Adrenal Supplements For Women

Certain dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your low-functioning adrenal gland. According to the National Institute of Child Health and Development, adrenal gland disorders occur when your adrenal glands--triangular-shaped glands that sit on top of your kidneys--do not function properly. Chronic stress is a common cause of adrenal gland disorders in women. Before taking supplements to help support your adrenals, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian ginseng, also known as Eleutherococcus senticosus, is an herbal supplement that may be helpful in supporting your adrenal gland function. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Siberian ginseng, a member of the Ginseng family, is an adaptogen, or a substance that helps your body, especially your adrenals, better handle physical or mental stress. Siberian ginseng is a small, woody shrub. The root of the shrub is used for medicinal purposes, such as treating low-functioning adrenal glands. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that ginseng contains steroid-like compounds that may act on your endocrine system and improve the health of your adrenal glands. Siberian ginseng supports your body through stressful situations and is particularly helpful in supporting overworked adrenal glands.

Gotu Kola

Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that gotu kola is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic and adaptogen, and it provides your adrenal glands with general support and is an anti-stress supplement that may help decrease enlarged, overworked adrenal glands. Tilgner notes that gotu kola, also known as Centella asiatica, may also help treat your stress-induced ulcers. Gotu kola belongs to the Parsley family, has a spicy taste and possesses cooling tendencies. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the entire plant for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of low-functioning adrenal glands. If you are pregnant, you should avoid taking supplements containing gotu kola due to its abortifacient effects and its ability to stimulate menstruation.

Licorice

Licorice is a flavorful herbaceous perennial plant native to certain parts of Europe and Asia. Licorice, a member of the Legume family, has a sweet taste and possesses moistening tendencies. Licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiz glabra, has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. The root of the plant is used medicinally. According to Dr. Michael T. Murray, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "The Healing Power of Herbs," the principal active component of licorice root is glycyrrhizin. Tilgner notes that licorice has a significant effect on numerous functions of your body, is an adrenal gland modulator and anti-inflammatory. Licorice may also extend the biological half-life of cortisol and aldosterone--two important steroid hormones produced by your adrenal glands. If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid taking supplements containing licorice.