Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Best Herbs For Adrenal Fatigue

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My Favorite Evening Tonic: Chamomile

Top 9 Adaptogenic Herbs for Stress Relief – Adrenal Series #5

When you are crashed, figuring out the best evening tonic is going to be a bit tricky. We want to lower your cortisol in the evening, but we do not want to push it down too hard where it will not be able to rebound in the morning. That is why my favorite here is going to be chamomile.

Often, we do not give chamomile the credit that it is due. Chamomile has been shown to lower stress and anxiety without being a sedative and can also improve sleep. It also decreases cramps in the muscles, as well as the intestines6. Best of all, chamomile tastes good and is easy to find. It is a hearty plant that grows like a weed in many different parts of the country. If you are lucky enough to have some in your backyard, just steep a handful of flowers in hot water. Chamomile tastes great by itself, but it also pairs really well with ginger or peppermint.

Natural Treatment For Adrenal Fatigue

While there are many herbs and healthy foods that can help you recover from adrenal fatigue, treatment really starts with removing the stressors that are causing it.

Adrenal fatigue comes from chronic stress. As long as the stress is unchanged, the best remedies will only do so much.

Things like strenuous exercise, working long hours, and constant emotional stress all contribute to adrenal fatigue.

However, there are many natural ways to recover, including using herbs.

Here are the best herbs for adrenal fatigue, plus other natural treatments to consider.

Time Your Adaptogens Right

Both Nayak and Korn suggest taking stimulating adaptogens, like rhodiola, earlier in the day, before 3 pm, to align with the bodys natural rhythms. We are designed to be live wires in the morning and to rest by early evening, Korn says. It should be noted that the study on the effects of Rhodiola rosea produced inconclusive evidence of its efficacy and further studies are needed in the future.

Calming adaptogens, like holy basil, can be taken both in the daytime and before bed, however. They arent strong enough to have a sedative effect.

You can use adaptogens for a few days or weeks to get through a busy time at work. Or take them for a stretch of chronic chaos, when life just keeps handing it to you. Korn recommends rotating the type of adaptogen youre using after six weeks, though, so that your body can benefit from the subtle differences among herbs.

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A Natural Guide To Treating Your Adrenal Fatigue

How stressful would you rate a normal day for you? If youre the kind of person who is always go-go-go and struggles to turn off the stress switch you may be on the road to adrenal fatigue.

Four out of five people have some degree of adrenal fatigue. But instead of addressing their fatigue, most people cover it up with stimulants like coffee, tea, soft drinks, sugar and cigarettes.

The good news is there is a lot you can do to manage adrenal fatigue naturally so let me take you through our guide on what it is, how to spot it and what you can do to heal yourself.

So what causes adrenal fatigue?

In short intense and prolonged stress and fatigue that is not relieved by sleep.

Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys and work to help you cope with all types of stress by releasing hormones into your system.

If you are constantly or repeatedly stressed without sufficient time to recover, you may deplete your bodys reserves of these hormones, resulting in adrenal fatigue.

It doesnt matter what type of stress you are going through , all stress has a cumulative effect and can cause adrenal fatigue.

10 signs you may have adrenal fatigue:

  • Difficulty getting up in the morning
  • Fatigue throughout the day not relieved by sleep
  • Craving for salt or salty foods
  • Increased effort to do everyday tasks
  • Mild depression
  • If you are experiencing more than three of these symptoms, you may have adrenal fatigue.

    Here are our top 5 tips for healing adrenal fatigue naturally:

    Common Symptoms Of Adrenal Fatigue

    Adrenal Fatigue Supplement &  Cortisol Manager  Mystic Herbs

    Adrenal fatigue has a wide range of vague symptoms such as:

    • fatigue or feeling exhausted all the time
    • insomnia or difficulty waking up in the mornings
    • low motivation, feeling irritable or unhappy
    • brain fog
    • allergies or flu-like symptoms like body aches
    • salt or sweet cravings
    • unexplained weight loss or weight gain
    • loss of body hair or skin discoloration
    • lightheadedness, low blood pressure

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    My Favorite Morning Tonic: American Ginseng

    One of my favourite tonics has to be American ginseng. The root of the American ginseng plant contains active chemicals called ginsenosides, which can greatly help with exhaustion and fatigue. The best part about them is that, compared to Siberian or Korean ginseng, is that there is less of a chance of American ginseng acting as a stimulant.

    Typically, you only need American ginseng in 100 200 milligrams per day.

    There is also another morning tonic that you might like to go with: licorice. This is not the same licorice that you might find being called licorice candy, which actually does not have any licorice in it at all. Instead, capsules or solid extracts of licorice root can be very helpful.

    Licorice works to prevent your body from converting cortisol to cortisone you are able to keep it in an active stage, for a longer period of time. Some people feel very strongly, either way, about the taste of licorice, but in the form of a tea, it can be a great way to start the day.

    Medical Treatments Of Adrenal Fatigue

    Typically, doctors initiate medical treatment when derangement of hormonal levels occurs, such as in Addisons disease.

    The most common treatment of Addisons disease is the replacement of the depleting hormones cortisol and aldosterone.

    Hydrocortisone, prednisone, dexamethasone, or methylprednisolone replaces cortisol.

    Fludrocortisone treatment replaces aldosterone, which normalizes blood pressure.Aaron Michels , Nicole Michels , Addison disease: early detection and treatment principles,Am Fam Physician. 2014

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    The 3 Best Supplements For Adrenal Fatigue

    In my naturopathic practice, I treat fatigue on a very regular basis. No one likes to feel tired and out of commission, and often a month-long adrenal program can have immense benefits in getting people up and over the hump. Here are the 3 supplements that I think really work for fatigue. Dr. Wilson was the first person to identify this combination, but in 13 years of practice using a number of different protocols, I still think its the protocol that works the best for adrenal fatigue:

    You Cant Out Supplement Poor Lifestyle Choices

    Herbs and Supplements to Improve Adrenal Fatigue

    And you can not lean on adrenal herbs alone. Although herbs can be tremendously helpful, they can not successfully overcome poor lifestyle habits.

    Not sleeping, working over 8 hours per day, engaging in toxic relationships, and skipping meals are all examples of poor lifestyle practices that no amount of herbs, supplements or medications can overcome.

    The same is true if youre eating foods you know you are sensitive too, processed foods, high amounts of sugar or gluten. These are all inflammatory and there is only so much your adrenals can do to keep inflammation down before they call it quits.

    With Alice, our biggest focus was to get regular meals as part of her daily routine and make 7 hours her minimum when it came to sleep.

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    What Is An Adrenal Adaptogen

    An adaptogen has ânon-specificâ activity and acts by increasing resistance of the organism to a broad spectrum of adverse biological, chemical, and physical factors. Adaptogens act by regulating and normalizing organ and system function in the body. Adaptogens work primarily by affecting the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system. Thus, adaptogens modulate our response to stress and help regulate the interconnected endocrine, immune, and nervous systems.

    Your adrenal glands produce cortisol and adrenaline which make you more susceptible to infections and weaken the immune system. Adaptogens can help with infections through immune-building properties over time.

    How Sex Hormones Are Affected

    In addition to cortisol and catecholamines, the adrenal glands make the great-grandmother of all sex hormones called pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is crucial for fertility and hormone production of DHEA, progesterone, and cortisol. DHEA is the grandmother hormone and makes testosterone and estrogen. So, an interesting thing happens when there is stress in the body and more cortisol production is needed. The body diverts pregnenolone from converting to progesterone and it is converted into cortisol.

    This is one of the main reasons why a woman who is under stress of any kind may have trouble getting pregnant. Its really a safety mechanism by the body to prevent a pregnancy when there is stress. This diversion of pregnenolone usually causes a decrease in progesterone and DHEA levels and subsequently estrogen and testosterone.

    If you need to get a deeper education and appreciation for this important hormonal imbalance, I suggest reading a comprehensive article I wrote about adrenal fatigue here.

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    Dangers Of Unregulated Vitamins And Supplements

    The FDA does not review or approve dietary supplements based on their safety and effectiveness. This means that many supplements and herbal remedies sold in stores can contain ingredients that may interact with other medications youre taking, or the dosages may be out of FDA-regulated guidelines.

    Its best to run any dietary supplements by your doctor first. Not all vitamins, supplements, and herbs are dangerous , but everyones personal health issues are unique. Talk to your doctor if you have other medically diagnosed conditions, or are currently taking prescription medication.

    Homeopathic Remedies For Adrenal Fatigue

    Herbs and Supplements to Improve Adrenal Fatigue

    Below I have listed common homeopathic remedies for adrenal fatigue and the symptoms that may indicate that remedy is needed.

    You dont have to have all symptoms, but if you read the description and feel like it is a close match then it is a remedy to consider.

    A feeling of weakness or trembling. This could be constant or come and go.

    There is often feelings of anticipation, apprehension, fear, or anxiety.

    The person may feel like there is nothing that can help them.

    There may also be a craving for sugar, often gas and belching are experienced as well.

    Most who need this remedy cannot tolerate heat but often feel better in cool air.

    This remedy is often chosen if the person is experiencing nervous exhaustion or are overwhelmed mentally or physically.

    Mental symptoms are often seen first but physical symptoms may follow.

    The person may seem apathetic, cannot put thoughts together easily, or have trouble comprehending.

    Feelings of grief and despair may be experienced also.

    It is common for people fitting this remedy to have headaches, irregular pulse, and sweat more than normal . There may also be loss of hair and vision changes.

    Gelsemium people will present with slow pulse, fatigue and often feel uninterested.

    There may be muscle weakness, sleepiness, and even dizziness.

    These people are often sensitive to cold and damp weather.

    They may be slow, feel dull and detached or disinterested in their situation.

    A woman that needs Sepia will feeltotally burnt out.

    Nux Vomica

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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.

    Adaptogens And Ginseng Species Worldwide

    Many regions, ethnic groups and countries, they have their own medical histories and habits. Continuous development and transfer of knowledge through generations leads to the formation of unique medicinal systems such as traditional Chinese medicine and Indian ayurvedic medicine. Coincidentally, in different regions and medical systems, there are several medicinal plants that are considered to be national treasures or that are called ginseng locally. There is much overlap between plant-originated adaptogens and ginseng species worldwide. Furthermore, most ginseng species worldwide are internationally recognized as plant-originated adaptogens. Both ginseng-like herbs worldwide and plant-originated adaptogens have very similar clinical applications. Ginseng species are widely used by local communities world-wide because these plants can enhance the resistance of the human body and can have various beneficial effects, such as anti-fatigue, anti-ageing, anti-stress, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depression. Furthermore, ginseng species may improve the circulatory system and immune system , which correlates precisely to the function of adaptogens.

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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:

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

    Using Herbs For Adrenal Fatigue

    5 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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    Ashwagandha Sometimes Called Indian Ginseng

    Ashwagandha is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for someone suffering from long-term stress that is depleted. This herb also works like an adaptogen and can be utilized at any point during or before a stressful time for support.

    Studiesshow it does have anti-stressor effects and supportsadrenalandthyroid function and the immune system andmood . Ashwagandha acts mostly to calm, and can help with sleep but for some, it may be energizing due to its effect on thyroid function.

    Dosage 100-300 mg/day.

    Try: This herb is part of our Wellena Adrenal TLC.

    If youd like to drink your Ashwagandha, here is a simple recipe for an Ashwagandha Latte you can try.

    What Is The Best Treatment For Adrenal Fatigue

    Just like any other health condition, the best treatment is one that feels right to you, addresses the root cause of your symptoms, and ideally is the most gentle but effective.

    Since adrenal fatigue is essentially a condition caused by chronic or excessive stress, the cause will be different for each person, and so will the treatment.

    Getting enough rest, homeopathic remedies, herbs, stress-relieving practices, addressing hormone and mineral imbalances, and taking time to make necessary lifestyle changes can all be very helpful.

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    The Best Herbs For Adrenal Fatigue

    Adrenal fatigue is one of the most common health issues plaguing many people today.

    It saps your vital energy, wrecks your sleep patterns, and throws your hormone levels out of whack.

    The worst part is that it cant be technically diagnosed by a doctor which means theres no conventional medicine that offers adrenal support.

    Fortunately, adrenal fatigue symptoms can be easily addressed with natural remedies including herbal treatment.

    One of the most potent benefits of herbal medicine is its ability to ease your bodys innate stress response and restore optimal adrenal health.

    The following article details the best herbs for adrenal fatigue.

    Finding The Right Adrenal Herbs For You

    Herbal Adrenal Fatigue Supplements in 2020

    When you are looking for the right adrenal supplements to help benefit your body, you are going to want to follow these three crucial steps:

  • Dont guess, test! find out your adrenal score and figure out where you rank.
  • Enjoy an active lifestyle, and do all of the right things .
  • Enjoy some of my favourite tonics, whether during the morning or at night, that fit your unique needs.
  • Ready to take the Adrenal Quiz? to find out the status of your adrenals today.

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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.

    Do Adaptogens Actually Work

    Proponents believe so, though more research is needed. Adaptogens may do for your adrenal glands what exercise does for your muscles, Powell says. When we exercise, its a stress on our body. But as we continue to train and exercise, our body becomes better at dealing with the stress of it, so we no longer get as tired or as high a heart rate, she says. When you take adaptogens, meanwhile, youre training your body to handle the effects of stress.

    Powell says the plants do this by interacting with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal system, both of which are involved in the bodys response to stress. Adaptogens may tweak hormone production and physiological responses to stress to ensure that your bodyfrom your mind to your immune system to your energy levelsfunctions as it should, Powell says.

    That said, theres not much scientific research on how adaptogens affect human health. Most studies have been conducted either in animals or in human cell samples even those that have been published tend to appear in small, niche journals. And while theres plenty of research to suggest that what you eat affects your health, from reducing inflammation to helping you sleep better, its too soon to tell whether adaptogens can have such a direct and significant effect on the body.

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