herbal advisor
adrenal health
A
drenal glands don’t make headlines, but they deserve attention. Sitting on top of the kidneys, they each weigh less than one-fifth of an ounce, but when they malfunction, the human body can’t muster the energy it needs. “The adrenal glands are essential for life in that they help us deal with any kind of challenge that comes up in the environment,” says herbalist Guido Masé, author of The Wild Medicine Solution. Such challenges can be physical, such as climbing stairs, or stressful life situations, such as a traffic jam. “In all of those situations,” says Masé, “The adrenal glands play a really vital and important role.”
How They Work Adrenal glands secrete two key hormones: adrenaline and cortisol. We feel the effects of adrenaline as a “rush” response, which can be exhilarating and/or frightening. It kicks in almost instantly, and can disappear in seconds or minutes. Cortisol works more slowly, causes no discernible physical symptoms when it initially rises, and can remain elevated for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or
By Vera Tweed
Healthy adrenals boost energy and endurance
more. Cortisol can remain chronically elevated, due to constant or repeated stress, and that’s when the trouble really starts.
Chronic Cortisol Problems Cortisol boosts the body’s energy by raising blood sugar levels. It also suppresses immune and inflammatory responses, so physical exertion produces less pain. For example, cortisol enhances runners’ ability to complete marathons, but afterwards, studies show that they’re more susceptible to respiratory infections. “Chronic repeated stress may be connected to immune dysfunction, autoimmune disease, and chronically elevated blood sugar,” says Masé. Eventually, the adrenal glands may no longer be able to produce enough cortisol. And chronic exhaustion sets in. “Exercise is a great way to diffuse anxiety and stress,” says Masé. Any type of low-intensity activity lowers blood sugar and cortisol levels, enhancing your ability to deal with stress. So if your boss suddenly drowns you with a new project, do a few push-ups or take a short walk. It helps.
Herbal Relief Masé recommends using herbs in two ways:
CHAMOMILE & LEMON BALM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF: Drink a tea made with linden leaf, chamomile, lemon balm, or a combination. Brew 2–3 minutes, and cover while brewing to prevent the aroma from escaping. The volatile oils in these herbs calm the nervous system.
Adapt to stress with PARAGON PLUS RHODIOLA PURE, made with the standardized extract of rhodiola for consistent potency in every capsule.
LIFESTYLE AWARENESS SERENE SLUMBER TEA supports nighttime rest with skullcap, chamomile, and lavender, along with the aroma of rose petals.
PARAGON PLUS ADRENAL ADVANCE is a natural stress response formula with rhodiola, ashwagandha, schisandra, and eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) root.
TO CONTROL CORTISOL: The herbs below
reduce cortisol levels, balance blood sugar, strengthen immune function, and spare your adrenal glands. Start taking them before facing stressful situations, such as in-laws visiting for the holidays. Each one offers unique benefits. Rhodiola root: The fastest-acting herb for stress, rhodiola perks up mood and energy. Some people find that they have too much energy at night if they take it after 2 p.m. Schisandra berry: Also helps to normalize digestion. Ashwagandha root: Also improves sleep. Siberian ginseng root: Also improves physical endurance, especially good for athletes. Masé recommends trying one herb at a time, to see how you react. Take one-half teaspoon of a tincture in a glass of water or juice, twice daily. If you combine them, take no more than one teaspoon of tincture, twice daily. In capsules of whole root or berry, take 1 gram of rhodiola root, twice daily, or 2 grams of any one of the others, twice daily. For extracts and herbal adrenal formulas, follow product directions.
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