A Herbal Alternative - Herbal Formulations

ADRENAL TONIC

The adrenals are small glands located on the top of the kidneys. Some jobs performed by the adrenal glands include production of steroids, dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), progesterone, estrogens, and testosterone. The adrenal glands also have effects on energy levels, blood pressure regulation, water balance, stress responses, blood sugar regulation, and the immune system.

Symptoms of adrenal function include allergies/asthma, autoimmune diseases, poor immune function, chronic fatigue, libido problems, sex hormone disorders, inability to deal with stressful situations, chronic inflammation, water retention, sweet or salty cravings, sleepiness after consuming stimulants like caffeine, chronic low blood pressure or postural hypotension (Lowering of blood pressure upon moving from a lying to a sitting or standing position resulting in a temporary "dizzy spell"), and suppressed thyroid function leading to hypothyroid symptoms.

Stress is a prime enemy of the adrenal glands. When we are under stress, our adrenals produce hormones to combat the stress. Though if the adrenals are overworked in this manner, the adrenals can become exhausted. This may help explain why asthma attacks often accompany stressful periods. The adrenals would normally produce antihistamine and anti-leukotriene epinephrine and anti-inflammatory and immune modulating steroids to prevent the asthma, but in a weakened state it cannot perform this function.

The use of pharmaceutical steroids will also inhibit adrenal function. Examples here are asthma inhalers, which often contain steroids. These steroids are a substitute for adrenal steroids. Though the levels entering the blood can be thousands of times higher than what the adrenals would produce naturally. The perceived abnormally high levels of steroids leads atrophy (shrinking) of the adrenals, and a decreased steroid production by the adrenals. The final result is an increased reliance on the external source of steroids because the adrenals have atrophied, and cannot produce sufficient levels of steroids on their own anymore. This is commonly seen as an inhaler dependence where the person using the inhaler also requires use of the inhaler more frequently.

Stimulants also weaken the adrenals. Common stimulants that damage the adrenals include sources of caffeine and it's relatives (coffee, tea, chocolate, guarana, kola nut, "keep awake" pills and aspirin compounds), ephedrine and pseudoephedrine (cold and flu medications, antihistamines, "keep awake" pills and ephedra), nicotine (tobacco, nicotine gums and patches), and amphetamines (weight loss products, pharmaceutical and illegal drugs, "keep awake" pills and ephedra; also known as ma huang).

Herbalists have long used herbs, known as adaptogenics, to nourish and support the adrenals. The word is believed to be derived from their ability to help you adapt to stress. Adrenal Tonic is designed with adaptogenic herbs, as well as nutrient herbs to support the adrenal glands.