Summary
Each person has two adrenal glands, one on the top of
each kidney. These small glands secrete a number of
hormones that are critical to our well-being.
Adrenaline affects
blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating; mineralocorticoids affect blood pressure plus the levels of
salts and potassium in the body. Other hormones
control how fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are used plus
male sex functions. Cortisol is also produced by the
adrenal glands and has a number of important functions
including helping the body deal with stress.
Adrenal disorders include diseases or conditions where
there is adrenal insufficiency and also over production.
Adrenal insufficiency is the term used in
allopathic (traditional western) medicine to describe
conditions wherein the adrenal glands do not produce
sufficient hormones. Addison’s disease and congenital
adrenal hyperplasia are diseases that may lead to adrenal
insufficiency. Other disorders can lead to an excess
of hormones. Cushing’s syndrome is one such disorder.
There are also other rare disorders including a form of
cancer that fall in this category. Beyond this tumor,
nearby infections, and trauma can affect hormone production.
Adrenal fatigue (hypoadrenia) is a term
used in alternative medicine for a syndrome or a group of
symptoms that are the result of the adrenal glands
functioning below their normal and needed levels.
(Traditional, allopathic, medicine has not yet officially
accepted adrenal failure as a disease or syndrome.)
The paramount symptom is fatigue or a persistent tiredness
that does not seem to be relieved by rest. Other
symptoms may include aches, sleep difficulties, digestive
disorders, or a general feeling of not being well.
The common belief is that adrenal fatigue is the result
of the adrenal glands not being able to keep up with the
stress load of the individual. This can be physical,
emotional, or physiological and can be accumulative if there
are multiple and prolonged conditions in one’s life.
The chronic stress may make it impossible for the adrenal
glands to maintain proper homeostasis. Since the
adrenal hormones control so many functions of the body
(energy levels, heart functions, immune response, sex drive,
etc.) a multiplicity of symptoms can result as the body
tries to balance itself and restore homeostasis.
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
Clove, coriander, cypress, geranium, rosemary, Slim
& Sassy, ylang ylang, Zendocrine
Essential oils based
products: Life Long Vitality supplements,
Zendocrine Detoxification Complex
Also consider:
lavender, Serenity
Suggested protocols:
Immediate
relief:
Apply
the following topically over the kidney area
(lower back on each side of the spine):
• Blend 1 - 2 drops
clove with 1 drop rosemary
• Or also consider
coriander, cypress, or geranium
• Drive in the oils by applying a warm compress and allow
it to warm the area for a period of time.
Long term help:
•
Regular use of Life Long Vitality supplements
• AromaTouch Technique
once a week, twice a month at the least, and more often if
needed.
• Slim & Sassy blend is
excellent to balance metabolism
•
Regular use of Zendocrine
Detoxification Complex and Zendocrine blend to cleanse vital organs
•
Drink lots of water, it is excellent to add 1 - 2 drops of lemon
essential oil to each glass for further cleansing
•
Consider dietary hints on Diet & Nutrition tab above
Reducing Chronic Stress: Dr. David Hill
in a webinar on hormonal balance spoke of reducing chronic
stress. A summary of his comments follows:
Chronic stress produces two negative effects on
hormonal balance. Progesterone is converted to
cortisol and adrenaline inhibits the proper interaction of
progesterone within cells. Both of these lead to
estrogen dominance and the resulting symptoms.
·
To decrease adrenaline Dr. Hill mentioned the essential oils
of rose and patchouli, both of which are found in the
Whisper blends.
Stress reducing oils and blends presented were:
·
Citrus oils, ylang ylang, Roman chamomile, Serenity,
Balance, Elevation, frankincense, lavender, conifer oils
·
Further Dr. Hill also suggested sandalwood and also stated
that a combination that he has found very powerful for
stress reduction is bergamot, Roman chamomile, and
frankincense that mixed together give a very pleasing aroma.
Using 1 drop of each mixed together he would apply to the
bottoms of the feet, the back of the neck, the temples
and/or inhale the aroma. He has found this reduces
stress immediately.
·
Finally, a must for those dealing with hormonal balance are
the oils, blends, and procedures in the AromaTouch
Technique. This should be done on a consistent and
regular basis once a week, twice a month at the least, and
more often if needed.
Experiences and Testimonials of others
A
submission directly to
EverythingEssential.me.
Our thanks to:
Tanya Blanton
tanyablanton@gmail.com
Tanya - I am suffering from adrenal
exhaustion. Often I will take a hit, and
collapse, to be in bed with nausea, dizziness, extreme
weakness, and headache. This will last for 10-24
hours, and then I can barely get around. I also have
insomnia.
I had an episode, laid down to rest, and put on lavender and
Serenity. In 50 minutes, I was not only up on my feet,
but feeling GREAT. I also, do not suffer from insomnia
anymore as long as I can have my lavender and Serenity. ha!
Samara – What oils
would be best to address adrenal fatigue?
Tamalu - Try 1-2 drops Clove and 1 drop
Rosemary over each kidney. I recommend this with the
following compress:
Unfold a trash bag on your couch or bed.
Spread a hot damp towel over the trash bag. Lie down on
the towel, cover with a blanket, and enjoy a book or movie!
I usually sack out for this, and wake up feeling like a new
woman.
Kendra - I use geranium and cypress oils
over the kidney area every evening before bed. You can make
a fist and put some oil on the back side of your hands, then
reach around your back and apply the oil on the kidney area.
As I understand it, Rosemary, Coriander, Cypress, Geranium
are good oils to apply for adrenal issues. Then like
Tamalu said, hot compress.
Gin - I try and follow what is going on
in the Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome medical world.
What the top clinics are now seeing is some success in
treatment using a high dose of T3 (Thyroid hormone) and
treating for adrenal fatigue. The specialist I see is also
doing this and seeing good results. Since I of course hate
Rx, I thought I'd share that with you and what I believe the
equivalents would be using essential oils.
Hypo or Hyper thyroidism:
•
Balance and geranium
•
Lemongrass and myrrh
•
Alternate the above two combinations weekly. Apply them
directly to the thyroid area, the reflexology points on the
feet (great toes), and on the wrists multiple times per day
Adrenal help:
•
Apply any of these oils: Clove, coriander, cypress,
rosemary, geranium topically over the kidney area (lower
back on each side of the spine).
• For
additional help "drive in" the oils by apply a warm compress
and allow it to warm the area for a period of time.
Of course, those should be accompanied by LLV
supplements, lots of water with lemon, and eliminating white
carbohydrates and sugar from your diet.
Sarah - What are
the best ways to go about lowering Cortisol, cleansing a
fatty liver and stressed adrenal?
Deborah – From a doTERRA webinar I noted
that for stressed adrenal - Ylang Ylang, for liver balance –
Geranium. there was some mention of cortisol in relationship
to diabetes. The cortisol comes from stress which it was
suggested the blend Balance.
Diane - One of the best ways to do this
with oils is using Slim & Sassy. The absolute best way is to
change your diet and eliminate grains, legumes, and starchy
vegetables. Grains contribute to adrenal fatigue, especially
gluten grains. Avoiding grains altogether, along with other
high-glycemic foods. This helps alleviate the strain
on the adrenal glands, which will also help lower cortisol
levels since stressed adrenal glands release more cortisol.
Eating lean meats and getting your Omega-6 to Omega-3 fats
in balance should help reverse the fatty liver. As
will eliminating sugars, especially fructose (high fructose
corn syrup is very prevalent in processed foods and is one
of the worst things you can consume), alcohol, and vegetable
oils. Most importantly, it will increase your levels of
choline, the two best sources of which are liver and eggs.
Editor’s note –
The following has been summarized a great deal, go to
EverythingDoterra Google Group for the full interchange.
Caroline - I have been having a lot of problems
with pain in my back, right by the kidneys and adrenals. I
also have had a lot of problems with very sore and tight
muscles in my hips and back, and sometimes shoulders. From
my readings these are all indications of adrenals. Xrays
have been taken and nothing with bone. I have been taking
the Zendrocrine pill and oil and also applying it to my
back. It reduces the pain I am finding when applied
topically. I would recommend this if you have sensitive
skin, I luckily do not have sensitive skin. Also been using
Balance, Peppermint, Slim and Sassy and of course LLV. What
experiences have others had with Adrenals and what do you
recommend.
Gin - Your symptoms don't sound to me
like an adrenal issue. Most adrenal issues are accompanied
with extreme fatigue, brain fog, weakness. You could add
Deep Blue for pain but my guess is that you probably need a
chiropractor to re-align you and release your trigger
points. If your chiropractor doesn't do trigger points then
perhaps massage therapy. With the Zendrocrine make sure you
are drinking plenty of water (2 quarts a day minimum in
addition to other beverages). Water is really important to
release toxins from your system.
Caroline - Sorry I guess I should have
listed more symptoms. I have all the symptoms you listed as
well as fibromyalgia symptoms (autoimmune). I do go to a
chiropractor weekly and he does release the trigger points
when they are not so inflamed that he can't touch them. I
have been using Deep Blue, peppermint, Balance as well as
the Zendrocrine. Just wanted to see what others have
experienced in this area.
Gin - Most of my adrenal experience is
before I started using essential oils. My doctor put me on
Hydrocort. Generally they use it for 6 months to kick-start
the adrenals and then test again and if you are doing better
they taper you off. They don't like to have you on it for
more than 12 months. Here are some other thoughts:
• Were
you tested for thyroid, candida or Lyme Disease?
• With
adrenal issues it is really important to keep taking the
LLV.
• Are
you taking the Zendrocrine for a 14 day protocol? If it’s
been more than 14 days you might give that a break and
really drink a lot of water to try and get all the toxins
out.
•
Adrenals are tricky because there are two functions and it
is usually one or the other that isn't working. With you
having fibromyalgia symptoms I'm guessing cortex but I am
not sure. I would test (muscle test, Zyto, or experiment)
for rosemary, basil, Elevation and clove. Depending on what
the test shows that is what I would go with and massage a
few drops over the kidneys.
• And
for no fun part... adrenal and fibromyalgia almost always go
hand in hand with Candida.
• Make
sure you are drinking the 2 quarts of water a day. More is
better.
• If
you are able to I also suggest 20 minutes on the treadmill,
walking, yoga (Wii Fit is good) to help get those toxins
out.
It probably sounds like a lot of work and stressful but
on the bright side there is hope. I had Fibro symptoms for
over 12 years and 95% of them are gone now.
Sharon - Virtually everyone with
fibromyalgia has thyroid issues. Lemongrass or myrrh with
peppermint is what I learned to use. Straight on the
thyroid with a bit of carrier oil if your skin is sensitive
or on the foot spot. Are you drinking lemon water? If not
you should be. Slim & Sassy is also fantastic for getting
the metabolism back in order but I do feel that the amounts
recommended may be too high for you. I'd start way slower,
like one drop, or apply externally. Zendocrine
is fantastic oil for the liver.
Diet and Nutritional
complements to essential oils
Sharon contributed this:
I decided to look up some ideas of what foods are best to
help my adrenal recover. I found this recipe called the
Adrenal Recovery Soup. The following vegetable soup
recipe has proved helpful in adrenal support. This
high-energy soup, called “Taz,” comes from Dolores S.
Downey's “Balancing body chemistry with nutrition” seminars.
Adrenal Recovery Soup
• 16
oz. green beans
• 1
cup chopped celery
• 1
zucchini, sliced
• 1
medium onion, chopped
• 1
cup tomato juice
• 1
cup spring water
• 2
tbsp. raw honey
• 1
tsp. paprika
• 1
cup chicken broth
Diane contributed the following:
The absolute best way to help adrenal fatigue is to
change your diet and eliminate grains, legumes, and starchy
vegetables. Grains contribute to adrenal fatigue, especially
gluten grains. Avoiding grains altogether, along with other
high-glycemic foods. This helps alleviate the strain on the
adrenal glands, which will also help lower cortisol levels
since stressed adrenal glands release more cortisol. Eating
lean meats and getting your Omega-6 to Omega-3 fats in
balance should help reverse the fatty liver. As will
eliminating sugars, especially fructose (high fructose corn
syrup is very prevalent in processed foods and is one of the
worst things you can consume), alcohol, and vegetable oils.
Most importantly, it will increase your levels of choline,
the two best sources of which are liver and eggs.
A summary of Diane's recommendations
Avoid:
•
Grains
•
Legumes
•
Starchy vegetables
•
High-glycemic foods
•
Sugars
•
Alcohol
•
Vegetable oils
Add:
• Lean
meats
• Eggs
•
Liver (ugh)
What Science & Research are saying
Nutrients and Botanicals for
Treatment of Stress: Adrenal Fatigue, Neurotransmitter
Imbalance, Anxiety, and Restless Sleep
Kathleen A. Head, ND, and Gregory S. Kelly, ND.
From: Alternative Medicine Review Volume 14, Number 2 2009
[Editorial note:
Included in this study details are items of
particular interest to users of doTERRA products: Intestinal
microflora (PB Assist), fish oil (xEO
Mega ®), German chamomile, melissa, valerian, and a
number of vitamins (VMz™).]
Abstract
Research shows a dramatic increase in use of the medical
system during times of stress, such as job insecurity.
Stress is a factor in many illnesses – from headaches to
heart disease, and immune deficiencies to digestive
problems. A substantial contributor to stress-induced
decline in health appears to be an increased production of
stress hormones and subsequent decreased immune function.
Non-pharmaceutical approaches have much to offer such
patients. This article focuses on the use of nutrients and
botanicals to support the adrenals, balance
neurotransmitters, treat acute anxiety, and support restful
sleep. (Altern Med Rev 2009;14(2):114-140)
Conclusion
Stress is an unavoidable fact of everyday life and is
associated with significant morbidity and even mortality. In
addition to generalized anxiety and sleep disorders, it can
result in significant physiological problems, including
cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immunological.
In addition to lifestyle considerations – good diet,
exercise, meditation, etc. – a number of nutrients and
botanicals can provide support for stress-related
conditions. Such support requires a five-pronged approach:
(1) support for the adrenals with adaptogenic botanicals,
(2) use of nutrients to normalize cortisol levels, (3)
prescription of anxiolytic herbs to handle sleep disorders
and the symptoms of acute anxiety, (4) balance
neurotransmitters with amino acid precursors, and (5)
provide necessary nutrient cofactors.
Ready, Set, Grow
