Herbal Adaptogens and Tonics...my saving grace when it comes to supporting adrenal function. You see, these herbs have been used for thousands of years across many different cultures. For example, Schisandra and Ginseng in China (Traditional Chinese Medicine). Withania and Shatavari in India (Ayurvedic Medicine) and Licorice and Rhodiola in Europe (Western Herbalism). What do these herbs have in common? They all support adrenal function and help to overcome adrenal fatigue, lower cortisol and increase our resistance to stress whilst tonifying and strengthening specific organs. Powerful herbs hey?
So what is adrenal fatigue? More commonly referred to as 'burn out', it's when we are chronically stressed and our adrenal glands start to become fatigued, causing an impairment in the release of cortisol. Common symptoms include exhaustion, depression, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, brain fog and chronic low immunity. It's a condition that is becoming more prevalent in our busy society where burnout is on the rise due to hectic schedules and a variety of modern day stressors.
In the west, even in natural medicine, we tend to only use herbs once we are already sick. However, traditionally these adaptogens and tonics are not just used to cure illness, but to prevent it, to build and strengthen as a daily tonic. This is known as tonic herbalism. I love this concept, which is why I created my 'nurture tonic', to be taken daily as a strength building herb to support your adrenals and prevent debility. I also commonly make up herbal tonics for clients who are in my 1:1 packages so that they are getting the most customised, tailored herbal support for their constitution and condition.
Some of my favourite herbal tonics and adaptogens include:
Korean Ginseng - This is the “king” of herbal tonics, it is warming so not ideal for those with “hot constitutions” or for use during the hot summer months. It increases energy, stamina and resistance to stress.
Siberian Ginseng - Siberian ginseng tonifies qi (vital energy according to traditional chinese medicine), and is more specific for improving endurance, concentration, and strength.
Schisandra - A powerful berry that not only nurtures the adrenals but enhances liver detoxification of hormones, chemicals and wastes.
Reishi Mushroom - One of the oldest and first recorded herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a very safe general tonic for the whole body. It is a powerful immune tonic and has both calming and revitalizing effects.
Dong Quai - More of a blood tonic than an energy tonic, this herb is known as the woman's ginseng for it's ability to nurture the reproductive system
Licorice Root - A wonderful adrenal tonic with strong anti inflammatory properties
Ashwagandha which rejuvenates the body from general debility, sexual debility and nervous exhaustion
Shatavari which supports the female reproductive system and rejuvenates pitta.
These herbs truly are natures medicine at it's best. If you are struggling with adrenal fatigue or simply just feel run down and need some extra support. Then grab my free 'Adrenal Restore Toolkit' below to find out which adaptogen is best for you!