Herbs have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties and many pharmaceutical medicines used today have been created based on medicinal herbs. Located in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, Gaia Herbs is a company that grows, researches, processes and sells medicinal herbs. The adrenal glands, located on top of each kidney, produce hormones that help you respond to stress among other functions. Several herbs have traditionally been used to support adrenal function and enhance resistance to stress, also reducing incidences of anxiety. Gaia Herbs offers them in single preparations or as a combination product. Because medicinal herbs could be harmful if improperly taken, consult your holistically trained physician before taking any new herbal products.
Ginsengs
An expert in the field of natural medicine, Joseph Pizzorno Jr., ND writes that among the medicinal herbs used to treat the adrenal glands, the ginsengs are most noteworthy. Both Chinese ginseng, Panax ginseng, and Siberian ginseng, Eleutherococcus senticosus, have been traditionally used for their tonic and adaptogenic effect on the adrenals. He also notes that several studies have shown that ginsengs have been effective as an anti-anxiety treatment with effects similar to diazepam. While ginsengs can easily be bought as a supplement, it is important to consult your doctor before taking these products.
Holy Basil
A highly revered medicinal plant in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil, also known as Ocinum sanctum, has been the subject of recent studies with encouraging outcomes. Holy basil has been traditionally used to support healthy adrenal response to stress and reduce anxiety. A recent trial found that holy basil reduced generalized anxiety in the subjects and moreover also diminished correlated stress and depression. While holy basil seems to be promising for adrenal health, more studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety.
Other Helpful Herbs
In her book, "Herbal Medicines from the Heart of the Earth," herbalist and naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, ND recommends several herbs for adrenal health and anxiety reduction. These include gotu kola, licorice and oats, but she cautions that licorice may cause an increase in blood pressure and should not be used with pre-existing hypertension. More research may be needed to evaluate the benefit and safety of these herbs.
General Considerations
Dysfunction of the adrenal glands can be very serious and even fatal when not treated properly. Medicinal herbs, while supportive of healthy adrenal function, are not a substitute for qualified medical care. For safe and effective dosing consult a clinical nutrition expert and avoid taking herbal supplements in place of treatments prescribed by your physician.
References
- National Institutes of Health: MedlinePlus: Adrenal Gland Disorders
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., ND and Michael T. Murray, ND; 2006
- "Nepal Medical College Journal"; Controlled Programmed Trial of Ocimum Sanctum Leaf on Generalized Anxiety Disorders; D. Bhattacharyya et al.; September 2008
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, ND; 1999
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