Supplements For Adrenal Exhaustion

Certain dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your adrenal exhaustion. Your adrenal glands are responsible for releasing three unique types of hormones that control numerous functions within your body. If you experience chronic stress, your adrenal glands may become fatigued and, over time, exhausted. Before taking dietary supplements to help treat your adrenal exhaustion, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo, also known as Ginkgo biloba, is an herbal supplement that may be helpful in treating your adrenal exhaustion. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, ginkgo, a member of the Ginkgoaceae family, has been used for centuries to help treat numerous health problems, including fatigue, ringing in the ears, asthma and bronchitis. Gingko is one of the world's oldest living tree species, has a mildly sour taste and can reach a maximum height of about 150 feet. The leaves of the ginkgo tree are used for medicinal purposes, such as adrenal exhaustion. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that ginkgo supports the activities of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which help regulate the body's metabolic functions, including your adrenal function and the activities of your other endocrine glands.

Gotu Kola

Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that gotu kola, also known as Centella asiatica, is a rejuvenating tonic that is used to help treat many health problems. Tilgner notes that gotu kola is an anti-inflammatory and adaptogen that provides general support for your adrenals and nervous system. Gotu kola is an anti-stress herb that may help decrease your enlarged and overworked adrenal glands. Gotu kola may also help treat stress-induced ulcers throughout your gastrointestinal tract. Gotu kola is a small, herbaceous annual plant native to India, Sri Lanka, Iran and Papua New Guinea. It has a spicy taste and possesses cooling tendencies. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the entire plant medicinally. If you are pregnant, cautions Tilgner, you should avoid taking supplements containing gotu kola, due to its ability to stimulate menstruation.

Licorice

Licorice is a flavorful herb and perennial plant native to certain parts of Europe and Asia. Licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, belongs to the Legume family, has a sweet and nutritious taste, possesses moistening tendencies, and grows to a maximum height of about 7 feet. The root of the plant is used for medicinal purposes, including adrenal exhaustion. According to Dr. Michael T. Murray, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "The Healing Power of Herbs," licorice has been used to help treat Addison's disease, which is a severe disease associated with adrenal gland insufficiency. Tilgner states that licorice is an adrenal gland modulator that helps minimize the metabolic excretion of corticosteroids and prolongs the biological half-life of cortisol and aldosterone, two important hormones produced and secreted by your adrenal glands.