Everyone feels stressed out occasionally, but chronic stress can lead to serious illness. The adrenals---tiny glands that sit atop each kidney---release the steroid hormones cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline and noradrenaline in response to stress. But under prolonged stress the adrenals release excess hormones, which can weaken your immune system, increase your risk of heart disease, lead to osteoporosis and affect fertility. Herbal treatment for the adrenals include herbs to regulate hormone release and reduce stress.
Korean ginseng
Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a potent adaptogen for the adrenal medulla (the central part of the adrenal gland). Korean ginseng contains over 30 plant saponins known as ginsenosides. A study in the 2004 issue of the "Journal of Pharmacological Sciences" showed that the ginsenosides in Korean ginseng reduce the secretions of adrenaline and noradrenaline from the adrenal medulla. In situations of long-term stress, a constant release of these hormones would be detrimental to your health. Korean ginseng can modulate hormone release and act as a tonic to the overactive adrenal glands.
Ashwaganda
Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) is a powerful adaptogen that has been used as a rejuvenating tonic in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Its stress-reducing actions affect the levels of cortisol released by the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenal gland). Excessive cortisol can lead to cancers, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, skin disorders and infections. Ashwaganda has a modulating and toning effect on the adrenal cortex. A report in the 2000 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review" concluded that ashwaganda increased the body's resistance to stress and provided adrenal support for nervous exhaustion due to stress.
Skullcap
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a sedative herb used specifically to relax and tone the central nervous system. It also plays a role in treating adrenal fatigue. Insomnia and nervous exhaustion can increase the adrenal cortex's secretion of cortisol, leading to inflammation and the chronic diseases associated with it. Skullcap can help maintain normal cortisol levels by toning the central nervous system and reducing the stress on the adrenal glands.
Borage
Borage (Borago officinalis) contains saponins that act to restore health to the adrenal cortex and regulate hormonal release. Long-term stress makes the adrenal glands work harder and adrenal fatigue can lead to an under- or over-production of adrenal hormones. Borage restores balance to the adrenals and acts as a tonic. According to herbalist David Hoffmamn, you can use borage after you have had cortisone or steroid treatment to help restore adrenal function. Do not use borage if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- "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; March 2004.
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic Use of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha): A Review; Lakshmi-Chandra Mishra, Betsy B. Singh, Simon Dagenais; 2000.
- "Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1996.
