What Is It?
This combination product contains herbs, vitamins, and other nutrients believed to stimulate the adrenals, endocrine glands located on top of each kidney that produce steroid and stress hormones. Nourishing the adrenals is believed to increase energy and reinforce the response to stress, properties particularly valuable to people suffering from fatigue due to overwork, emotional strain, chronic fatigue syndrome, certain thyroid disorders, and other causes.
While ingredients among adrenal complex products vary, almost all contain one of the famed “energy tonic” ginsengs (either Siberian or Panax) as well as licorice, an extensively studied herbal remedy with powers to increase the presence of stress-fighting adrenal hormones such as cortisol. High-quality adrenal complex products also include one or more B vitamins; vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) in particular is thought to play an important role in adrenal function.
Some products actually contain a small amount of raw adrenal gland taken from cows or sheep. While there’s no proof that this works, naturopathic physicians have long believed that ingesting trace amounts of raw adrenal gland from an animal can stimulate the gland’s function in the human body. Naturally, any product containing adrenal glandular material isn’t suitable for vegetarians.
While any of these individual herbs, vitamins, or nutrients certainly can be purchased separately, adrenal complex products are designed for ease and convenience.
For product recommendations and orders click here for the Natural Apothecary or call 773-296-6700, ext. 2001.
Be well,
David Edelberg, MD