Our focused topic for August is adrenal support, which is so important given the overwhelming amount of stress that people are experiencing in the world these days. Our adrenal glands produce hormones that help us deal with these stressors, and along with deep breathing, prayer, meditation, HeartMath and other mind/body techniques, there are many helpful plants that have been used for centuries that can give us the support we need.
One of my favorites is a Gemmo formula of Black Current Berry that comes from Europe. Gemmo is a form of botanical medicine where a portion of a plant is harvested at a specific time when certain chemical constituents are at their peak. which makes for a more potentized medicine. The name of this product is Ribes Nigrum (the Latin name of Black Current berry) and the chemical constituents act as pure food for the adrenal glands, giving our bodies the building blocks to make the hormones that allow the tired to adrenal glands to rest. I have personally found this remedy to be very effective and have used it with thousands of patients over the years; many people call it their “happy juice!” A typical dose is 1/2 tsp up to 5 times in the morning (dose 1-2 hours apart from 6 am to noon). I like to simply place 2-1/2 tsp in a water bottle and sip it throughout the morning, and you can certainly take a lower dose if adrenal fatigue is mild.
Another favorite of mine is a combination of helpful herbs called Night Time Adrenal Formula. This is a mixture of Withania/Ashwagandha, Lycium Berry and Physalis Berry. You may have heard me talk about Ashwagandha in many previous articles, as it is not only a wonderful nerve soother, but recent studies have also found that it actually blocks the receptor sites for cortisol. If you have a tendency to panic attacks, it can act quickly to calm the nervous system and decrease the reaction cortisol stress reaction.
Lycium (Goji Berry) is not only an extremely nutritive food that is high in antioxidants and copious nutrients, but it is also a wonderful nerve-calming plant and helps to just make you feel happier. Recent studies have found it to be helpful not only with sleep issues, but also heart and liver disease, erectile dysfunction, and kidney function, to name just a few.
Physalis Berry (or Golden Berry) is another highly nutritious food that has many health benefits in addition to adrenal and sleep support. It is one of the highest melatonin-containing foods and is helpful in balancing hormones, building healthy bones, and decreasing inflammation, as well as calming the nervous system.
Dosing for Night Time Adrenal Formula is varied, as it is more like a food formula and there are no concerns of overdosing. I usually advise 1/2–2 tsp, depending on need. If you are experiencing a high level of stress or anxiety, you can take the higher dose and may even repeat doses in the night if needed. For milder situations you may take less. I hope you find these nutritive formulas helpful in remaining calm in your world. We are truly blessed to have so many natural plant helpers to support our well-being!
Blessings,
Dr. Susan Godman
