Adrenal glands are small organs located just above your kidneys. They produce hormones that assist the functions of your blood pressure, immune system, metabolism, and the body’s stress response. Composed of two parts called the cortex and medulla (kind of like your brain) each part produces different hormones. The hormones the adrenal glands produce are to be released directly into the bloodstream. John Hopkins University suggests that the majority of these hormones contribute to the way our bodies respond to stress, and some of these hormones are absolutely essential for our existence. 

There are common ways in which adrenal glands cause health issues, either by producing too much or too little of specific hormones which leads to overall imbalance. These imbalances can be caused by adrenal gland diseases or by the pituitary gland that communicates directly with our adrenals. When the adrenal glands don’t don’t produce enough hormones, this can lead to adrenal fatigue and in extreme cases adrenal insufficiency that causes Addison’s disease. Adrenal glands can also develop nodules which could affect how much or how little hormones are being produced that can also cause varying health issues or concerns. 

Adrenal fatigue is more common and less extreme than adrenal insufficiency - making it more accessible to treat naturally. Adrenal fatigue is caused by long term exposure to chronic stress. Chronic stress can look like the pressure of family, work deadlines, underlying health issues, not getting enough rest or good sleep, drinking too much coffee, not having enough time to yourself, constantly being in fight or flight mode - and the list can go on and on. Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty waking up and going to sleep, intense cravings, weight loss, lack of motivation, and brain fog, etc. While these symptoms are generalized, adrenal fatigue is likely culprit, despite not being a “medically” recognized diagnosis, homeopathy and holistic medicine does regard adrenal fatigue as valid. Trust your body to know your symptoms and experience is real. 

Supporting your adrenals with herbs is a nourishing way to bring your body back into balance when you’ve been stretched to thin and your health is being affected. Here is a comprehensive list of herbs that can be used, according to Gaia Herbs and our resident herbalist Camila Creates:

1. Licorice Root

2. Maca Root

3. Golden Root

4. Siberian Ginseng

5. Holy Basil

6. Shizandra Berry

7. Rhodiola

8. Eletheuro 

9. Ashwaghanda