Also known as Eleuthero senticoccus, Siberian ginseng has long been used as a tonic to improve resistance to physical and mental stress. With a history of use in Russia, China, Korea and Japan, the herb has shown an ability to improve adrenal function. This has prompted some to use Siberian ginseng as an herbal remedy to ease adrenal fatigue, although this can hinder rather than help.
Ginseng
Ginseng works as an adaptogen for the adrenal glands, which means it can boost hormonal production when it is low and lower it when output is high. Nutritional Reviews notes that by normalizing adrenal hormones, the herb may have a variety of effects in the body. Ginseng can help people cope with external stresses, improve resistance to infections and boost mood and energy.
Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue has been labeled the "21st century stress syndrome" by Dr. James Wilson, a family doctor who has written a book on the condition. He explains that too much exercise or psychological worry can contribute to a sustained stress load, as can chronic infection or poor sleep patterns. Regardless of the source, this prolonged strain can see tissues within the adrenal cortex fail; lowered output of hormones like cortisol results, causing the symptoms experienced by sufferers.
Negative Reactions
Although Siberian ginseng has proven abilities to normalize adrenal function, it appears that this applies more to people undergoing short-term stress rather than those suffering from adrenal fatigue. Dr. Michael Lam, a U.S. physician familiar with the condition, states that sufferers of adrenal fatigue normally respond badly to ginseng; he calls this a paradoxical reaction. He suggests that people with adrenal fatigue avoid adaptogenic herbs like ginseng, ashwaganda or rhodiola.
Other Options
Although ginseng may not help you if you suffer from adrenal fatigue, you still have a range of options to support your adrenal glands. Dr. Wilson believes that you should consider increasing your intake of compounds known to help these organs. These include vitamin B5, vitamin C and adrenal extracts. He also points out the importance of removing the original stressors that contributed to adrenal dysfunction in the first place.
References
- "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome"; Dr James Wilson; 2002.
- Dr Lam: Adrenal Fatigue, Glandular and Herbal Therapy
- Nutritional Reviews: Siberian Ginseng
