By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Adrenal Fatigue
Herbal tinctures for adrenal fatigue are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants, herbs, and botanicals that help alleviate symptoms associated with adrenal exhaustion.
These natural remedies work by supporting the body's stress response system, reducing cortisol levels, and promoting relaxation. Examples of herbal tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue include Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Eleuthero, which have been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase energy levels.
By using these tinctures, individuals suffering from adrenal fatigue can experience improved sleep quality, enhanced mental clarity, and a restored sense of well-being, allowing them to live life with renewed vitality and purpose.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for adrenal fatigue, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Eleutherococcus senticosus
- 2. Withania somnifera
- 3. Rhodiola rosea
- 4. Panax ginseng
- 5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 6. Lavandula angustifolia
- 7. Valeriana officinalis
- 8. Passiflora incarnata
- 9. Scutellaria lateriflora
- 10. Piper methysticum
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for adrenal fatigue?
- What ailments similar to adrenal fatigue are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Eleutherococcus senticosus
Siberian ginseng tinctures helps with adrenal fatigue because it has been shown to support adrenal function by stimulating the production of cortisol, a hormone that helps the body respond to stress.
Additionally, its adaptogenic properties enable it to help regulate the body's response to stress, promoting balance and reducing the impact of chronic stress on the adrenals.
By supporting healthy adrenal function, Siberian ginseng tinctures can help alleviate symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue such as fatigue, brain fog, and mood disturbances.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eleutherococcus senticosus tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue.
- Eleutherosides: These saponin glycosides have adaptogenic properties, helping to reduce stress and promote the body's natural response to fatigue, thereby alleviating adrenal fatigue symptoms.
- Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates have immunomodulatory effects, enhancing the body's ability to cope with stress and promoting the recovery of adrenal function.
- Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds have antioxidant properties, protecting the adrenal glands from oxidative stress and promoting their recovery, which can help alleviate adrenal fatigue symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of siberian ginseng used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue.
- Roots: They are the primary part used due to their high content of eleutherosides, which are the active compounds responsible for the plant's adaptogenic properties.
- Stems: The stems contain a significant amount of eleutherosides, making them a popular alternative to roots for tincture production.
- Barks: The barks are also used, although to a lesser extent, as they contain a mix of eleutherosides and other compounds that contribute to the plant's adaptogenic effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic siberian ginseng for adrenal fatigue.
- Harvest eleutherococcus senticosus roots in late summer or early fall when the plant is in its dormant stage.
- Cut the roots into small pieces and dry them in a warm dry place for 1-2 weeks.
- Combine 1 part dried roots with 2 parts 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar and seal.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place and steep for 2-6 weeks shaking the jar occasionally.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle.
2. Withania somnifera
Ashwagandha tinctures helps with adrenal fatigue because of its adaptogenic properties, which enable it to balance and regulate the body's response to stress.
When the adrenal glands are exhausted, they produce an overabundance of cortisol, leading to a range of symptoms including fatigue, insomnia, and mood disturbances.
Ashwagandha tincture helps to reduce cortisol levels and increase the production of neurotransmitters that promote relaxation and calmness, allowing the adrenals to recover and function optimally.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Withania somnifera tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue.
- Withanone: Withanone helps alleviate adrenal fatigue by promoting antioxidant activity and reducing oxidative stress, which can contribute to adrenal exhaustion.
- Withanolides: Withanolides, particularly withaferin A and withanolide D, help mitigate adrenal fatigue by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing cortisol levels, and improving adrenal function.
- Withanoside iv: Withanoside IV, a glycoside of withaferin A, helps alleviate adrenal fatigue by exhibiting adaptogenic properties, enhancing the body's ability to cope with stress, and promoting a balance in the HPA axis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ashwagandha used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue.
- Roots: They contain bioactive compounds that help mitigate stress and promote adrenal function.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and other antioxidants that contribute to the plant's adaptogenic properties and support adrenal health.
- Seeds: They are rich in alkaloids and other bioactive compounds that may help regulate the body's stress response and promote adrenal recovery.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ashwagandha for adrenal fatigue.
- Harvest 1 kg of withania somnifera roots and clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Chop the cleaned roots into small pieces and soak them in 2 liters of 70% ethanol for 2-3 weeks.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh filter to separate the roots from the tincture.
- Discard the solids and transfer the liquid tincture to a clean glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid.
- Store the tincture in a cool dark place for at least 2 weeks before use to allow the flavors to mature.
3. Rhodiola rosea
Golden root tinctures helps with adrenal fatigue because it contains a unique combination of adaptogenic compounds that help to regulate and balance the body's response to stress.
The tincture works by supporting the adrenal glands, allowing them to function more efficiently and reducing symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and insomnia.
Additionally, golden root has been shown to increase cortisol production in response to stress, helping to counteract the effects of chronic stress that can exacerbate adrenal fatigue.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rhodiola rosea tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue.
- Rosavin: Rosavin helps with adrenal fatigue by enhancing the body's resistance to stress and promoting mental performance and endurance.
- Salidroside: Salidroside helps with adrenal fatigue by supporting the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol and other hormones, while also improving the body's antioxidant defenses.
- Tyrosol: Tyrosol helps with adrenal fatigue by acting as a precursor to neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which are essential for the proper functioning of the adrenal glands.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of golden root used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue.
- Roots: The roots of Rhodiola rosea are commonly used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue because they contain bioactive compounds that help adapt the body to stress.
- Leaves: The leaves are used due to their ability to provide a gentle, yet effective adaptogenic effect, which supports the body's natural response to stress.
- Stems: The stems of Rhodiola rosea are utilized for their rich content of anthocyanins and other antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and promote overall well-being.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic golden root for adrenal fatigue.
- Harvest 100g of rhodiola rosea roots and stems in early summer when the plant is in full bloom.
- Dry the plant material in a warm dark place for 1-2 weeks or until it reaches 10% moisture content.
- Chop 50g of dried rhodiola rosea into small pieces and combine with 50% glycerin or ethanol 80-90% in a 1:2 ratio.
- Steep the mixture in a dark glass container for 2-4 weeks shaking it every day to facilitate extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean dark glass bottle and store in a cool dark place.
4. Panax ginseng
Ginseng tinctures helps with adrenal fatigue because it supports the body's natural ability to adapt to stress.
Adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol, which helps regulate energy and response to stress. When exhausted, these glands can become impaired, leading to fatigue.
Ginseng tinctures contain bioactive compounds that stimulate the adrenal glands, increasing production of cortisol and other essential hormones. This helps alleviate symptoms of exhaustion, improving mental clarity, mood, and overall energy levels.
Regular use of ginseng tincture can help restore balance to the body's hormonal system, promoting a sense of well-being and vitality.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Panax ginseng tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue.
- Ginsenosides: Ginsenosides, a type of triterpenoid saponin, help alleviate adrenal fatigue by reducing stress and fatigue, improving sleep quality, and enhancing the body's natural response to stress.
- Panaxynol: Panaxynol, a lignan, helps with adrenal fatigue by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for regulating the body's stress response, and has antioxidant properties to reduce oxidative stress.
- Ginsenolic acid: Ginsenolic acid, a phenolic compound, helps alleviate adrenal fatigue by acting as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress, improving blood flow and oxygenation to the adrenal glands, and enhancing the body's natural ability to recover from stress.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginseng used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue.
- Roots: They are the primary part used due to their high concentration of ginsenosides, which are believed to help alleviate adrenal fatigue symptoms.
- Rhyzomes: They are also used as they contain similar compounds to the roots, providing additional benefits for adrenal health.
- Leaves: Leaves are occasionally used as they are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that may help support adrenal function.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginseng for adrenal fatigue.
- Harvest 20-30 ginseng roots of panax species, typically in the fall when the roots are mature and fully developed.
- Clean the ginseng roots thoroughly with a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cut the ginseng roots into small pieces, approximately 1-2 inches in length to increase surface area for extraction.
- Steep the ginseng root pieces in a neutral solvent such as 80-proof vodka, at a 1:5 ratio for 2-6 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the ginseng tincture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle, discarding the solids.
5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with adrenal fatigue because they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that has been shown to have adaptogenic properties.
This means it can help the body adapt to stress and promote balance in the endocrine system. By reducing inflammation and increasing cortisol levels, licorice tincture may help alleviate symptoms of adrenal fatigue such as fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings.
Additionally, its antioxidant properties can help protect the adrenals from oxidative damage, supporting overall adrenal health and function.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue.
- Glycyrrhizin: It helps with adrenal fatigue by inhibiting the activity of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD), an enzyme that converts inactive cortisol into active cortisol, potentially reducing cortisol levels and alleviating adrenal fatigue symptoms.
- Licoric acid: It contributes to adrenal fatigue relief by acting as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the activity of enzymes involved in cortisol metabolism, thereby supporting adrenal health and function.
- Liquiritigenin: It helps with adrenal fatigue by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce stress on the adrenal glands and promote their recovery, as well as by modulating cortisol levels to a more balanced state.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue.
- Roots: Rich in glycyrrhizin, a compound known to mimic cortisol in the body and help alleviate adrenal fatigue symptoms.
- Roots: Contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Roots: Have been traditionally used to support the adrenal glands and promote overall adrenal health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for adrenal fatigue.
- Harvest 1 pound of dried roots of glycyrrhiza glabra from a reliable source.
- Chop the roots into small pieces and combine them with 2 cups of 80 proof vodka.
- Place the mixture in a clean glass container and let it steep for 2 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a separate container and discard the solids.
- Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle and store it in a cool place indefinitely.
6. Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender tinctures helps with adrenal fatigue because it has a calming effect on the nervous system, which is often overstimulated in individuals experiencing adrenal fatigue.
The tincture's soothing properties can help to reduce stress and anxiety, allowing the body's natural stress response to regulate itself more effectively.
Additionally, lavender's adaptogenic properties enable it to help the body adapt to changing circumstances, promoting balance and resilience in the face of stress.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue.
- Linalool: This terpene helps with adrenal fatigue by reducing stress and anxiety through its sedative and calming effects, promoting relaxation and a good night's sleep.
- Linalyl acetate: This terpene also contributes to the calming effects of lavender, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety, which are often associated with adrenal fatigue, by promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels.
- Rosmarinic acid: As a polyphenolic compound, rosmarinic acid helps to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can contribute to adrenal fatigue, by neutralizing free radicals and promoting overall well-being.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue.
- Flowers: They are primarily used due to their high concentration of linalool and linalyl acetate, which have a calming effect on the nervous system and can help alleviate adrenal fatigue symptoms.
- Leaves: They contain a significant amount of volatile oils, including borneol and camphor, which contribute to their adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with stress and fatigue.
- Buds: They are used for their high content of flavonoids, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds, which may help regulate cortisol levels and mitigate the effects of adrenal fatigue.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for adrenal fatigue.
- Harvest fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers at peak potency when they are in full bloom.
- Dry the flowers in a single layer with good air circulation for 1-2 weeks to preserve them.
- Combine 1 part dried lavandula angustifolia flowers with 2 parts 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks to allow extraction to occur.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain the herbal tincture.
7. Valeriana officinalis
Valerian tinctures helps with adrenal fatigue because it acts as a natural adaptogen, supporting the body's ability to respond to stress.
The root of the valerian plant contains compounds that help regulate cortisol levels and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial for individuals experiencing adrenal exhaustion. Additionally, valerian has been shown to improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted in those with adrenal fatigue.
By addressing these underlying issues, herbal valerian tinctures can help alleviate symptoms of adrenal fatigue, such as fatigue, brain fog, and mood disturbances.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue.
- Valerenic acid: Valerenic acid has a sedative effect on the nervous system, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety caused by adrenal fatigue.
- Isovaleric acid amide: Isovaleric acid amide has a calming effect on the body and can help regulate the body's response to stress, promoting relaxation and reducing fatigue.
- Valerenol: Valerenol is a valerenic acid derivative that has a sedative and anxiolytic effect, which can help reduce the physical and mental symptoms of adrenal fatigue, such as insomnia and anxiety.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue.
- Roots: They are used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue due to their high concentration of valerenic acid, which helps in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Roots: Valerenic acid also has a sedative effect, which aids in regulating the body's response to stress and promoting restful sleep.
- Roots: The adaptogenic properties of valerian root help to balance the body's hormonal response, particularly with regards to cortisol, which is often imbalanced in individuals with adrenal fatigue.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for adrenal fatigue.
- Harvest 1 part of valeriana officinalis roots and stems by digging them up in the early morning.
- Clean and dry the harvested valeriana officinalis plant parts by gently shaking off excess dirt and letting them air for 2 weeks.
- Chop the dried valeriana officinalis plant parts into small pieces using a sharp knife or a herb cutter.
- Combine 1 part chopped valeriana officinalis plant parts with 2 parts vodka in a glass jar and steep for 2 months.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass jar to collect the herbal tincture.
8. Passiflora incarnata
Maypop tinctures helps with adrenal fatigue because it contains Passiflora incarnata, a natural adaptogen that supports the body's stress response.
The tincture's phytochemicals, including flavonoids and alkaloids, help to calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol levels, alleviating symptoms of anxiety and insomnia associated with adrenal fatigue.
Additionally, maypop has been shown to increase dopamine production, improving mood and energy levels, allowing individuals to better cope with stress and recover from exhaustion.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue.
- Flavonoids: These compounds help alleviate adrenal fatigue by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to adrenal exhaustion.
- Harmine: This alkaloid has a regulatory effect on the body's stress response, helping to modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reduce cortisol levels associated with adrenal fatigue.
- Isophytol: A terpene found in Passiflora incarnata, isophytol has been shown to have anxiolytic and sedative effects, helping to calm the nervous system and alleviate symptoms of adrenal fatigue, such as anxiety and insomnia.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high content of flavonoids and alkaloids, which help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Stems: They are used because they contain a high concentration of flavonoids and other compounds that have a sedative effect and help alleviate anxiety.
- Roots: They are used for their rich content of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and alkaloids, which help support adrenal function and promote a sense of calmness.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for adrenal fatigue.
- Harvest 1 pound of dried passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves from a trusted source.
- Combine the dried plant material with 80 proof vodka or 80 proof glycerin in a 1:5 ratio.
- Store the mixture in a clean glass jar for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.
- Label and store the final tincture in a cool dark place for up to 5 years.
9. Scutellaria lateriflora
Skullcap tinctures helps with adrenal fatigue because of its adaptogenic properties, allowing it to support the body's natural response to stress.
The herb contains flavonoids and phenolic acids that help calm the nervous system, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation. Additionally, skullcap has been shown to regulate cortisol levels, helping to alleviate symptoms of adrenal exhaustion such as fatigue, insomnia, and mood disturbances.
By supporting the adrenals and promoting balance in the body's response to stress, skullcap tinctures can help individuals suffering from adrenal fatigue achieve a sense of calm and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Scutellaria lateriflora tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue.
- Baicalein: Baicalein, a flavonoid, has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce oxidative stress on adrenal glands, alleviating adrenal fatigue symptoms.
- Baicalin: Baicalin, a flavonoid glycoside, has antioxidant properties that help protect adrenal glands from damage caused by free radicals, supporting adrenal function and overall well-being.
- Scutellarin: Scutellarin, a flavonoid, has anti-stress and adaptogenic properties that help regulate the body's response to stress, promoting adrenal gland balance and reducing fatigue symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of skullcap used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue.
- Roots: They are rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to their therapeutic properties.
- Leaves: They have been traditionally used to treat anxiety and stress-related issues, making them suitable for adrenal fatigue relief.
- Flowers: They are a common ingredient in herbal remedies for anxiety and stress, providing a calming effect that can help alleviate adrenal fatigue symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic skullcap for adrenal fatigue.
- Harvest scutellaria lateriflora flowers and leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated for optimal potency.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a single layer at 30-40 degrees celsius for 24 hours to prevent spoilage.
- Combine 1 part scutellaria lateriflora plant material with 2 parts high-proof vodka or glycerin in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 4-6 weeks to allow for effective extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.
10. Piper methysticum
Kava tinctures helps with adrenal fatigue because they possess a unique combination of properties that directly address the underlying causes of this condition.
The anxiolytic and adaptogenic compounds in kava, such as kavalactones and flavonoids, work to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation, thereby alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, kava's ability to enhance GABA activity helps regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, allowing for improved rest and rejuvenation.
By promoting a sense of calm and reducing cortisol production, kava tinctures can help the adrenal glands function more efficiently, ultimately supporting overall adrenal health and recovery from fatigue.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Piper methysticum tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue.
- Piperine: Piperine, an alkaloid found in Piper methysticum, helps with adrenal fatigue by improving the bioavailability of nutrients, allowing the body to utilize them more efficiently, which is essential for adrenal function.
- Piperonalactone: Piperonalactone, a sesquiterpene, has been shown to have a cortisol-lowering effect, which can help alleviate symptoms of adrenal fatigue caused by excessive cortisol levels.
- Pipermethysticine: Pipermethysticine, a phenolic compound, has been found to have adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress and promoting balance in the endocrine system, which is essential for managing adrenal fatigue.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kava used to make tinctures for adrenal fatigue.
- Roots: Used for their adaptogenic properties to help regulate the body's response to stress.
- Stems: Employed for their potential to support the body's natural stress response and promote overall well-being.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kava for adrenal fatigue.
- Harvest 1 part of dried piper methysticum roots and flowers and chop them into small pieces.
- Combine the chopped piper methysticum with 2 parts of 80% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle, discarding the solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool dark place for 4 weeks to allow the flavors to mature.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for adrenal fatigue?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with adrenal fatigue is Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Ginseng.
Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol levels, while Rhodiola promotes adaptogenic properties to reduce stress. Ginseng aids in energy production and vitality.
Combining these three tinctures can help alleviate symptoms of adrenal fatigue, such as fatigue, insomnia, and decreased productivity. Take 20-30 drops of each tincture, 2-3 times a day, in water or as recommended by a healthcare professional.
This combination may promote a sense of balance and well-being.
What ailments similar to adrenal fatigue are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to adrenal fatigue that are treated with herbal tinctures are stress-related disorders, such as chronic anxiety and depression.
Herbal tinctures like Ashwagandha, GABA, and St. John's Wort have been used to help calm the nervous system and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
Other conditions treated with herbal tinctures include thyroid imbalance, hormone regulation issues, and immune system dysregulation, including chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.