Your adrenal glands are small but mighty little guys that sit on top of your kidneys. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenals have been overworked to a degree that they can no longer secrete levels of cortisol (your stress hormone) adequate for optimal function. Potential stressors include environmental and dietary influences, as well as anxiety and emotional stresses. Medical research now proves that adrenal fatigue is commonly associated with bowel and bladder issues: irritable bowel syndrome, leaky gut, and interstitial cystitis. I find in many of my clients who are experiencing or being diagnosed with these issues that their adrenal glands are pooped!
There are various reasons why adrenal fatigue occurs:
Long-term stress
Social media addiction
Post-traumatic stress disorder and/or Complex PTSD
Suppressed emotions
Money concerns
Anything that has you hooked in a pattern of adrenaline addiction; you will know if it causes you to take shorter breathes when thinking about it.
This can cause:
Feelings of extreme fatigue
Sleep disturbances that leave you feeling wired and tired
An inability to relax
Anxiety
Immune issues
Mystery symptoms
Metabolic ailments
Weight gain
Here are my top 5 favorite herbs that help heal low functioning adrenals:
#1 Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, aka Indian Ginseng or Withania somnifera, is an ancient plant used extensively in Ayurveda (the traditional medicine of India) for over 3,000 years.
Its traditional uses include stress; menstrual difficulties such as PMS or irregular periods; adrenal health; sleep; immunity; thyroid support; sex drive; energy; and cognitive function.
In herbalism, Ashwagandha is considered a nervine, which supports the nervous system, and an adaptogen, which helps the body adapt to physical, mental, and emotional stress.
#2 Rhodiola
As an adrenal adaptogen, Siberian Rhodiola Rosea supports the functioning of the adrenal glands and encourages a healthy stress response.
It’s been traditionally used in Siberia and across Asia for anemia, energy, fertility, immunity, mood, cognitive health, and low libido.
Rhodiola has also demonstrated supportive effects on:
Cardiovascular function
Cognitive and mental health
Endurance
Physical performance
Stress
Rhodiola can be found in the following Gaia Herbs: Adrenal Health Daily Support and Everyday Adaptogen.
#3 Holy Basil
Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, Liquid Yoga, or the Incomparable One, translates to balance, symbolizing its most common modern use.
Considered a sacred herb in Ayurveda, the traditional wellness practice of India, Holy Basil has been traditionally used to support the stress response, immunity, eye health, digestive complaints, insect bites, anxiety, hiccups, hot flashes and back pain.
In addition to its potent adaptogenic properties, holy Basil has been shown to support immunity, detoxification organs, metabolism, inflammatory response, liver function, cognitive function, bacterial balance, and memory.
#4 Eleuthero
Eleuthero, introduced initially to the United States as Siberian Ginseng until its name was changed in 2002 (Panax Ginseng is now considered the only “true” Ginseng per the FDA), is used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine to invigorate qi (chi or energy), strengthen and nourish the body, and to balance vital energy.
It has demonstrated various beneficial properties, including:
Supporting immunity
Supporting normal blood sugar and metabolism
Promoting bacterial balancing
Supporting normal inflammatory response
Cognitive protection
Promoting energy and endurance
You can find authentic Eleuthero in these Gaia Herbs Products:
#5 Schisandra
Regarded as a harmonizing tonic and a popular adaptogenic herb, Schisandra berries contain a blend of five distinct flavor properties, which correspond to the five phases or Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Sour (Wood)
Bitter (Fire)
Sweet (Earth)
Acrid (Metal)
Salty (Water)
Since these five flavors work synergistically to promote overall health and vitality, Schisandra is sometimes called the “ultimate superberry.”
Schisandra berries have been shown to:
Enhance the body’s natural resistance and adaptation to stressful influences
Support mental endurance and cognitive health
Promote normal immunity
Support central nervous system function, which is foundational to stress support
Promoting healthy circulation when combined with Sesamin, a component of sesame seeds
Supporting thyroid health
Functional Medicine is all about root cause resolution by strengthening and unburdening the body so the BODY CAN HEAL ITSELF! At Big Beautiful Life we only carry high-potency herbs so that YOU can get the results you’re looking for. Call or stop in the office today to get your adrenal plant medicine. 🙂