10 Supplements & Herbs to Beat Adrenal Fatigue

by Patti Croft September 10, 2021

If you've never heard of adrenal fatigue, it might surprise you to know that many people suffer from the symptoms but don't know how to help themselves. Some have even gotten told that adrenal fatigue is not real and that they should simply exercise more or get more sleep. While these are good recommendations to follow, if you've ever suffered from the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, you know how severe it can get. 

Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys. They respond to signals from your pituitary gland in the brain. Some doctors say that people confuse adrenal fatigue with Addison's disease or adrenal dysfunction, which might happen when your adrenal glands get damaged. Still, you know your body better than anyone. If you have had unexplained brain fog, fatigue, and unstable energy levels, these could all be symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Let's jump right in and see what supplements and herbs you can take to beat adrenal fatigue!

1. Ashwagandha for Adrenal Support

Ashwagandha, also called Withania somnifera, is an adaptogenic herb that can reduce cortisol levels. When we have chronic stressors, our cortisol levels go up, and that taxes our adrenal glands. Many people take this herb to help with anxiety and depression.  It can be a great tool to use for your adrenal health. 

In some people, ashwagandha can improve brain function. When you are under chronic stress, you may get run down and have what is known as brain fog. Taking ashwagandha may help improve your memory and reaction time, so it is even more helpful if you suffer from this aspect of adrenal fatigue. 

Taking ashwagandha can promote healthy thyroid function. Some people with adrenal fatigue also have thyroid issues. 

2. Ginseng for Energy Levels

Many people who have adrenal fatigue complain of low energy levels. Some even say they have higher energy at night when they try to sleep. For some, it is a state of total exhaustion all the time. That can lead to depression and frustration because you don't feel well enough to do things you enjoy. It's like a domino effect because when you don't feel well, you aren't active. You also may not eat well and reach for whatever is easy. That leads to weight gain and feeling even worse.

Ginseng is also an adaptogenic herb that can often increase energy levels. At the same time, it helps your immune system remain strong so you can fight off nasty viruses. When your immune system is healthy, you feel better all around. It is easy to consume ginseng, and one of the most popular ways is to drink it in tea as a healthy addition to your morning ritual. 

Eleuthero is a form of Siberian ginseng that reduces excess cortisol in our bodies. It regulates blood sugar and helps with our stress response by shortening our recovery time. With so many benefits, it's one of the first adaptogen herbs some people take for healthy adrenal function. 

3. Licorice Root for Healthy Stress Response

Licorice root has been used for centuries to promote healthy immune function. Many take it for digestive benefits. It gets used for stomach problems and acid reflux. It works by making the stomach lining repair faster. 

Licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties, so it is an incredible herb for wellness. It balances hormone levels and keeps cortisol levels low. It also increases energy levels, so you don't have to live in a state of chronic fatigue.  Licorice root is also one of the adaptogen herbs that can lower blood pressure, which can be hard to stabilize with adrenal fatigue.

Licorice root can come in pill form or powder. Some add it to teas along with other herbs for a medicinal elixir. 

4. Holy Basil

Holy basil increases energy levels while reducing fatigue. It can also lower blood sugar levels. It is one of the adaptogenic herbs that's gotten used for many years to treat a whole host of health issues. When you take holy basil, you also get vitamin C, Vitamin A, zinc, and more, so it's good for your overall health.

Many people take holy basil for its calming effect. It promotes a feeling of wellness and works to relieve anxiety. If you have adrenal fatigue, the chances are good that it has affected your mental and emotional well-being. Consuming holy basil can help balance out mental and physical stress, leaving you feeling calm and refreshed.

 Holy basil can be another powerful herb to add to your healthcare routine, even if you don't have adrenal fatigue! It helps balance our body's fight or flight response to stress. By keeping things calm, the stress hormone cortisol gets reduced. It is easy to consume because you can add it to foods or drink it in teas. 

5. Maca

You may have heard about maca because of people consuming it in teas or smoothies. Maca is a root that has a slightly sweet flavor. It gets used all over the world to improve mood and balance hormones. 

Maca root has a lot of nutrients. It has vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Adding maca to your healthcare regimen is simple because it usually comes in a powder form that can get added to smoothies, teas, oatmeal, and many other dishes. Many people use maca in various meals they prepare, so it's easy to consume it with one of your culinary favorites! 

If your adrenal glands don't function at optimum levels, you may want to give maca a try. You don't need unhealthy stimulants when natural remedies like maca can deliver sustained energy levels. 

6. Rhodiola Rosea

The adaptogenic herb Rhodiola Rosea has gotten used for hundreds of years in some countries to treat anxiety and chronic fatigue. Some people report that taking this herb helps them concentrate and remain calm on even the most stressful days. 

When added as a supplement, many say they can feel a difference within two to three weeks. Benefits are improved mental clarity and better overall energy levels. It seems to help physical tiredness as well. For this reason, many athletes and generally active people add it to their morning supplement routine. 

7. Schisandra

Schisandra is a plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for years to help cleanse the body. It has long been considered a super fruit in ayurvedic medicine, which looks to restore the body to balance. 

It gets used to support the liver and increase natural energy. People use it to detox their bodies. They say it restores not only physical harmony but balances mental and spiritual well-being. 

Schisandra can be used to help people who have insomnia. Many people with adrenal fatigue discover they get restless when it is time for bed, so Schisandra helps them wind down and get ready for sleep. 

8. Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is another nutrient powerhouse! We have to get this vitamin in our diet or supplementation because our bodies don't produce it. Not only is vitamin c good for a healthy immune function, but this antioxidant also works to produce energy. 

Taking vitamin c can help keep cortisol levels stable. It also promotes healthy dopamine levels, which keep you calm and happy. That is why dopamine has gotten known as the feel-good hormone in your body. 

You may not know that your adrenal glands need vitamin c to produce and balance stress hormones. Since it also doesn't get stored in the body, we need to replenish it through diet or supplementation. 

If you are under chronic stress, your vitamin c gets depleted. Many people who have adrenal fatigue or adrenal insufficiency suffer from acute stress. Taking vitamin c is an inexpensive way to help many health issues and feel better. 

9. Magnesium 

Often people with adrenal fatigue complain of muscle aches and frequent muscle cramping. That could be a sign that you are magnesium deficient. Magnesium plays a role in over 300 processes in our bodies! 

Magnesium helps support healthy blood sugar levels and helps keep you calm during stressful situations.  It works with your nervous system to keep your neurological functions working at optimum levels. 

When you don't get enough magnesium in your diet, you may feel lethargic and suffer from diffuse, achy pain. With the standard diet, most people don't consume nearly enough magnesium. That's why we need to take a supplement. People who take magnesium sometimes report better sleep and a natural sense of tiredness at bedtime. 

10. Vitamin B

We have all heard that b vitamins give you energy. Yet, many people forget this crucial vitamin when fighting adrenal fatigue. It could be that it seems too simple and gets overlooked. When you are under chronic stress, your body depletes vitamins at a faster rate. That can leave you feeling tired and run down. 

Taking vitamin b can promote overall well-being. B vitamins help your body's stress response. With supplementation, you can get restored energy levels and promote healthy adrenal function. Vitamin b helps your body at the cellular level. 

You can consume b vitamins in your diet. Meats, fish, and chicken all contain vitamin b. You can also get lots of vitamin b from dark, leafy greens. Since most of us don't consume enough healthy protein and veggies, supplementation may be crucial to maintaining overall health and well-being. 

Other Herbs for Adrenal Support

In addition to the ones listed above, there are other herbs you can take that will help with adrenal support. You do not have to live life sick and tired all the time because there are many natural remedies you can try. 

  • Ginkgo biloba is a good option because it has anti-stress properties. Stress management is essential for fighting adrenal fatigue. 
  • We mentioned Ginseng earlier, but Korean Ginseng has gotten used in herbal medicine to help with physical and mental fatigue. It has also been noted to improve memory function and insulin sensitivity. It gets used in traditional Chinese medicine for increased energy and stamina.
  • Astragalus has gotten used in Chinese medicine when combined with other herbs to support adrenal function. It is excellent for inflammation and lowering blood sugar. Most people take it in tonic form.
  • Rehmannia is an herb used in Chinese cultures for many years. It has properties similar to Licorice and can be very beneficial for people suffering from autoimmune issues. It also helps with adrenal depletion.
  • Valerian is an herb that may surprise you. It has gotten used for years to help people sleep. Although not specifically taken for adrenal support, it helps many people relax and unwind. When we have quality sleep, we tend to have better stress responses and have a healthier immune system.
  • Chamomile is often used for muscle spasms and inflammation. It also has a relaxing effect. Chamomile has been used for centuries for many health issues, and can be consumed as a tea or used as an essential oil added to a warm bath.

Taking Your Supplements

With so many supplements and herbs available, it may seem overwhelming at first glance. Some people are worried about side effects, so they decide against taking any vitamins or adaptogenic herbs at all. Yet, there are multiple reasons to include these in your arsenal against adrenal fatigue, as shown above. 

There can always be side effects with any medicines or supplements. In most cases, the benefits far outweigh the risks associated with them. It's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare practitioner before beginning any supplementation, to review possible interactions. 

You don't have to take everything, but adding in a combination of herbs and vitamins can drastically affect the way you feel. If you find yourself dealing with symptoms of adrenal fatigue, it may be a good idea to include these in your healthy lifestyle. 

 

References :

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/addisons-disease/expert-answers/adrenal-fatigue/faq-20057906

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease/definition-facts

https://adrenalfatigue.org/licorice-essential-herb-adrenal-fatigue/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adrenal-glands

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/thyroid-patients-beat-adrenal-fatigue

https://www.denk-nutrition.de/en/guidebooks/magnesium-all-rounder-for-muscles-nerves-heart-bones/

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/ayurvedic-medicine

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-376/schisandra#:~:text=Schisandra%20is%20also%20used%20for,protecting%20the%20liver%20from%20poisons.

https://adrenalfatigue.org/6-b-vitamins-crucial-adrenal-function/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14737017/

Patti Croft
Patti Croft

Patti Croft is a Certified Health Data Analyst with a thirst for all things natural and holistic. Coupled with her MBA, Patti uses her skill set here at NuVision Health Center to dive into the research. Her expertise is in taking complex medical data and delivering it in a way that readers can understand and implement into their lives.