Ultimate Healing - Adrenal Stress

Herbal Therapeutics for Adrenal Stress
By Jane Smolnik, ND, MH, Iridologist

As we all experience periods of daily mild to medium stress, we can easily choose to take care of
ourselves with proper herbs, diet, nutrients, meditation, rest and relaxation to lower the impact it can have
on the body. Each of us has our own comfortable stress level that can also be considered a motivating
level that we tend to operate best under. Some people can tolerate a higher stress level than others
depending on their constitutional strength and overall health.

When we operate with short term extreme stress levels, or being over our comfortable stress levels
long term, our adrenal glands quickly, perhaps chronically, become stimulated to assist us. They are one
of the main sites of stress damage in the body and can have an affect on many other systems. In long
term or extreme stress conditions, herbal therapeutics should be used to help us to minimize the anxiety,
tension, and fears associated with it and counteract the effects on the body of adrenal exhaustion and
weakness.

For short term stress, herbal nervine tonics such as Scullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia), Valerian (Valeriana
officinalis), Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) or Oatstraw (Avena sativa) can help to calm, relax, and
nourish the nervous system, helping to reduce our stress levels.

For chronic stress and adrenal exhaustion, additional adaptogens must be added, and every attention to
general health must be given. ‘Adaptogen’ is an action that improves that bodies adaptability. It enables
us to avoid reaching a point of collapse or over-stress. They seem to increase the threshold of resistance
to damage by supporting the adrenal glands and possibly pituitary function.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is one of the best tonics for the adrenal glands. It may be
safely used to increase stamina, used for debility, exhaustion, and depression. It has a broad action
range and very low toxicity. There have been excellent clinical studies over the past twenty years showing
a wide range of conditions that improved with its regular use. In exhaustion phase, Eleutherococcus
continued to maintain functioning of hypothalmus/pituitary/adrenal system at near optimal levels, while
reducing the alarm reaction and exhaustion stage.

Licorice root (glycyrrhiza glabra) is often used with Siberian ginseng, and has a beneficial action in the
treatment of the adrenal glands, helping to build the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. It is also
used for peptic ulcers, hepatitis, and bronchial problems. Usually taken in small doses, extended use of
large doses has a small possibility of effecting electrolyte balance. It can cause retention of sodium
possibly raising blood pressure.

Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) is also an adaptogen that increases our resistance and improves both physical
vitality and mental performance. It can be used in general for exhaustion and weakness. The stimulating
properties can be contra-indicated in some cases. It can be too stimulating for someone with complete
adrenal exhaustion. Siberian Ginseng should then be used as a safe long-term tonic to build the
adrenals. It will raise lowered blood pressure to normal levels, and should not be used in acute
inflammatory disease.

Borage (Borago officinalis) leaf tea can be safely used as a restorative tonic over a period of time for the
adrenal cortex. It will revive and renew the adrenal glands after a medical treatment with cortisone or
steroids.

Besides using the relaxing nervines and adaptogens as we just discussed, other herbs can be added to
a formula to address other associated conditions. For indigestion associated with adrenal weakness,
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) can be added. For palpitations,
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) should be used as well. For liver associated problems, Milk Thistle
(Carduus marianum) can be used. For insomnia, the above nervine tonics should be considered,
especially Valerian and Passion Flower. St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) can be used with
depression.

Other glandular and nutritional supplements can also be used to strengthen and support an exhausted
system. Please see your Naturopath for more info.

Flower Essences

For a truly holistic approach, I like to add flower essences to my formulas to assist with balancing and
stabilizing the energy system on an emotional/mental/spiritual level. Below are a few flower essences
and their uses to consider:

Chamomile – For those who are easily upset, irritable, tense. Releases tension, clears stress and
unprocessed emotions out of the solar plexus, encouraging emotional balance and serenity. Good for
insomnia.
Foxglove – Releases tension around the heart (excellent for the heart/adrenal association) and brings
stillness of mind.
Hobblebush – Helps one take the time to relax and enjoy life, to let go when there seems to be too many
things to do all the time. Releasing the need to always be doing something, creating healthy priorities in
life.
Lily – Releases anxiety and fears of not being in control of your daily affairs and future. Boosts immunity.
Red Clover – Useful for panic, fear, and shock to stay centered, calm, and balanced. Brings soothing trust
in the Universe.
St. Johnswort – Releases conscious and sub-conscious fears for over-worried or frightened people.
Brings trust in spiritual protection and guidance. Helps with fearful dreams, nightmares. Seals the aura
and helps bring sound sleep.
Valerian – Relaxes stress and lifts your spirits. Good for insomnia, nervous irritation. Helps find a
peaceful common ground and harmony in relationships.

Jane Smolnik is a Naturopath, Board Certified Iridologist, and Certified Intuitive Healer with a private
practice in Asheville, NC. You may reach her at 828-777-JANE or visit www.ultimatehealing.com.