If you are suffering from fatigue, chronic stress or hormone problems, supporting your adrenal glands with supplements may be an important step in disease prevention and recovery. Your adrenals are responsible for controlling your stress response and also influence estrogen levels in women. After long periods of heightened activity or stress, your adrenals may become depleted, resulting in prolonged feelings of fatigue and lethargy. Use supplements to balance and tone your endocrine system and provide you with more energy. Herbs are not a replacement for standard medical treatment; consult with your health-care provider before taking herbal remedies to make sure herbs are appropriate for your health needs.
Withania
Withania somnifera is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal remedy used in India used to treat debilitation, nervous exhaustion and insomnia. In a study published in "Phytotherapy Research" in 2001, researchers discovered extracts of withania had a beneficial effect on fatigue, stress and biochemical changes in the adrenal glands. In addition to protecting against the negative effects of stress on the physical body, withania extracts may have a tonifying effect on the adrenal glands. Take withania regularly as a herbal adaptogen to help prevent stress from everyday living from affecting the function and health of your adrenal glands. Talk with your physician before combining herbal remedies like withania with prescribed medications, as it may cause undesirable side effects.
Vitamin B-5
B vitamins are required for myriad chemical processes in your body, and are necessary for the healthy functioning of the adrenal glands. According to research published in "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin" in 2008, researchers from the United School of Veterinary Sciences in Japan discovered vitamin B-5 had a stimulatory effect on the production of adrenal hormones. If you are suffering from symptoms of adrenal exhaustion or adrenal insufficiency, supplementing with vitamin B-5 may be a natural complementary treatment option. Ask your doctor or nutritionist about whether vitamin B-5 supplementation is right for you.
Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is used throughout North America, Asia and India as a natural anti-fatigue remedy, stress reducer and immune stimulator. In a study published in "The Journal of Pharmacological Sciences" in 2004, researchers from Iwate Medical University in Japan explored the chemical affects of panax ginseng on the adrenal tissues of mice. Chemicals present in panax ginseng called saponins inhibited the release of stress hormones, possibly explaining the use of panax ginseng for stress and nervous tension. Taking panax ginseng may help to protect your adrenal glands from exhaustion. Consult with your health-care provider before taking ginseng, as it may cause high blood pressure and interfere with some medications.
Licorice
Licorice root makes a sweet tasting extract, used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The root is a rich source of active chemicals that support the health of many parts of the body, including the adrenal glands. Kerry Bones, author of "Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs," states that licorice root stimulates the production of adrenal hormones, in addition to counteracting some of the negative side effects of cortisol such as reduced adrenal gland weight. Take licorice root as an extract or tea to stimulate and tonify the adrenal glands, but avoid licorice if you have high blood pressure. Consult with your health-care provider before combining licorice with prescribed medications.
References
- "Phytotherapy Research";Adaptogenic activity of a novel, withanolide-free aqueous fraction from the roots of Withania somnifera Dun; B. Singh, et al.; 2001
- "Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin";Effects of pantothenic acid supplementation on adrenal steroid secretion from male rats; S. Jaroenporn, et al.; 2008
- "The Journal of Pharmacological Sciences";Proof of the Mysterious Efficacy of Ginseng: Basic and Clinical Trials: Suppression of Adrenal Medullary Function In Vitro by Ginseng; Eiichi Tachikawa and Kenzo Kudo; 2004
- "The Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs"; Kerry Bones; 2003
