Herbal teas made from adaptogen herbs may have a beneficial effect in restoring the balance of the adrenal glands and other hormone centers. Licorice, asian ginseng and ashwaganda are three adaptogen herbs that may be particularly effective at improving the body’s ability to balance hormone levels in the pituitary, hypothalamus and adrenal glands. For best results, talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of adding herbal tea dosages to your diet.
Adrenal Function
The adrenal glands play a significant role in monitoring the body’s fight or flight response. Even moderate levels of stress can trigger the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol in the body, creating heightened sensations of awareness and energy. According to the Women to Women website, certain lifestyle and nutrition choices can cause the adrenal glands to become imbalanced, resulting in sensations of fatigue and depression.
Herbal Adaptogens
According to studies cited by the Chiropractic Resource Organization, licorice root is rich in saponins and flavoids and may inhibit the breakdown of certain adrenal hormones in the body. Asian ginseng is an adaptogen herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine to improve mental clarity and physical endurance, and may provide a protective and nourishing effect on the adrenal glands. Lastly, ashwaganda is a nervine tonic that may improve adrenal function by decreasing symptoms of anxiety and distress. Like all adaptogens, these herbs may play a nourishing role on the body’s pituitary and hypothalamus glands, resulting in a comprehensive balancing of other hormone centers in the body, including: the adrenal, thyroid, testicular, ovarian and pancreas glands.
Herbal Teas
Tea infusions are among the most common and convenient ways to consume adaptogen herbs. The University of Maryland Medical Clinic website advises making licorice tea by adding 1 to 5 g of dried licorice root to boiling water and drinking up to three times a day. Panax ginseng and ashwaganda teas can also be made by steeping the dried plant in boiling water and consuming in quantities of up to ½ to 2 g each day. If you choose to drink your herbal teas from pre-packaged tea bags, keep your daily consumption to the recommended dosage printed on the product label.
Safety Concerns
While most adaptogen herbs are considered nourishing and safe for regular use, some individuals may react negatively to certain herbal preparations. Talk to your doctor before drinking herbal teas if you are currently taking medication which may lead to interferences or complications. Some non-adaptogen herbal teas may also provide a nourishing affect on your adrenals.
References
- Chiropractic Research Organization; Adaptogenic Herbs: Nature's Solution to Stress; Edward Wallace
- Women to Women; Adrenal Health in Women; Marcelle Pick
- The University of Maryland Medical Center; Asian Ginseng; Steven Ehrlich; March 22, 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ashwaganda
- The University of Maryland Medical Center; Licorice; Steven Ehrlich; March 31, 2010
