The adrenal system consists of an interaction between the brain and adrenal glands that are responsible for regulating the stress response, such as increasing alertness in the face of danger. However, when stress is chronic, the adrenals can become unhealthy and fatigued. Some herbs have been found to support the adrenal glands. However, consult your physician before trying to prevent, treat or cure any adrenal condition with herbs.
Ginger Root
The root of Zingiber officinale is commonly called ginger. Ginger root may help promote adrenal health. A study published in February 2010 in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" found that ginger supported the body's reaction to stress in mice. The animals were exposed to clinically induced stress for 10 days. The researchers noticed a balancing effect on biochemical reactions such as with corticosterone, a steroid hormone of the adrenal system involved with stress. When stress hormones are too high, they can affect brain function. If they are chronically elevated, it can lead to heart and memory problems.
Schisandra
Schisandra is a berry highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an adaptogenic herb, or one that helps support the adrenal system. According to the theories of this medicinal system, schisandra balances the vital energies of life. A study published in February 2009 in the "National Journal of Andrology" found that scisandra had an effect of the adrenal systems of mice. Specifically, schisandra lowered corticosterone and protected cells of the adrenal cortex from death. The adrenal cortex is the area of the brain that regulates the function of the adrenal glands, which are situated right above the kidneys.
Clove
Eugenia caryophyllus buds, commonly known as clove, may help to support adrenal health. A study published in February 2009 in the "Indian Journal of Pharmacology" found that clove effectively lowered adrenal stress hormones in rats exposed to stressful clinical conditions. The researchers note that oral supplementation of either 100 mg or 200 mg for every 2.2 pounds of body weight was the effective dose in mice.
Rhodiola Rosea L.
Rhodiola rosea l. is commonly used to support adrenal function in Europe and Asiatic traditional medicine systems, according to an article published in January 2007 in the "Journal of Psychopharmacology." The researchers note that rhodiola rosea has been found to improve eating behavior in rats exposed to clinically induced stress. When rats are under stress, it decreases their eating behavior. Therefore, the researchers say that this finding shows support for the balancing effect of rhodiola rosea on the adrenal system.
References
- "SciVerse": Attenuation of Acute and Chronic Restraint Stress-Induced Perturbations in Experimental Animals by Zingiber Officinale Roscoe: B.V.S. Lakshmi, & M. Sudhakar: February 2010
- "PubMed.gov": Effects of Schisandra on the Function of the Pituitary-Adrenal Cortex, Gonadal Axis and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Rats Undergoing Experimental Chronic Psychological Stress, Navigation and Strenuous Exercise: L.J. Sun, G.H. Wang, B. Wu, et al.: February 2009
- "PubMed.Gov": Anti-Stress Activity of Hydro-alcoholic Extract of Eugenia Caryophyllus Buds (Clove): Anand Kumar Singh, Sunil S. Dhamanigi, and Mohammed Asad: February 2009
- "Sage Journals Online": Rhodiola rosea L. extract reduces stress- and CRF-induced anorexia in rats: Laura Mattioli & Marina Perfumi: September 2007
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