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

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Stress leads to a state of emotional or mental exhaustion. It can feel like there is no escaping the feeling of underperformance and fatigue. There are numerous causes to feeling rundown, including the loss of a loved one, hard days at work, or just the expedited cadence of life. Regardless of the cause, stress can put undue strain on the derail glands, which cause a person to experience adrenal fatigue. 

The Relationship Between Stress And Adrenal Fatigue

According to health experts, adrenal fatigue is increasingly common in today’s day and age. The problem is that it is quite controversial because it’s not easy to diagnose. There’s no single marker or diagnosis that indicates adrenal fatigue. There is a connection between stress and adrenal fatigue, though. The adrenal glands release cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, to help regulate blood pressure. When the body encounters a stressful situation, the adrenals release high amounts of cortisol. Adrenal fatigue sets in once they release excess cortisol and can no longer produce adequate amounts for regular bodily functions. 

What Are Adaptogens?

Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine used adaptogens to help enhance vitality and reduce stress. Adaptogens are plants that work to help the body respond better to stress by regulating hormonal responses. They make it so the body resists stress without entering a state of exhaustion. They help the body adapt to stress, but to the herb must do the following in order to be an effective adaptogen:

• Enhance the body’s ability to handle stress, both internally and externally
• Stimulate these effects after one use or multiple uses. If someone is using adaptogens in the long-term, they must be able to stimulate mental performance under fatiguing conditions.
• Be safe without side effects.
• Normalize bodily functions.

Adaptogens help the body combat fatigue and help to optimize the stress response. They may also help to boost immune function in the process. Continue reading to learn more about five adaptogens that fight stress and adrenal fatigue.

Rhodiola

A review about the stimulating effects of adaptogens included rhodiola as a standout herb. The review of studies found that it helps the body resist stress without interfering with sleep structure or creating an addiction to it. Another report found that rhodolia worked efficiently and quickly, lasting four to six hours. Rhodolia works to optimize concentration and support healthy energy levels in people who experience adrenal fatigue. 

Ginseng

The historical use of ginseng dates back thousands of years to traditional Chinese medicinal practices. Ginseng is now considered to be an excellent anti-inflammatory herb and an adaptogen. Chronic stress has the potential to cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to hormone dysfunction and poor immune response. Several studies found that ginseng has the ability to regulate the HPA axis, which regulates the body’s stress response. Ginseng also works to suppress the production of cytokines, which are pro-inflammatory and generated by stress.

Maca

The maca root is a powerful superfood, but many people revere it for its adaptogenic properties. Native to the Andes mountains in South America, maca is rich in protein, calcium, fiber, essential amino acids, and magnesium. Maca works to balance hormone production when the body produces too many hormones. Alternatively, it works to support hormone production if the body doesn’t produce enough hormones. If you use maca consistently, it can help support the function of the pituitary and hypothalamus glands. All of this together can help reduce the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. 

Schisandra

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, schisandra berries have five flavors that correspond to those five phases of traditional healing. These tastes/phases are: bitter (fire), salty (water), sour (wood), sweet (earth), and acrid (metal). These five flavors/phases work with the synergy of your body to help promote vitality and resistance against stressful situations. According to several studies, schisandra may help reduce fatigue and stress caused by depression. Other research shows that schisandra exhibits the ability to reduce mental fatigue and improve overall endurance. 

Ashwagandha

We saved the best adaptogen for last. You cannot have an article about adaptogens and exclude ashwagandha; it would be sacrilege in the herbal community. Ashwagandha works to support the body’s inflammatory response, but it also helps to optimize blood pressure. Many studies found that it helps to support the activity of natural killer cells that the immune system sends to fight infections. One study in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine found that ashwagandha consistently reduced stress-induced damage. People who took 300 mg of ashwagandha twice daily experienced a reduction in cortisol levels. 

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Most people adopt the “just deal with it” attitude when it comes to coping with adrenal fatigue. Every single person can experience the condition, known as hypoadrenia, to a certain extent, especially when a series of stressful events occur. Even the little annoyances of modern day life can build up stress hormones and put unnecessary wear and tear on the adrenals. Given that health care professionals often overlook adrenal issues, how can someone identify when the adrenal glands are not functioning optimally?

The adrenals have a major influence on the body, and symptoms of adrenal fatigue can often mimic those of other disorders. While it is understood that weight gain, brain fog, insulin resistance, and extreme fatigue are common symptoms of adrenal fatigue, these symptoms don’t always confirm that someone is experiencing adrenal fatigue.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

Introduced as a new condition by Dr. James L. Wilson in 1998, adrenal fatigue is stimulated by chronic stress. When the adrenal glands are constantly over-stimulated, cortisol (the stress hormone) is constantly released into the blood, leading to insulin resistance, an associated symptom of the condition. People who experience adrenal fatigue typically have low levels of DHEA, the “parent hormone” that helps to create necessary hormones in the body. In a nutshell, adrenal fatigue puts the body in a constant fight or flight state, depleting adrenal stores. Hormones become imbalanced as a result and people commonly experience:

• Slow metabolism
• Insulin resistance
• Fat preserving
• Feeling unusually fatigued all the time
• Extreme dizziness every time you stand up
• Brain fog
• Loss of libido
• Hair loss (especially around the outer eyebrow)
• Heightened cravings
• Rapid weight gain (especially around the abdomen)

Is Adrenal Fatigue Real?

Because the symptoms can be indicative of other conditions, many people have a hard time acknowledging the validity of adrenal fatigue. Since it is a relatively new condition, not a lot of scientific research has been conducted to fully understand it as a whole. It is also hard to diagnose adrenal fatigue because high cortisol levels, which are associated with the condition, are chalked up to be “inside the normal range.” Additionally, adrenal fatigue has to be addressed and remedied via diet and lifestyle adjustments, which doctors don’t interpret as legitimate medicine. We know that food is medicine and are here to present you with the healing foods for those with adrenal fatigue.

Magnesium Foods

High cortisol levels must be met with magnesium-rich foods in order to support adrenal health. Working to relax muscles, improve sleep, and calm nerves, magnesium is a highly beneficial nutrient for those who experience adrenal fatigue. Start consuming avocados, almonds, Brazil nuts, bananas, pumpkin seeds, bananas, and leafy greens to increase your magnesium intake.

Himalayan Salt

People with adrenal fatigue tend to be dehydrated, but they can also dilute the circulating electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) if they drink too much water. Drinking plain water can alter the balance of potassium and sodium, so it is wise to add ¼ or ½ teaspoon Himalayan salt to most glasses of water. This salt contains trace minerals that initiate chemical reactions in the body. Himalayan salt will most likely make your body feel better, especially if it is extremely fatigued. You’ll have to adjust the amount of salt you add to water based on your body’s response. Too much salt will make you nauseous, so start with ¼ teaspoon in 8-12 ounces of water and go from there.

Licorice Root

Available in extract form, licorice root helps to increase the DHEA count in the body. It is meant for people with lower cortisol levels, because it may increase cortisol levels in certain cases. Licorice root has been associated with some side effects, though, so be cautious about the quality of the licorice root you purchase. Do not take it for more than four weeks at a time, and do not take it if you are pregnant or if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems.

Cruciferous Vegetables

People with adrenal fatigue commonly have partially blocked detoxification pathways. This means that they cannot efficiently eliminate toxins, leading to more strain on the adrenal glands. In order to help open up detoxification pathways, consume cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts.

Starchy Vegetables

Do not interpret this to mean that it is acceptable to load up your plate with pasta, breads, and French fries. The starchy vegetables we are talking about include carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, beets, plantains (technically a fruit) and spaghetti squash. Working to balance blood sugar levels, starchy vegetables help to promote calmness by keeping your adrenals in tune with the body’s natural rhythms. Eat these types of foods at dinner to help improve your sleep.

Note that one should avoid certain foods to maintain healthy adrenal glands. Those with adrenal fatigue are encouraged to avoid:

• Sugar and sweeteners
• Caffeine
• Hydrogenated oils (soybean, corn, and canola oils)
• Processed meats
• Carbohydrates or gluten
• Soy
• Dairy products
• Alcohol

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The human body has the ability to naturally cleanse itself and balance hormones, in addition to hundreds of other daily functions. Sometimes, the body’s ability to regulate hormones is hindered because of the foods in the Standard American Diet. There are trillions of cells in each person’s body that all communicate via hormones. Hormones are the messengers, helping you to achieve optimum health. When there’s a hormonal imbalance, however, your health can take a dive.

If your hormones aren’t balanced, you can experience weight gain, mood swings, unhealthy cravings, or low energy levels. For example, when you are stressed out you have an overproduction of cortisol, the stress hormone. These hormones can cause headaches, abnormal sleep patterns, and poor digestion. Similarly, it is possible to experience low sex drive if there is an imbalance of sex hormones.

Enter healing through food. Rather than immediately resorting to medication, you can use food to help balance your hormones and improve your overall health. Below we have three drinks that can help rebalance hormones for your adrenals, your thyroid, and your sexual health.

Adrenals

If you sleep poorly at night, feel sluggish during the day, get a second wind of energy in the afternoon, and are irritable for no reason, your adrenals could be suffering. While adrenal fatigue is difficult to diagnose, it is fairly common. It happens when your brain and adrenals aren’t communicating like they should. Typically, stress hormones are too high or low when your adrenals are fatigued, so make this drink to give your adrenals some love.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
• 1 teaspoon rhodiola powder
• 1 teaspoon holy basil powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

• Place the herbs in a mug and pour 1-2 cups of boiling water over them. Let this steep for about 15 minutes. You can drink warm or pour over ice.

Thyroid

The thyroid, while it is a small gland in the body, is responsible for every cell functioning like it should. It helps cells metabolize, so other things won’t function properly if your thyroid isn’t working like it should. Weight gain, depression, poor digestion, brain fog, or hair loss, are all common symptoms of thyroid problems. Try this drink to boost thyroid health.

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon organic virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup raw almonds
• 2 Brazil nuts
• 1 avocado, skin removed
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 tablespoon maca powder
• 1 cup fresh mixed berries
• 1 banana, frozen overnight

Instructions

• Blend all of the ingredients together in a blender until you get your desired consistency.

Sex Hormones

Low sex drive, depression, anxiety, or weight gain can sometimes be attributed to a hormonal imbalance. Having perfectly balanced estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels is like walking a tightrope. To feel confident about yourself, try drinking this to balance those hormones.

Ingredients

• 2 cups organic coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon shilajit powder
• 1 teaspoon mucuna pruriens powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Instructions

• Blend all of the ingredients in a blender.
• Pour the blended ingredients into a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from the heat once the liquid is warm. Sip on this slowly.

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After starting a new diet or exercise program, the first thing that people do is head for the scale with high hopes of a decrease in body weight. Some people’s efforts yield successful weight loss results, but many others don’t seem to budge the scale. They are left frustrated, wondering why their hard work and newly adopted healthy habits have not paid off. So what’s up?

Depending on the diet, it’s possible that portions are too large, exceeding the number of calories that you should be eating. It might be time to stop eyeballing and start measuring correct portion sizes. If you are regularly exercising and not losing weight, you may not be working out as hard as you think you are, i.e. not maintaining a consistent heart rate to assist with weight loss. What if you followed your dietary and workout programs exactly as they were detailed? Your program may not be inhibiting your weight loss; rather, the culprit may be an underlying health condition or medication.

Medical Explanations For Weight Gain

A number of health conditions can make it difficult to lose weight. On top of that, the medications that patients are prescribed for their health conditions can also contribute to weight gain. This can put a patient in a no-win situation. A doctor may suggest that a patient lose weight to improve his or her condition, but that same doctor will prescribe medication, which can inhibit weight loss, to the patient. According to various studies, the following conditions are most likely hindering weight loss.

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid is underactive, the body cannot produce enough thyroid hormones to burn fat that is stored in the body. A person with hypothyroidism typically has a slower metabolism, and that means that he/she is storing more fat than he/she is burning. This is especially true for people who don’t exercise and people who eat unhealthily.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome is the result of prolonged exposure to cortisol, which is made in excess by the adrenal glands. The condition is typically characterized by a fatty hump between the shoulder blades, purple stretch marks on the skin, and a rounded face. This condition commonly results in weight gain, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, and high blood pressure.

Depression

Depression affects each person differently. Some people decide not to eat and become wildly malnourished, while others resort to food to ease emotional distress. It is also common for people with depression to avoid exercise, due to the lethargy associated with the condition.

Hormonal Changes In Women

As hormonal shifts begin to happen in women, they can find it difficult to lose weight, or they may find that they gain weight with ease. These hormonal shifts can occur at puberty, during pregnancy, and before, during, or after menopause.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Affecting roughly five million adult women in the United States, PCOS is a disease that stems from hormonal imbalance. Most women with PCOS experience irregular menstrual bleeding, weight gain not caused by excessive eating, thinning hair, or difficulty getting pregnant.

A Prescription For Weight Gain?

As we mentioned earlier, medications can contribute to weight gain or prevent you from losing weight. According to a medical doctor at the Scripps Clinic of Nutrition and Metabolism Research Center in San Diego, California, 25% of his patients take medications or have conditions that lead to weight gain. The reason for weight gain may be attributed to the fact that certain medications lower metabolic rate and increase appetite. Other medications can increase hormones that store fat. Common medications that lead to weight gain can include:

• Beta-blockers (for high blood pressure or other heart conditions)
• Antidepressants
• Birth control pills
• Medications like sulfonylureas (for type 2 diabetes)
• Corticosteroids (for conditions like lupus or asthma)
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Antiepileptics (taken to control seizures)

It may be beneficial to switch to a plant-based diet and focus your dietary efforts on real food to obtain essential nutrients. Processed foods, meats, dairy products, and other junk foods can often worsen your health condition and lead to weight gain. A vegan or raw vegan diet may improve your overall health, condition, and you may even start to see your efforts reflected on the scale. Remember, everyone is different and some people may experience more visual transformations without shedding a lot of pounds. The number on the scale doesn’t mean that you are not making progress! Check your waist size. Is it smaller? Appreciate the forward strides and maintain your willpower!

If you think that your condition or medication may be preventing you from losing weight or causing you to gain weight, consult with your medical professional to see what other options are available. Above all else, don’t give up on getting in shape. It may be difficult, but this shouldn’t deter you from leading a healthier lifestyle.

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Many people are overcome by stress during the holiday season. Work, buying presents, preparing for family arrival, going to visit family, being with family, holiday parties, and more fuel the fire that is stress in your body. When you are constantly stressed, the adrenal glands suffer and can become fatigued.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

The adrenals glands are located on top of the kidneys and they secrete adrenaline into the body. This helps your body spring into action in a stressful, fight or flight situation. The body is not designed to be in this fight or flight state all the time, but this can happen if you are constantly stressed. When your adrenal glands are constantly fatigued, you can experience cravings, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, or depression.

Why Yoga?

Yoga is a stress-relieving activity that helps to restore an internal balance in the body. Restorative yoga, in particular, works to establish mind/body relaxation, giving the adrenal glands a chance to rest and reset. Use the following yoga poses to help keep your adrenals healthy, or whenever you feel overwhelmed by stress.

Viparita Karani (Hold 5 minutes):

This pose works to bring promote healthy circulation of lymphatic fluid from the legs to the abdomen and brain. This helps to energize the circulatory system. Watch the video to do the exercise.

Supported Child’s Pose (Hold 5 minutes):

Child’s Pose is a classic yoga move that is typically used for resting. The idea is to just let go and completely relax. When you use a bolster, or a stack of blankets, it gives your body a lot of support. This isn’t required, but you may feel like it helps. Watch the video to do the exercise.

Supported Cross-Legged Pose (Hold 2 minutes):

Helping to relieve tension in the hips, this pose works to relax both the body and the mind.

Supported Bridge Pose (Hold 5 minutes):

This pose works to bring your body back into a balanced state and slowsa the release of adrenaline from your adrenal glands. Watch the video to do the exercise.

Twist Pose (Hold 2 minutes per side):

You’ll feel a nice back stretch when you do this pose. What a lot of people don’t know is that this pose works to stimulate digestion and relieve mental stress. Watch the video to do the pose.

Let us know if these yoga poses helped relieve stress.

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