stress.

Some of these natural substances nourish adrenal glands and provide raw materials for healthy cortisol production. Others go a step further, interacting with the central nervous system and immune system to balance the bodys fight-or-flight response and make it easier to return to equilibrium and calm after a stress challenge.

Lets take a closer look at these compounds and how natural adrenal supplements can help.

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My Story Of Adrenal Fatigue

During college I worked hard, hardly slept and hardly ate. And when I did eat, it was often cafeteria junk food or a slim fast. Yes, I really was that bad! Those years of abuse took a toll on my body, and after my pregnancy, and a year long bout with veganism, I came down with a bad case of adrenal fatigue.

I wanted to sleep for 11 hours a day. Getting out of bed was a laborious task. I was ready for a nap only hours after waking up, and by 9 pm, Id be so full of energy that Id stay up for hours finally getting some work done. Unfortunately, with our crazy non- stop lifestyles, many people feel these symptoms, and its a condition thats severely undiagnosed and generally not acknowledged by the conventional medical community. As moms were pressured to be there for everyone all of the time and the stress of mom culture can really suck the joy out of life.

Symptoms Of Adrenal Fatigue

Here is a list of symptoms which may indicate that you are suffering with adrenal fatigue:

• Trouble getting out of bed in the morning even after long periods of sleep
• Flu like symptoms
• A depressed immune system and regularly occurring illnesses such as colds and flu
• Unexplained increase in body fat and weight
• Frequent urination

If you experience one or more of the symptoms above on a regular basis its possible that you are suffering with adrenal fatigue.

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How To Take Adaptogenic Herbs

Supplements are the easiest and most convenient way to take an efficacious dose of adaptogenic herbs. Our energy support products, for example, come in a variety of forms including Liquid Phyto-Caps, powders, and liquids, making it extremely easy to incorporate adaptogenic herbs into your balanced diet.You can take our Ginseng Supreme liquid herbal supplement which is made with an invigorating blend of adaptogenic herbs, including American Ginseng and Eleuthero, that help support energy and stamina by administering a few drops in your mouth or by adding it to your favorite food or hot beverage.*Similarly, our Everyday Adaptogen powdered herbal supplement is a great addition to recipes or beverages. Stir it into your tea or mix it into your smoothie for a healthy dose of adaptogenic herbs anytime.For an even easier, no-mix, ready-to-take adaptogenic boost, try Gaia Herbs Adaptogen Performance Mushrooms & Herbs vegan capsules. If you are feeling tired or rundown, this formula contains a blend of adaptogenic herbs, including Cordyceps and Ashwagandha, that support healthy energy levels.*Be sure to follow the dosing instructions of whatever adaptogenic herb you choose and talk to an Ayurvedic practitioner for more guidance and advice. It can also be beneficial to rotate your adaptogens every six weeks so that your body can benefit from the subtle differences among herbs.*

What Is An Adaptogen

An adaptogen is a plant or plant extract that is believed to reduce and moderate the bodys physical and chemical responses to stress. Typically, adaptogens are said to affect the endocrine and immune systems by regulating hormones such as cortisol, and improving the bodys ability to fight infections. They can also be used to prevent day-to-day fatigue and promote general good health.

The study of adaptogens arose in the Soviet Union during the Second World War. It was based on the earlier work of Russian ethnopharmacologists, who had investigated hunters who used schisandra berries for endurance. In the decades that followed, the concept of adaptogens was further developed, aSnd they have recently become a popular topic in alternative medicine. Many adaptogenic herbs are derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine, where they are known as tonics.

Below is a list of some of the most well-known adaptogens. It is recommended to rotate through different adaptogenic herbs every few months.

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What Are 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 can also support the body’s natural circadian rhythm and help promote more restful sleep.*Adaptogenic herbs can fit easily into your daily routine. You can take adaptogens as a pill with Gaia Herbs Adrenal Health® Daily Support Liquid Phyto-Caps®, or you can use an herbal powder such as Gaia Herbs Everyday Adaptogen and blend them into your morning smoothie.You can also use the powder to make an energy-boosting caffeine-free snack or even add the powder to a nourishing night time tea.

Using Herbs For Adrenal Fatigue

One of the most important things to know about using herbs for adrenal fatigue is that it takes time for herbal treatment to work.

Adaptogens and other herbs will work slowly with your body to help it heal and recover over time.

Adaptogen herbs are often more beneficial when combined than when taken separately.

Using an adaptogenic herbal tea blend can have a greater effect on adrenal fatigue than just using a single herb.

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Adaptogenic Herbs And Adrenal Fatigue

Adaptogenic herbs are a healthy addition to your balanced diet and can help restore balance in a variety of ways.* Lets discuss how these herbs help to reduce adrenal fatigue specifically.When you experience stress be it physical or mental your body begins a process called general adaptation syndrome . General adaptation syndrome progresses through three stages:

Well look at each stage in a bit more detail and see how adaptogenic herbs can help.*

Causes Of Adrenal Fatigue

Any kind of excess stress causes the adrenals to increase cortisol production. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenals have been overworked to a degree that they can no longer secrete levels of cortisol that are adequate for optimal function.

Possible stressors include environmental and dietary influences, financial or occupational stresses, as well as anxiety and emotional stresses. An overuse of antibiotics is also believed to possibly have harmful effects on cortisol production.

Adrenal fatigue can lead to low levels of energy, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and many other uncomfortable symptoms. Thankfully, however, there are ways to restore adrenal health and to treat adrenal fatigue.

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How Can I Incorporate These Adaptogens Into My Healing Protocol

As you know, Im a very real food first kind of person. So rather than start out with a bunch of supplements or adaptogens in pill form, Id rather take them in conjunction with real foods. My favorite way to get them? Through the adaptogen-rich Mushroom Elixrs like Cordyceps Coffee and Reishi Hot Chocolate from Four Sigmatic, a Maca-rich coffee substitute, or green juice with Ashwagandha. This is a great way to start small and gage your reaction to these adaptogens before trying them out in supplement form.

BUT wait a minute, Dana. I thought youve said multiple times that I need to cut OUT coffee if I have adrenal fatigue. TRUE, but hold your horses. These mushroom coffees are a fantastic way to wean yourself off caffeine for complete adrenal recovery, as they only have about half the caffeine of a normal cup of coffee. Further, the adaptogenic properties of the mushrooms help modulate the bodys response to caffeine aka no crash, no shakiness, and better focus. Ive used these both on myself and clients for weaning off caffeine and I absolutely LOVE THEM both the Cordyceps Coffee and Lions Mane Coffee.

All these adaptogens and herbs wont make much of a difference if youre not already taking care of the diet, lifestyle, sleep, and stress pieces to try and heal your adrenal dysfunction or chronic fatigue/stress. Adaptogens will help you build up resilience to stress, and with these other dietary and lifestyle changes, may help enhance your healing process.

The Hpa Axis And Adrenal Gland Health

The HPA axis encompasses the synergism and feedback between adrenal hormones, and hormones released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are greatly affected by stress, and the emotional state of the individual person. The effect of the HPA axis on the emotional state was first described in the field of psychology, where biochemical adaptations noted from long-term stress and overwork led to sleep disturbances, irritability, and exhaustion. One portion of the HPA axis activated by stress is known as SAS. Psychological and physical challenges cause acute stress responses involving brain neurotransmitters that in turn affect the release of corticotropins and other hormones from the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. The pituitary and hypothalamic hormones subsequently act on the adrenal glands. Long-term stimulation of the adrenal glands leads to adrenal gland dysfunction. the glands become hypertrophic, less responsive, or erratically responsive as evidenced by abnormal cortisol release, ACTH response, and altered DHEA to cortisol ratios . Chronic stress and the resultant increase in cortisol are known to suppress normal white blood cell activity, which subsequently is associated with altered cytokines and a greater incidence of inflammatory and allergic responses. Impairment and disturbance in the HPA axis is also associated with reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions, as well as altered psychological presentations .

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Adaptogenic Herbs & Adrenal Fatigue

As previously mentioned, adaptogenic herbs are a natural way to help your body deal with stress. This makes them a great solution to adrenal fatigue symptoms. They can give you back your energy without the caffeine crashes, and at the same time, they also boost your immune system. If you combine them with some healthier habits, you will recover from adrenal fatigue even faster!

Sounds awesome, right? There are dozens of adaptogenic herbs out there, so you might be wondering which one to take.

The following are the best adaptogenic herbs that can help you recover from adrenal fatigue:

What Are The Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of both kidneys. Adrenal glands produce hormones that help regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, response to stress and other essential functions. They are among the first glands to respond to stress, and also among the first to suffer as a result of stress.

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How Adaptogens Rebalance Your Endocrine System

Your adrenal glands dont function in isolation they work in conjunction with your hypothalamus and pituitary gland as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to regulate your stress response.

So, when your HPA axis is out of whack, your brain and glands cant effectively send messages to one another and you can develop adrenal fatigue.

Adaptogenic herbs mount an immediate hormonal response to your stress by1:

• increasing cellular energy levels
• increasing or decreasing the release of stress hormone as needed
• maintaining balanced adrenal function