Adrenal fatigue, commonly known as Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency, is a condition in which your body's adrenal glands produce inadequate amounts of cortisol, an important glucocorticoid. FamilyDoctor.org states that Addison's disease is most commonly experienced by people between the ages of 30 and 50, although it can occur at any age. Herbal medicines may be helpful in treating your adrenal fatigue, although contemporary scientific research has not thoroughly evaluated the potential health benefits of herbs for this condition.
About Adrenal Insufficiency
The University of California-San Francisco Medical Center states that your adrenal glands secrete various hormones that help control functions within your body. If your adrenal glands are fatigued, or overworked, they may fail to produce several critical hormones, including aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid, and cortisol, or stress hormone. Without sufficient cortisol, your body may be unable to respond to the various stresses -- chemical, physical, emotional -- to which it may be subjected. Common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include fatigue, dizziness upon standing and reduced appetite.
Appropriate Herbal Medicines
In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," herbalist and naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner lists several herbs that are considered adrenal tonics, or substances that support and nourish your adrenal glands. Examples of adrenal gland tonics include Ginkgo biloba, oat straw, licorice root, astragalus, Siberian ginseng and gotu kola. These herbs, says Tilgner, have historically been used to help stimulate your adrenal system function, although there is little scientific research examining the effects of these herbs for this condition.
Featured Botanical
Astragalus is a botanical remedy that may be helpful in treating your adrenal fatigue or insufficiency. Nutrition researcher and certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that astragalus, a small shrub that is part of the legume family of plants, may be a helpful adjunct therapy in boosting your adrenal gland function and minimizing the harmful effects of stress on your body. This herbal medicine may also help enhance the functioning of your immune and digestive systems.
Considerations
Adrenal fatigue, or insufficiency, is a serious health condition that may lead to further health problems if it is not treated appropriately. In many cases, natural treatment methods such as herbal medicines should be used in combination with more conventional treatment methods suggested by your family physician. If you experience any side effects caused by herbal medicines, discontinue use immediately and call your doctor. Also call your doctor if you have Addison's disease and you experience unexplained weight gain, ankle swelling or other unusual symptoms.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Addison's Disease
- University of California: Adrenal Insufficiency
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
