Adrenal Fatigue

article by Diana Thurbon

 
You may have been told that your chronic fatigue is due to weak adrenal glands. I have found that light exercise – even a 10 minute walk every day is helpful. I like to teach chronic fatigue patients to meditate and for fatigue I will always use herbal medicine as I have found it most effective for helping the endocrine system and especially the adrenal glands themselves.

Certain herbs can be beneficial for recovery from adrenal fatigue. The following herbs are the six I use most often. Depending on the patient I may use only some of them, in varying ratios and in different order,  but these are my favourite herbs for this debilitating condition


1. Liquorice Root

I’ll start with Liquorice because it is THE herb for tired adrenals and every herbalist almost certainly uses it for this condition. Glycyrrhiza glabra (the botanical name) or Liquorice, naturally helps cortisone levels in the body. It is an anti-stress herb known to increase energy, endurance, and vitality and act as a mild tonic. It also assists hypoglycaemia, a common side effect of decreased adrenal function.

If you commonly experience stress, liquorice can also soothe nervous stomachs and nervous constipation or irritable bowel. It is slightly laxative. It stimulates both blood circulation in the heart and arteries and assists the immune system.


2. Withania somnifera

Withania, sometimes called Ashwagandha, is my favourite herb of all, and the second most useful herb for tired adrenal glands. It is an ancient Indian remedy for all kinds of weakness. Withania is famous for its direct benefits on the function of the Adrenals.  It is relaxing and calming for the central nervous system while at the same time increasing vitality and strength. It also is an adaptogen – helping the body deal with stress and settle back to its normal running power. If Cortisol is high Withania will lower it and vice versa Withania is used for low levels of chronic inflammation and related conditions also.


3. Siberian Ginseng Root
 
The botanical name is Eleutherococus senticosus, but Siberian Ginseng is easier to remember.  Its main use is increasing resistance to stress, regulating neurotransmitters (it can be helpful for neuralgia, fibromyalgia and MS) and as an aid to normal metabolism. Siberian ginseng counteracts mental fatigue and is known to increase and sustain energy levels. It is also a gentle anti-depressant, reducing anxiety, calming and soothing it creates feelings of well-being.


4 . Korean Ginseng Root (Panax Ginseng)

Panax ginseng can be too strong for some people, but perfect for others. Korean Red is especially strong and some people will have harmless heart palpitations when they take this herb. This may be because of an indirect action on the thyroid gland. However, when it works it is amazingly effective and has many fans despite being quite expensive. It is best to start with small doses. It can be a sexual stimulant and sometimes people can become aggressive. The answer is reducing the dose. It is a very effective remedy for fatigue it is just a matter of careful trial and error to get the dose right for the fatigued individual. 


5. Ginger Root

Also known as Zingiber officinale this herb is another special favourite of mine. Another adaptogen for the adrenals it helps modulate cortisol levels, normalize blood pressure and heart rate, increase circulation, create more energy and raise the metabolic rate. Ginger is great for sea sickness and any nausea and is used for morning sickness during pregnancy. Ginger also stimulates digestive enzyme secretions and helps the body digest fatty meals.


6.  Ginkgo biloba

Last but not least Ginkgo contains several bioflavonoids that improve blood flow to the brain, ears, eyes, heart, hands and feet. It is an anti-oxidant and the adrenals suffer from a tremendous amount of oxidative stress, especially when producing excess cortisol from unremitting stress. The anti-oxidant action protects the adrenal glands, the brain, kidneys and liver from free radical damage. By increasing circulation it feeds the endocrine system with oxygenating blood and this increase in blood circulation increases energy, balances hormones and helps fight pervasive fatigue.


Adrenal fatigue is a debilitating condition which robs life of joy.

Rather than purchase a supplement with vitamins and tiny quantities of some or all of the above herbs and hope for the best, it is probably a better idea to consult a herbalist or naturopath; now you will have a good idea why they are giving you a herbal tonic to take and what it can do for you.

2 Oct 2011

Diana Thurbon Profile | Email | Website Diana Thurbon - Keysborough Clinic - Victoria Cost Effective and Confidential Consultations. Naturopath, Nutrition, Stress management, Lifestyle Advice Specialising in Female Health: Pre-Conception - Fertility - Chronic Conditions I can help you balance hormones, lose weight, have a healthy family, enjoy vibrant health; and get the most out of your life. Keysborough Keysborough VIC Australia 3000 03 9798 6862 - 0400 979 868