Adrenal glands are an essential part of your body’s health. Improper functioning of the same could give rise to a worsened state. One such condition is adrenal fatigue, which is also known as adrenal insufficiency and is a result of long-term stress or anxiety.
Disturbed sleep or anxiety may trigger adrenal fatigue. The increased levels of chronic anxiety and stress result in insufficient production of cortisol, which can further worsen adrenal fatigue(1).
You can stabilize your cortisol levels by some lifestyle changes and using herbs for adrenal fatigue.
The condition is considered a myth by many but affects approx 100-150 out of 1 million adults.
The disease is prevalent in people of the age group of 30-50 years and is more common among females.
Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue
Here’s a list of 5 Amazing Natural Herbs to Manage Adrenal Fatigue
1. Licorice Root
Licorice root, commonly known as sweet root, is a common ingredient in many candies and drinks. It has many health benefits and soothes your stomach problems.
Licorice promotes healthy hormonal activity and helps maintain cortisol levels in the body. It helps in balancing sexual hormones and reduces stress levels.
It is the best herb used for the proper functioning of adrenal glands and helps with adrenal functioning. Licorice root also stabilizes mood and helps enhance healthy sleep schedules.
Licorice can be used in a number of ways like:
- You can boil licorice in water to make a tea.
- You can use it in your favorite drink.
- Supplement in the form of pills or extracts are also available in the market and should be taken with proper guidance.
The recommended dosage of licorice root for adrenal fatigue is 75 mg per day.
[ Read: How to Treat Adrenal Fatigue? Natural Remedies ]
2. Ginseng Root
Siberian ginseng is also known as ‘adaptogen’ and is one of the most commonly used adaptogenic herbs for adrenal fatigue.
Ginseng root is suitable for both males and females and helps in revitalizing the adrenal function. The herb increases tolerance towards stress and helps maintain a healthy metabolism.
It also helps with sleep patterns and diminishes lethargic behavior. The herb gives a feeling of calmness and helps lessen irritability. All these things help with cortisol levels, which in turn helps with adrenal fatigue.
The herb can be used organically in making tea or in the form of supplements available in the market. Siberian ginseng is not considered suitable for children.
- The recommended dosage for ginseng root is 300 to 1200 mg per day. Also, the dosage should not exceed 3 to 6 grams.
- Also, take the dosage in the morning or between meals.
- Always talk to a medical expert before starting the dose.
3. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha(2) is used as herbal remedies for many ailments including adrenal fatigue used due to its medicinal properties. Also known as the Indian ginseng, ashwagandha is used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Ashwagandha is also an adaptogenic herb that helps with normalizing body functions. It helps with maintaining cortisol levels in the body.
The herb helps with stress levels and is one of the most effective herbs for adrenal fatigue. It helps reduce stress and cures various symptoms of anxiety.
You can use ashwagandha for adrenal fatigue as supplements in the form of powders, capsules or liquid extracts.
- Ashwagandha powder should be taken in dosages of 450 mg to 2g.
- You can use 450-500 mg capsules one or two times per day.
[Also Read: Essential Oils For Adrenal Fatigue]
4. Maca
Maca is a vegetable root and is available in red, purple, yellow, and black colors. It helps with balancing female hormones and even improves stamina and energy levels. It enhances energy levels in the body and is as a useful herb for treating cortisol levels in the body.
Maca is an adaptogenic herb that helps in stress management and helps in modulating cortisol levels.
It also helps with reducing exhaustion after a tiring and stressful day at work. Also, it helps with protection against the harmful effects of anxiety and stress. It also helps maintain hormonal balance in the body.
Maca is good in taste and can be used as a supplement or in food items easily. You can even use it in desserts or mix it in your favorite smoothies.
As supplements, it is available in powder form, capsules or liquid tinctures.
The recommended dosage of maca for adrenal fatigue is 1.5 to 5 grams per day.
5. Holy Basil
Holy basil, commonly known as Tulsi, has a long history in Indian medicine and possesses various health benefits. It also helps treat conditions like ringworm or eye diseases.
Holy basil has a positive effect on your stress and anxiety levels. It helps elevate the mind and body and enhances the mood.
Holy Basil is an adaptogenic herb which nourishes your mind.
It helps treat adrenal fatigue by balancing the state of equilibrium. The herb is also helpful in providing better sleep and treats exhaustion after a busy day.
You can use holy basil in 3 ways:
- You can use it in food or make herbal tea using holy basil leaves.
- Also, you can also massage your head using essential oil produced with holy basil leaves and flowers.
- Supplements are also available in the market as pills or capsules.
The suggested dosage of holy basil for adrenal fatigue is 300 to 2,000 mg per day.
High cortisol levels in the body result in adrenal fatigue, which is a common cause of many chronic conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, or osteoporosis. So, it is essential to get the levels of cortisol or other hormones back to normal by adopting specific lifestyle changes or using certain home remedies.
Adaptogenic herbs are widely used for the treatment of this condition that helps the desserts hormonal levels in the body.
It is always recommended to get a healthcare expert’s opinion before starting the usage of any of the herbs as the prolonged or high dosage of these herbs might induce side effects.
FAQs
1. Does the body release cortisol during sleep?
Yes, body secrets cortisol at reduced levels during sleep. The levels, however, rise after a few hours of sleep and keep increasing till wake up time. The average cortisol levels are 6-23 mcg per day. The levels above this range are considered high.
2. How does the licorice root help with adrenal fatigue?
Licorice is known as an anti-stress herb and acts as a tonic for the mind and body. It helps maintain stress levels and helps stimulate hormonal function. It helps with sleep patterns, mood swings, and reduces negative thoughts.
3. How is Rhodiola Rosea helpful for adrenal fatigue?
Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that helps with fatigue and mood disorders. The patients having sleep problems and poor concentration should consider using this herb. It is widely used as an anti-depressant for adrenal fatigue.
