Although adrenal fatigue is not a medical diagnosis, it is a problem that has increased in frequency over the years. For this reason, researchers continue to seek out remedies to alleviate this problem. One popular solution at the moment is the use of essential oils, which have various applications. Certain essential oils have the ability to counteract the negative effects of adrenal fatigue.
What Is Adrenal Fatigue?
Technically speaking, adrenal fatigue classifies a collection of nonspecific symptoms, including digestive troubles, fatigue, body aches, sleep disturbances, and more. The adrenal glands produce hormones that the body needs to function optimally. Adrenal insufficiency is a medical term that describes the insufficient production of one or more of those hormones that results from an underlying condition or surgery.
The most frustrating part about adrenal fatigue is that most medical experts cannot explain the persistent symptoms. Health experts theorize that adrenal fatigue sets in when the adrenal glands cannot keep up with the demands of fight-or-flight arousal. If the body is in a constant state of stress, for example, the adrenal glands work overtime. Cortisol is the stress hormone produced in the adrenal glands and too much cortisol not only wrecks adrenal function, but also the immune and digestive systems. Blood tests won’t detect a small decline in adrenal function, but the body does. That’s why it’s important to recognize and understand the symptoms of the condition.
What Can Be Done?
The good news is that many essential oils offer calming properties for people with adrenal fatigue. They contain concentrated plant nutrients, oxygenating molecules, vitamins, trace minerals, and enzymes. They are 50-70 times more potent than the herbs themselves. Because of their highly concentrated nature, it’s integral to properly dilute essential oils. No matter if you inhale them or apply them topically, dilute the essential oils in water or carrier oils to reduce the risk of potential reactions. The following essential oils are excellent for adrenal fatigue.
Lavender Essential Oil
This oil works to promote healthy balance, offering relaxing and soothing properties. If the adrenals are stressed, the body is most likely in a fight-or-flight mode. Lavender can help normalize stress levels, kicking it out of that intense mode that causes adrenal fatigue. Additionally, lavender may help to shut off the sympathetic nervous system and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which puts the body in the rest and digest state.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Common in various culinary applications, this fragrant spice in essential oil form offers incredibly relaxing properties. According to aromatherapy research, the scent of rosemary essential oil works to reduce the body’s cortisol levels within minutes. This translates to quick stress reduction. Adding it to a diffuser and inhaling the vapors is a great way to reap the benefits, but you can also dilute it in a carrier oil and apply it near the adrenal glands. The skin will also absorb its relaxing properties.
Clove Essential Oil
Clove essential oil is known for its ability to improve circulation, relieve fatigue, and enhance digestive health. Several reports say that, after diluting the oil, it’s best to apply it directly behind the ears on the jaw bone. This area connects to the adrenal glands and can help reduce adrenal fatigue as a result. Don’t ingest or inhale clove essential oil because it has a potent smell that can negatively affect the senses. Lastly, clove essential oil can boost mood and reduce stress that accumulates in the body.
DIY Essential Oil Blend For Adrenal Fatigue
Ingredients:
- Rosemary essential oil
- Clove essential oil
- Jojoba oil
Instructions:
- In a small essential oil bottle, or any amber glass bottle, add three drops each of rosemary essential oil and clove essential oil. This is for long-term use.
- Long-term use requires a 1% dilution, and that means that you add two teaspoons of jojoba oil to the bottle with three drops of each of the essential oils.
- Short-term use calls for a 5% dilution. Drop seven drops of each essential oil in the bottle and mix it with two teaspoons of jojoba oil.
- To use, massage the oil mixture daily on lower back where the adrenals sit just above the kidneys
