Roots for Resilience- Addressing Chronic Stress and Fatigue with Adaptogenic Herbs
There are times in life in which we feel completely at our end. This feeling is called many things: burnout, chronic stress, chronic fatigue, wasting away, or just simply exhausted. I like to call it Time To Rest and Build Resilience. Our body speaks to us, gently at first, and then louder and louder until we listen. If your body is informing you that it is time to rest and build resilience, it is likely that you are experiencing a very real physical phenomenon referred to as Adrenal Burnout.
Herbs for Adrenal Bournout are Ashwaganda, Eleuthero, Astragalus, and Licorice. Using the roots of these plant medicines for exhaustion has been done by herbalists for centuries. The energy of root medicines work deeply in the cells to re-build health. These root medicines work strongly with the endocrine and immune system to build energy & re-set internal rhythms gone haywire. Sink deep into the Earth with these roots for resilience.
In this article we will dig into each of these herbs, exploring their specific properties and how to take them. Read on to learn more about Adrenal Burnout and what you can do about it.
What Is Adrenal Burnout?
Adrenal Burnout is recognized by herbalists of many traditions and modern Naturopathic Doctors. Because it is not easily measured, most Scientific doctors will not acknowledge it until it progresses to the the point of Addison's disease, in which the adrenal tissue itself is damaged. The Adrenals are extremely important. Along with the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis, they are responsible for regulating our hormone output, which in turn oversees our metabolism, endocrine function, and general energy level. As you can imagine, all of these functions are vital to our well-being, and when the Adrenals are taxed by traumatic experiences, chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, and nervous system overstimulation, we start to feel pretty darn crappy.
It is thought that Adrenal Burnout can be the root cause of several allopathic diagnoses, including:
chronic anxiety,
panic attacks,
anemia,
chronic infections,
chronic fatigue syndrome,
fibromyalgia,
low progesterone levels
menstrual irregularities
male and female infertility
loss of sexual desire or physical impotency
erratic blood sugar levels
insomnia
gallbladder disease
liver disease
thyroid disorders
…just to name a few.
Common symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Broadly speaking, adrenal fatigue is qualified by a general sense of constantly need to push yourself to accomplish your tasks of the day. I believe that reaching this state of burnout can be caused by overwork, disregarding the bodies signals for rest, traumatic events, deep grief, repressed anger, undergoing intensive medical treatments like surgery or chemo/radiation, insufficient nutrition, subtle or overt societal rejections, excessive people-pleasing, and belonging to a social group that experiences prejudice and systemic oppression. Some common symptoms that may indicate that your adrenal system could use a little love are:
constant fatigue or fatigue upon waking
low tolerance for any stress
general nervousness & anxiety
hypervigilant thinking
constant muscle tension, especially jaw clenching
muscle weakness with intolerance to exercise
light-headedness or dizziness solved by eating
poor concentration and/or brain fog
sugar/carbohydrate/alcohol cravings
difficulty regulating emotional responses, including extreme irritability or depression
If you find yourself identifying with these descriptions, take heart. The green world has a whole host of plants that can nourish us and our adrenals to restore vitality and energy. Many of these plants are Adaptogenic herbs that have been used by humans for thousands of years to build energy.
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens work directly on the Adrenal glands and our HPA-axis to nourish, tonify, and restore right function and regulation of our precious body systems. Adaptogens do not work only a specific system, but rather engage the body as a whole to increase resiliency towards stress. Adaptogens increase our adaptability to our environment, which is the key to any organism’s survival.
Stress is an important part of living. No stress or urgency in life causes us to atrophy and lose our bearings. However, too much stress can be harmful as well. Many experts suggest reducing the amount of stress in our lives, however this can feel unrealistic or may not be possible for a myriad of societal reasons. We can approach stress overwhelm by building up our body’s ability to return quickly to a state of homeostasis after a stressful event occurs; in other words, resiliency.
Since reaching a state of burnout is something that is accomplished over a long period of time, Adaptogens work best if used over a long period of time as well. If you commit to nourishing your body with these herbs, consider it a commitment of at least 6 months to a year or more of using these herbs 5-7 days a week. After you feel your vitality recovered, you can re-evaluate how you want to use adaptogens to maintain your newfound adaptability and energy. Ultimately adaptogens are life-long allies, here to stay as partners in building the wellness of our body, mind, and soul.
Many adaptogens are roots, and I find the energy of roots to be amazing for digging down underneath the surface symptoms presenting to truly address and heal myself at the deepest level. Any adaptogenic herb will generally be relaxing, soothing, and help improve the function of your body and therefore your ability to engage in life wholeheartedly. I want to share with you four Adaptogenic roots to help you build resilience; each one has a different a specific nourishment profile that will help you identify which ally may be the best fit for your body. Start with the one that attracts and interests you the most, as that is usually our truest guide.
Herbs for Building Resilience
Ashwaganda - Withania somnifera
A traditional Ayurvedic herb, Ashwaganda is truly a gift from this long-standing healing tradition. Ashwaganda is both calming and energy building. It is a renowned sexual tonic as well as remedy for insomnia.
Consider Ashwaganda if you are experiencing
low sexual desire
impotency, infertility
difficulty sleeping
recovery from frequent drug use or withdrawals
frequent headaches
memory loss, difficulty focusing/concentrating
You can find Ashwaganda dried and powdered, dried and cut into small chunks, or as a tincture. The powder is very useful for using as a strong tea, in food, or as a warm milk drink with chai herbs. The cut roots would be great for making a tincture or putting in soups and stews.
Eleuthero - Eleutherococcus senticocus
Eleuthero is from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Russian folk herbalism. It is gently stimulation, and is often used in TCM when Ginseng may be too stimulating for an individual. Eleuthero is for those of us who require great gentleness. It is warming, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and is excellent for the over-taxed and sensitive nervous system. It increases stamina and strength over time.
Eleuthero may be an excellent ally for you if you are experiencing
heightened emotional sensitivity
hyperactive nervous reactivity such as anxiety, panic attacks, jumpiness, or wild fear
high blood pressure
low blood oxygen levels
anxious insomnia
impotence/low sexual desire due to an inability to relax
Eleuthero also protects the body during chemotherapy or radiation, and is an invaluable ally for those undergoing cancer treatments. It is also available as a powder and cut herb, and can be used in the same way as Ashwanganda. Eleuthero is stimulating so it is recommended take it before 2 PM to avoid trouble falling asleep in sensitive individuals.
Astragalus - Astragalus membranaceus
Native to Asia, it has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Astragalus is an excellent recovery herb for those who have experienced long illness, Lyme disease, surgery, Cancer, Anorexia, Anemia, C-section birth, or any other condition that brings profound weakness or a sense of being completely drained.
Turn to Astragalus when you find yourself facing
chronic infections, colds, or flus
auto-immune conditions
depression that manifests as loss of appetite or lack of motivation
recovery from cancer treatment, surgery, or illness
Let Astragalus help you recover your vital self and protect you as you make your way in the world. It is best used in hot water to activate its medicinal qualities. Get it in powder and add it liberally to soups, stews, rice, porridge, or oatmeal. I like to make a broth of dried Astraglus root by boiling 1 oz. of herb in 2 quarts of water for 15 minutes. Then I let the herb steep for 4-8 hours. I strain it and then use the broth as a base for making rice or soup. You can also decoct the cut root as a bitter tea; I might add anise, licorice, cinnamon or honey to help it go down a bit easier.
Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice root is delicious mucilaginous legume originating in Asia. It has a distinct flavor that is warming and soothing. Licorice is an excellent supportive herb and works best combined with other adaptogens, mints, or warming herbs. Licorice root coats the bodily systems with a comforting layer and is very healing to the mucilage of the body found in the nose, lungs, and digestive system. Licorice is an excellent ally for long-time smokers or those exposed to wildfire smoke or other harsh respiratory stressors.
Look for Licorice when you are experiencing
digestive issues from stress
Internal ulcers
Chronic congestion of the lungs or sinuses.
Inflammation from smoke exposure
Colitis, IBS, or Leaky Gut Syndrome
Blood sugar regulation issues
It is best used as a tea in a one month on, one month off pattern. You can also take the powdered root and roll it with honey and cinnamon to make little "pills" to take a few times a day. Note: Licorice is not a good ally for those with hypertension or tendency towards water retention
Be Well
In addition to utilizing plant medicines, I encourage you to also deeply consider the behavioral elements that contribute to burnout. It takes great bravery to learn how to say no, to value gentleness and rest, to rebel against the external and internal values of working relentlessly or "proving" yourself to others or yourself in order to feel worthy.
We also must acknowledge the very real toll that the "isms" of our society take on people who are BIPOC, Women, LGBQT+, Transgender, or any combination thereof. My wish is that we as a society cultivate compassion for ourselves and others by taking active steps towards supporting one another as human kin. In the meantime, these plant allies are available to us as we nourish ourselves and our families, building wellness within and without one day at a time.
In Love,
Susan Marie
Please note that I am not a certified medical professional, and that this information is provided for educational purposes only and is to be taken at your discretion. You are responsible for any foods or substances you choose to use, and if in doubt should consult your certified health professional of choice.