Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue
Answered by: Christine Dennis
Question from: Rasheeda
Posted on: January 19, 2008

I would like to know if there are any herbs or natural medicines for adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal fatigue occurs after the body has been in the "fight or flight" stress response too long. Symptoms include fatigue, poor sleep, hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, digestion changes, mood changes, weight gain and can even lead to reduced thyroid function. For some individuals it takes years to reach this point and for others it is a matter of a few months.

Adrenal fatigue is a condition that requires time and nourishing to restore balance again. Stress response reduction is of course a must - walking, exercise, "me time", nervine herbs such as scullcap, California poppy or lavender. Herbs to helps promote good sleep patterns are important such as passionflower, valerian, catnip, lavender or chamomile. Digestive health is also important so that you are able to absorb the necessary nutrients that facilitates the body restoring and nourishing itself. Bitter herbs help to stimulate good digestion - dandelion, yellowdock, gentian, burdock are good for this. If there is digestive irritation then herbs to heal the digesting are necessary - slippery elm bark, licorice, marshmallow, elecampane and meadowsweet are good. Herbs that specifically help to restore adrenal health are licorice root, Siberian ginseng, nettle seed, wild carrot seed, black current leaf buds, or borage.

A high potency multi vitamin and mineral may be necessary as well as an essential fatty acid supplement such as fish oil and flax seed. Avocados are an excellent adrenal gland food.

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