Misunderstood and ignored by traditional medical practitioners, adrenal fatigue was not an accepted term until Dr.Wilson wrote the book, Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, to bring this syndrome to the notice of the medical community.

Although traditional medical practitioners do not recognize it as a valid syndrome caused by chronic stress, herbal and alternative practitioners have a number of remedies to treat a range of non-specific symptoms and address the root cause of stress by helping our bodies adapt to stressful situations better.

Many of these herbs are adaptogens herbs, used to regulate endocrine hormones and the immune system and buffer the effects of stress by helping the body adapt to it better. They can down-regulate an over-functioning system or boost and stimulate an under-functioning one to help the body reach a balance. Here are some natural remedies commonly used to treat the symptoms of adrenal fatigue syndrome:

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

This herb is native to North America and known for its calming effects on the nervous and muscular-skeletal system. It was traditionally used by North American Indians as therapy for nervous tension, anxiety, convulsions, and adrenal fatigue symptoms. The flavonoids and amino acids in skullcap are thought to be responsible for its relaxant action.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

Also know as Golden Root or Roseroot, Rhodiola grows in cold regions of the world and has been used for centuries to cope with the cold climate and stressful life. It is an adaptogen and has been shown to boost physical and mental performance, and diminish fatigue.

Rhodiola is used to improve mood, alleviate depression. It works by regulating serotonin and dopamine levels and has an effect on the mood-regulating chemicals known as endorphins. In laboratory animals, it was shown to effectively prevent changes caused by stress such as those that affect appetite, physical activity, weight gain and the estrus cycle.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for thousands of years by Ayurvedic practitioners in India. The root contains flavonoids and withanolides that help regulate physiological function in the hormonal and nervous system.

Ashwagandha can alleviate the effects of stress, boost memory and cognitive function as these are often impaired during adrenal fatigue and burnout. It has been used to combat fatigue, improve stamina, and enhance immune response and adrenal function.

Green tea

Green tea contains a substance known as L-theanine (gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid). This unique, neurologically-active amino acid is a relaxant and mood enhancer. It acts by creating a sense of relaxation created by the direct stimulation of alpha brain waves-a state achieved in meditation. It is also used by the body to manufacture the neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), that influences the levels of dopamine and serotonin.