Adrenal Exhaustion & Diet Supplements For Women

Certain dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your adrenal exhaustion. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, your adrenal glands are small, triangular glands located on top of your kidneys that perform many important functions in your body. If you have adrenal exhaustion, your cortisol levels will be low and your other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, will be imbalanced. Before taking dietary supplements to help treat your adrenal exhaustion, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola, also known as Rhodiola rosea, is an herbal supplement that may be helpful in treating your adrenal exhaustion. According to the University of Michigan Health System, rhodiola, a member of the Crassulaceae family, has been used to help treat many health complaints, including decreased endurance and stamina, nervous system disorders, infections, decreased fertility, an inability to rise up to challenges and fatigue. Rhodiola is a perennial plant that grows in the Alps, Rockies, Pyrenees and Carpathian Mountains. The fragrant root of the rhodiola plant is used for medicinal purposes, including adrenal exhaustion. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that rhodiola is an adaptogenic tonic used to help treat low energy levels, decreased stamina, low mood and stress-related fatigue -- common symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue or exhaustion in women.

Ashwagandha

Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a sedative, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, tonic, adaptogenic and immune system modulator that is used to help treat women experiencing stress-related adrenal exhaustion. In addition to treating your adrenal exhausiton, ashwagandha may be helpful for nervous exhaustion, stress-induced health conditions, anemia, chronic inflammation throughout your body, reduced white blood cell count, hypertension and cognitive function deficits. Ashwagandha is a short shrub that grows in certain parts of India, belongs to the nightshade family and possesses a bitter, earthy and flowery taste. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the root of the shrub medicinally. If you are pregnant, cautions Tilgner, you should avoid taking ashwagandha.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola, known also as Centella asiatica, is a small herbaceous annual plant that grows in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and other countries throughout Asia and the Middle East. Gotu kola is a member of the Parsley family, has a spicy taste and fragrant smell and possesses cooling tendencies. Gotu kola thrives in ditches and other damp, low-lying areas. The dried aerial parts of the plant are used in making medicine. According to Tilgner, gotu kola is an anti-inflammatory, adaptogen, analgesic and circulatory stimulant that provides general support for your exhausted adrenal glands and nervous system. As an anti-stress herb, gotu kola may be helpful in reducing your adrenal gland enlargement. Smith states that gotu kola has been used in the Ayurvedic healing tradition for hundreds of years to help increase vitality, prolong life and enhance your memory and ability to learn.