The balance of your adrenal glands matters. From inflammatory responses all across the body to energy levels in general, these walnut-sized organs heavily contribute to your quality of life. Lifestyle and stress management play a large role in the health of the adrenals, although certain herbs may help support their function during times of sustained stress or imbalance.
Licorice Root
A long-time favorite in traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root demonstrates a reliable ability to boost cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body's major stress hormone and serves a number of purposes--reducing inflammation, boosting blood sugar levels and affecting metabolic rate. If cortisol levels have fallen after long-term stress, licorice root may provide a natural solution. The glycerrhizinic acid in it inhibits the breakdown of cortisol in the bloodstream, increasing its potency. For this reason, individuals high secretions of cortisol should avoid licorice root.
Siberian Ginseng
Once dubbed the "drug that builds Russians," Siberian ginseng comes with a long history of use. Famously used as a tonic for several centuries in both Russia and China, herbalists have used Siberian ginseng to increase resistance to infection, improve responses to stress and support physical endurance in athletes. The herb, also known as eleuthero senticosus, falls into the category of adaptogens. This special breed of compounds soothes overactive glands but stimulates those whose output has fallen, making it a useful herb for those under stress.
Ashwagandha
Also called Indian ginseng, ashwagandha represents one of the most popular herbs used in the practice of Ayurvedic medicine. Also an adaptogen, yogis credit the herb with a calming effect and cite its ability to improve the function of the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland. Todd Caldecott, an imminent herbalist and Ayurvedic practitioner, says that ashwagandha has similar adaptogenic effects on the adrenal glands as Siberian ginseng but its effect on the nervous system is that of a sedative rather than stimulatory.
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