Herbal Treatments For Addison's Disease

Addison's disease, or hypocorticism, is an uncommon condition of your endocrine system in which your adrenal glands fail to generate enough glucocorticoids and other steroid hormones. PubMed Health states that Addison's disease develops when the outer portion of your adrenal glands, or cortex, is damaged. Before using herbal remedies to help treat your Addison's disease, talk with your doctor about the merits and drawbacks of herbal remedies.

About Addison's

The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service states that Addison's disease occurs in 1 to 4 people in every 100,000, and that it can develop in people of all ages and sexes. There are numerous symptoms associated with this condition, although some of the most common include prolonged fatigue, muscle weakness, reduced appetite, reduced body weight, nausea and vomiting. If you have Addison's disease, you may also experience low blood pressure, diarrhea and excessive sweating.

Common Herbal Treatments

Commonly used herbal remedies in the treatment of Addison's disease possess adaptogenic action. In his book "Plant Medicine in Practice," William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and herbalist, states that adaptogens improve your body's ability to cope with physiological stress. Examples of herbs with adaptogenic action include green tea, turmeric, reishi mushroom and Siberian ginseng. Astragalus, echinacea, milk thistle extract and ashwagandha may also be helpful in treating the signs and symptoms of Addison's disease.

HIghlighted Herb

In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition expert and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that the roots of the ashwagandha plant -- a shrub that grows in certain parts of India -- help replenish and stimulate your nervous system and treat stress-induced disorders. Ashwagandha also helps treat depletion of cortisol -- a key adrenal gland hormone. This herbal remedy possesses anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic and hypotensive properties. You should avoid using ashwagandha if you are pregnant.

Additional Information

Addison's disease is often associated with other health problems, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hypoparathyroidism, testicular failure and thyrotoxicosis, which can all cause significant health side effects. Because of its association with these potentially harmful conditions, Addison's disease should not be treated lightly. If you have this condition, you should review all relevant and efficacious treatment options with your doctor. Herbs may be a helpful addition to your Addison's disease treatment plan, but avoid using herbs until you have check with your doctor.